Treating Seasonal Allergies Naturally
Seasonal allergies and hay fever are common allergic responses to airborne pollens, dust and dander. These types of allergic responses are known as an IgE type allergy. An IgE allergy gives you an almost immediate response when you come in contact with the offending allergen. These are by far the most well known allergies.
An allergic response is no more than your immune system having an abnormal reaction to a normal stimulus. When the body reacts to an allergen it produces a chemical called histamine. Histamine is irritating to the tissues and causes the typical symptoms of allergies: runny nose, itchy eyes and or ears, and sinus congestion. Medications known as antihistamines focus on blocking the body's response to histamine. Unfortunately, they also cause side effects such as drowsiness and diminished mental clarity.
When treating an allergy naturally, the first step is to test for the allergy, to definitively identify the allergen, as well as the type of immune response. Often, food allergens can cause symptoms that will mimic a seasonal allergen; however antihistamines are ineffective in this situation. We also offer natural treatments to relieve the congestion and drainage of allergies, as well as natural antihistamines that do not have the unwanted side effects.
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Symptoms of allergies include
· postnasal drip · sniffling · dark circles under the eyes · puffiness beneath the eyes · restlessness · fatigue · poor sleep · headaches · behavioral problems |
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General Recommendations:
Many times, removing environmental irritants and improving immune response with extra rest can be quite helpful in reducing allergy problems. In fact, reducing environmental irritants can actually improve sleep!
Supplements that can ease allergies:
Herbal Recommendations:
This herb Elder has a flower rich in flavonoids, volatile oils, and tannins, along with a flavonoid-rich berry. The tannins and volatile oils dry up excessive catarrh in the upper respiratory passages, and they’re antimicrobial and relaxing. The flavonoid compounds are at once anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune stimulating. This combination allows us to reduce allergic response and improve immune function.
Syrup: Give elderberry syrup, 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon once or twice daily. (Several brands are available at some drugstores, or your local natural foods store)
Neti Pots
Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots Many people with sinus symptoms from allergies and environmental irritants also have begun to regularly use the Neti pot or other nasal irrigation devices, claiming that these devices alleviate congestion, and facial pain and pressure. Research backs up these claims, finding that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms when used along with standard sinus treatments. For some people, nasal irrigation may bring relief of sinus symptoms without the use of medications.
The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. A more biological explanation for how the Neti pot works has to do with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of the nasal and sinus cavities. These cilia wave back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed, or to the nose to be blown out. Saline solution can help increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia so that they may more effectively remove the allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic essences of plants. Essential oils contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that work on many levels. They are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs.
Lavender: ($30.92/ 15ml) Natural antihistamine.
Peppermint Oil: ($28.29/ 15ml) helps to improve breathing by opening sinuses and airways, fights infection, relieves pain of headache and muscular pain, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
R.C. Oil: ($28.62/ 15ml) RC gives exceptional relief from colds, sinusitis, allergies, hay fever, bronchitis and other conditions that cause respiratory congestion. RC helps reduce sinus congestion, fight lung infections and relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies. (Eucalyptus, Myrtle, Pine, Spruce, Marjoram, Lavender, Cypress, and Peppermint)
Raven: ($45.72/15ml) Raven is highly effective in fighting respiratory ailments and infection. Its properties are exceptionally antiviral and antiseptic. Raven is also a blend of oils that are exceptionally antiseptic, anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and effective as an expectorant to break up chest congestion. (Ravensara, Eucalyptus radiate, Peppermint, Wintergreen/Birch, Lemon)
Essential Oils Remedies
For congestion combine one or two drops each of Peppermint, Eucalyptus ($19.08/ 15ml) and Lemon ($14.80/15ml) in a bowl with hot water. Cover head and bowl with towel, close eyes and inhale deeply.
To relieve allergy symptoms combine two drops each of Lavender, Lemon ($14.80/15ml) and Peppermint in a small amount of water. Swish inside mouth for 10 – 20 seconds, and then swallow. May also be taken orally in a gel cap, or added to a teaspoon of locally made honey. Diffuse in a room or rub on the back of the neck. It is also beneficial to start this regimen before allergy season starts by taking one capsule per day and then adding more per day as needed.
Put a drop of Peppermint on your pillow (on the corner to avoid eye contact) to open up sinuses and help induce deep breathing. Add a drop of Lavender for its calming benefits and a better night’s sleep.
You can order the oils online at https://www.youngliving.org/prasanthistudio
Based on a wellness presentation by Mayuri Gonzalez at Prasanthi Studio (www.prasanthistudio.com) in Pelham, NY in May 2013. If you have any questions or concerns, please email prasanthistudio@gmail.com.
Many times, removing environmental irritants and improving immune response with extra rest can be quite helpful in reducing allergy problems. In fact, reducing environmental irritants can actually improve sleep!
- Eliminate Environmental Irritants: Rid your home of dust, feather, blankets, and pillows, perfumes, scented cleaning products, carpeting, smoke, animal dander and pet hair.
- Promote rest and relaxation. Teach your child or learn relation exercise to help deal with tension, and get a good nights rest.
- Dietary Recommendations: Reduce the consumption wheat and dairy, which tend to increase nasal congestion. Emphasize warming foods such as soups, stews, cooked vegetables, and grains. Avoid cold-natured foods like fruit juices, fruits from tropical climates, foods cold out of the refrigerator, and milk and ice cream.
Supplements that can ease allergies:
- Beta-carotene, up to 10,000 units daily and food rich in vitamin A, particularly the orange and yellow vegetables and fruits.
- Vitamin C: 250-500 mg taken 2-4 times each day. (Trader Joes, powder)
- Zinc: 5mg daily
Herbal Recommendations:
This herb Elder has a flower rich in flavonoids, volatile oils, and tannins, along with a flavonoid-rich berry. The tannins and volatile oils dry up excessive catarrh in the upper respiratory passages, and they’re antimicrobial and relaxing. The flavonoid compounds are at once anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune stimulating. This combination allows us to reduce allergic response and improve immune function.
Syrup: Give elderberry syrup, 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon once or twice daily. (Several brands are available at some drugstores, or your local natural foods store)
Neti Pots
Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots Many people with sinus symptoms from allergies and environmental irritants also have begun to regularly use the Neti pot or other nasal irrigation devices, claiming that these devices alleviate congestion, and facial pain and pressure. Research backs up these claims, finding that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms when used along with standard sinus treatments. For some people, nasal irrigation may bring relief of sinus symptoms without the use of medications.
The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. A more biological explanation for how the Neti pot works has to do with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of the nasal and sinus cavities. These cilia wave back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed, or to the nose to be blown out. Saline solution can help increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia so that they may more effectively remove the allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic essences of plants. Essential oils contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that work on many levels. They are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs.
Lavender: ($30.92/ 15ml) Natural antihistamine.
- Instructions: Put a few drops on the bottoms of feet, chest and throat, every morning. Massage into the forehead and sinuses (avoid eyes) and behind the ears. Apply to the forehead to take out redness and burning in the eyes.
Peppermint Oil: ($28.29/ 15ml) helps to improve breathing by opening sinuses and airways, fights infection, relieves pain of headache and muscular pain, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Instructions. Apply to temples for headache pain. Apply to back of neck to relieve stress and tension.
R.C. Oil: ($28.62/ 15ml) RC gives exceptional relief from colds, sinusitis, allergies, hay fever, bronchitis and other conditions that cause respiratory congestion. RC helps reduce sinus congestion, fight lung infections and relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies. (Eucalyptus, Myrtle, Pine, Spruce, Marjoram, Lavender, Cypress, and Peppermint)
- Instructions: First, dilute RC with 1 part RC to 1 part Young Living V6 massage oil ($28.62/8 oz) or good quality extra virgin olive oil. Apply the mixture to your neck, throat, chest and back, especially between your shoulder blades. Rotate RC and Raven on your chest and back for extra relief. If you don’t want to apply RC on your skin, it’s an excellent oil to diffuse with a good diffuser, especially in your bedroom before you go to sleep. You can also place a few drops into a bowl of steaming water, place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapors.
Raven: ($45.72/15ml) Raven is highly effective in fighting respiratory ailments and infection. Its properties are exceptionally antiviral and antiseptic. Raven is also a blend of oils that are exceptionally antiseptic, anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and effective as an expectorant to break up chest congestion. (Ravensara, Eucalyptus radiate, Peppermint, Wintergreen/Birch, Lemon)
- Instructions: Just as you would with RC, dilute Raven as one part essential oil to one part V6 massage oil ($28.62/8 oz) or good quality extra virgin olive oil. Apply the blend to your throat, chest, neck and over your sinuses. Alternate on your back and chest with RC for faster results. Again, like RC, if you don’t want to apply it topically, it’s an excellent oil to diffuse. . You can also place a few drops into a bowl of steaming water, place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapors.
Essential Oils Remedies
For congestion combine one or two drops each of Peppermint, Eucalyptus ($19.08/ 15ml) and Lemon ($14.80/15ml) in a bowl with hot water. Cover head and bowl with towel, close eyes and inhale deeply.
To relieve allergy symptoms combine two drops each of Lavender, Lemon ($14.80/15ml) and Peppermint in a small amount of water. Swish inside mouth for 10 – 20 seconds, and then swallow. May also be taken orally in a gel cap, or added to a teaspoon of locally made honey. Diffuse in a room or rub on the back of the neck. It is also beneficial to start this regimen before allergy season starts by taking one capsule per day and then adding more per day as needed.
Put a drop of Peppermint on your pillow (on the corner to avoid eye contact) to open up sinuses and help induce deep breathing. Add a drop of Lavender for its calming benefits and a better night’s sleep.
You can order the oils online at https://www.youngliving.org/prasanthistudio
Based on a wellness presentation by Mayuri Gonzalez at Prasanthi Studio (www.prasanthistudio.com) in Pelham, NY in May 2013. If you have any questions or concerns, please email prasanthistudio@gmail.com.