Hay Fever

Hay fever makes its presence felt every spring, and annually many people suffer from its effects. The main regions of the body that it affects are areas such as the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory passages, the sinuses in particular, the eyes, the nose and the throat are also affected in many cases. Symptoms such as itching, the development of a redness in affected area, the presence of swelling and the production of a lot of mucus are some of the things that the irritation an inflammation caused by the hay fever bring. Some of the symptoms inherent during the onset of hay fever such as the presence of puffy watery eyes, the sneezing from an itchy and runny nose, and physical signs such as the plugged sinuses resemble the symptoms of a head cold, however, they are very persistent and last much longer than those symptoms that come on with the common cold. There is a tendency of an itch developing in the roof of the mouth and the throat also becomes sore and irritated. There is a persistence of a nervous irritability, hypersensitivity sets in and there is also the persistence of a dull fatigue in the body. Contact with the allergenic substance typically and immediately bring on the worst symptoms in the period immediately following contact with the allergen. There are also other types of allergies, disorders like asthma and allergic eczema which may come in combination with hay fever.

Many people have now begun to seek and search for safer and more natural alternatives to some of the commonly used allergic symptoms suppressing drugs, this is because negative reports on prescription; or over-the counter antihistamines and steroids have become very pronounced. These medications have long term deleterious effects on the immune system, whether they are swallowed, inhaled or rubbed into the skin, they really do not offer a cure and a dependency on the drug whether psychological or physical becomes a very big problem.

Early every spring many pollinating trees and flowers, release billions of pollen grains into the air, these can irritate the mucous membranes, while in the summer, the irritants and problems are caused by freshly cut grasses and weeds. While if the allergic symptoms persist way into the late fall, allergens from tree mold spores can often be the cause, although allergies to other substances should not be ruled out, these includes common allergens like feathers and animal hair, and dust in the air.

In definition an overreaction of the immune system to an allergen or a particular substance in the environment is known as hay fever. Lifestyle changes and changes in the environment could be partly to blame for the increasing incidences of allergic reactions, though it is not exactly known what causes the immune system to react so strongly, and the number of cases of allergic responses is on the rise. The challenges to the immune system include the rise and increased toxins in our food, in our air and water. Eating a diet of refined foods, the consumption of too many types of processed and packaged foods and factors like stress increase the chances and cause reactions as with any other allergenic reaction.

Supplements and herbs

For the maintenance of healthy mucous membranes throughout the respiratory tract it is necessary to get a sufficient quantity of vitamin A in the diet. An anti histamine property is one of the main actions of the vitamin E. As a prophylactic measure the vitamins can be taken in combination for three months before the hay fever season starts, against hay fever both vitamins A and E have been used effectively as a treatment option. For the reduction of symptoms and to prevent their occurrence in the body, a combination of the vitamin C with plant based bioflavonoids is highly recommended.

Eat a lot of meat from cold-water fishes to obtain sufficient quantities of a useful fatty acid called omega-3 EPA, and another one called GLA since the deficiencies in the body of these essential fatty acids can aggravate allergic conditions and are often manifested as a drying of the skin, sometimes eczema, or as in women in the various affect so early PMS.

Prescribed and used in very high doses and as an antihistamine the studies done on the vitamin C ingestion have shown that it has properties similar to many antihistamines but without the other deleterious effects such as the weight gain and drowsiness commonly seen with many antihistaminic drugs. If the dosage level is very high for a given individual, one of the only side-effect is the occurrence of a loose bowel movements or diarrhea.

Allergic reactions can also be neutralized by utilizing many bicarbonate powders like calcium and magnesium and potassium bicarbonate mixtures. Another two natural immune system optimizers are thymus gland extract and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Without the additional burden of side effects seen with many synthetic drugs, all the herbs given below provide effective relief from hay fever symptoms.

Stuffiness in the nose, watery eyes and congestion in the chest and many of the other symptoms of hay fever can be relieved using the tea or juice made from the nettle; this also relieves inflammation caused by the allergic reactions. Dosage can include a single tbsp. of juice or a cup of tea four times during the course of a day. The constant chewing and placement in the mouth of fresh or dried nettle leaves during allergic attacks can help, chew fresh or dried nettle as long as possible. Nasal secretions can be decreased, and the mucous membranes and the conjunctiva can be greatly soothed by using eyebright. With the aid of diluted calendula tincture or horsetail tea, rinse the nostrils. The production and excess in phlegm can be reduced using ground ivy. Doses can be given thrice a day, a single dose being 20-30 drops of tincture. The inflammation that comes on can be healed, and the toning of the mucous membranes can be helped by the ribwort plantain, this can be taken as tea, in capsule or in tincture form. The herbal infusion can be taken in amounts of three cups a day. Avoiding the eyes and to relieve the congestion in the nasal passages, use the chamomile, calendula oil, rosemary oil and thyme oil as salves on the facial region. In order to stimulate the circulation and to clear the sinuses, this salve can be applied as often as possible. As an anti inflammatory remedy the substance called curcumin, which is an extract of the turmeric, has been shown to be as effective as prescription cortisone. Moreover there are very little side effects. Especially in the control of postnatal drip and in sinus congestion symptoms, some of the herbal combination of ma huang, the salix alba and kelp seaweed is very effective. Some other herbs are useful and effective in their role of supporting the immune system, these include herbs such as cayenne and chickweed, berries like elderberry, flowers like eyebright, and goldenrod, the lemon balm and lobelia.

Homeopathy

As a prophylactic measure these remedies can be taken daily, prior to the appearance of symptoms during the allergy season. When the allergic attacks have already set in, dosage can be in the ranges from 6c, 12c or 30c can be taken frequently to alleviate acute symptoms.

• Allium cepa
  Allium cepa can be taken when there is a violent sneezing in the nose, the release of a watery and acrid discharge has a corrosive affect of the nose and the lips. The symptoms and the pain and the effects of the allergy in general will be more on the left side of the face and the symptoms are usually worse on that side. On the bridge of the nose there may develop a lumpy feeling. When the allergy from hay fever strikes in the month of August, it can be manifested in various ways. The physical manifestation of the allergy may include burning, red and very sensitive Eyes and a desire to rub them as they are very itchy. There is a lot of watery and a bland discharge. In the region of the larynx, symptoms such as anxiety, recurring headache, laryngitis and a persistent cough causes a splitting pain. The patient worsens when placed in a warm room, toward the evenings, in damp and cold weather, when smelling flowers. The patient feels better in the open air and relaxes in the outdoors.
• Arsenicum iodatum
  Arsenicum iodatum is to be used as a remedy where there is a lot of sneezing and a watery discharge in the nose, if it is acute, there is also a production of thick and green discharges from the nose, in chronic cases the affected person may have very hot and irritating discharges which redden upper lip and the nasal passages may become raw and are reddened. There may also be the presence of a postnasal drip. Other physical symptoms are a shortness of breath, the presence of a hacking cough. There could also be hoarseness in the voice or a loss of voice. Other signs include a burning sensation in the throat. The patient may feel restless, weak and cold, but will dislike the heat and other warmth, the patient will worsen in: dry, cold or windy weather, if placed in a warm room, if exposed to smoke. The patient will improve and feel better: in the open air and the outdoors.
• Sabadilla
  Sabadilla can be give if there is a lot of sneezing and if a runny, watery discharge is coming from the nose. There could also be in the regions of the mouth and the nose itching and tingling sensations, the sensations in the eyes can include a reddening, burning and tearing sensation. The patient may become cold and sensitive to being chilled and break out often into cold sweats during the worse reaction. After midnight the patient may also experience the problems like a sinusitis with frontal headache. There can also be in addition a sore throat on the left side. The patient may psychologically display obsessive thinking about his health and will worsen thinking of problems. The patient will also worsen: from the smell of flowers or the smell of fresh cut grass. The patient will generally improve and feel better when placed in a warm room, and when having a lot of food and drink.

Additional things you may do

It is important to be exposed to the fresh air and the sunlight, and to get plenty of sleep every single day. Get involved in many exercises, recreational activities such as swimming, and take saunas, and make sure you bathe in the sea often. Make sure your schedule includes a hot water bath several times a week. If you are very sensitive to pollen, remember to stay indoors until midday as pollination and the release of pollen into the atmosphere increases in many plants in the early hours of the morning. It is also very important to have a lot of relaxing exercises and deep-breathing exercises, preferably at the ocean, this can prove to be very good for the body. Through the alternation of hot and cold water showers you can strengthen your immune system.

Usual dosage

• Evening primrose oil, 500 mg 3 times a day.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus, three capsules or one tsp. a day.
• Bicarbonate powder, 1 to 2 tsp. 3 or more times a day.
• Fish oils, 1,000 mg 3 times a day.
• Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy).
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg 3 to 5 times a day.
• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU.

Other beneficial herbs

• Baical Skullcap
• Catnip
• Elecampane
• Ephedra
• Feverfew
• Garlic
• Goldenseal
• Grindelia
• Horseradish
• Licorice
• Yarrow

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