Saturday 13 October 2012

Allergy Natural Home Remedies for Springtime


Hurrah! spring has finally come! This is a good opportunity to look at natural home remedies for allergies. Most of the time, spring brings beautiful aspects such as-small baby birds, blossoming buds, and even small bunnies -this season brings some additional suffering related sources to millions of people suffering from allergies and having to brace for the sneezes, sniffles and wheezes of this early season. One of the most common allergies is hay fever which affects one in five Americans. It comes with annoying symptoms of congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing, itching eyes and ears, sleeplessness, some sinus pressure and fatigue. It's much like the common cold except it continues for months at a time (not days like a virus-caused cold) as pollen circulates everywhere in the air.

So many people are seeking relief so it's no wonder that companies are marketing every manner of concoction, pill and potion trying to restore easy breathing. According to the statistics of the American College of allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), there's no unique approach to solving the problems of spring allergy.

Try to avoid these (so often costly) mistakes during the season of spring allergies:

#1: Trying to solve the problem by spending mucho money.

Hundreds of products on the market claim to ease your allergy ailment and some of them work quite well for some people. A good remedy you can try is the use of nasal saline sprays or rinses, such as the neti pot. These are for people experiencing irritated sinuses. Just make sure not to overuse them and use distilled water.

#2: Having lack of knowledge about your enemy.

Most of the time people try to treat most of their allergy symptoms without even knowing what they're allergic to or even if they are really suffering from seasonal allergies. While hay fever is the main culprit for spring, other types of allergens might also cause symptoms.

Most people tend to think that they only have a seasonal allergy but more often than not they actually have them year-round. Most things like dust mites, cockroaches, cigarette smoke, air fresheners, hair spray, or the artificial fragrances in candles could be causing symptoms similar to hay fever allergies. Try to wash your bedding in a substantial amount of hot water once every two weeks to manage and combat dust mites. Use nontoxic pest management strategies to help combat cockroaches and other pests. Try to steer clear of synthetic fragrances. Besides the fact that they are irritating most of them contain chemical plasticizers that are linked to low IQs and hormone disruption.

#3: Waiting to the point of feeling the pain.

If you happen to have allergies, try taking remedies that have worked for you personally in the past before the season started. Try to pay attention to the elements related to the weather-as when winter merges into spring elements related to pollens and molds are released into the atmosphere.

#4: Allergens allowed into the premises of your house.

Once the cause is found (or in some cases the causes) for your problem and the application of the proper treatment is implemented, you should take some serious steps to try and keep the allergens that manage to agitate you out of your own home. If you are an allergic person who is sensitive to pollen, avoid keeping your windows open all the time. Try to remember to take a shower when you enter the house from the exterior. Most pollen counts are at the highest around the middle of the day so that is a good time to stay indoors.

#5: Complaining about problematic products.

Most people who experience allergic reactions to pollen can also experience what is known as oral allergy syndrome which can affect almost a third of persons suffering from seasonal allergy. Our immune systems can be fooled by the similarity between typical proteins of pollen and those in some foods. This can result in foods triggering a reaction. If you happen to be allergic to tree pollen you may want to try avoiding apples, apricots cherries, apricots, pears, kiwis, plums, or even nuts. Cooking or peeling these previous foods can aid to bypass a type of reaction in the example of some people.

If you think of it from a different point of view, researchers have found that certain types of foods are actually excellent natural remedies for allergies including hay fever. Broccoli or citrus fruits, collard greens, and even kale are full of compounds and elements that can help your body cope with allergy season.

This allergy soup is prepared with many ingredients that can be very helpful:

Boiling a whole onion along with the skin and with a clove of garlic is the first step. Then you should add chopped leaves and some diced taproots of evening primrose. The next step is boiling the ingredients for three to a maximum of five minutes, and adding 1 cup nettle leaves along with 1 cup diced celery stalks. Then you need to boil for another three to a maximum of 10 minutes. Removing the onion skins from the mix is the final step before enjoying.

Monday 20 August 2012

9 Great Home Remedies For Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis results when allergies like dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke attack your immune system and cause congestion, stuffy/runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. It also involves itchy eyes and nose. Treatment involves easing the symptoms and avoiding exposure to irritants and allergens. It is a very common problem in pollen season and that's why is often referred to as 'hay fever'. People having chronic / perennial allergic rhinitis suffer these symptoms throughout the year. Mild cases can be treated with antihistamines available over the counter. However if the symptoms are severe then allergy shots may be prescribed.

Prevention


In most countries,
allergic rhinitis is at its peak and very common during pollen season. Hence it is advisable to be cautious and begin the required medication and treatment before the beginning of the season and prepare yourself. Most important is to fortify your immune system for which most important is vitamin C. Have vitamin C rich foods in your daily diet such as freshly squeezed orange juice, pineapples, tomato soup. Vitamin A is also very important for strengthening mucus membranes. Include carrots in your daily diet.

Avoid inflammation aggravating foods such as dairy products, meat, wheat, sugar and lots of salt. And have foods that are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants including beans, vegetables and fruits.


9 home remedies for allergic rhinitis


1. It is vital to avoid exposure to allergens and to create allergen free environment.


2. Your room, furniture, sofas, mattresses, carpets, rugs should be dusted and cleaned regularly.


3. Place air purifiers and humidifiers/dehumidifiers in your room. The correct humidity level of 45% - 50% should be maintained inside. Too much humidity and too less are both bad for this condition and aggravate symptoms.


4. Use saline nasal wash to keep your nasal passage moist and to clear mucus.


5. Steam inhalation has been used for hundreds of years to clear nasal passage and loosen mucus. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint to the steaming water and inhale the vapors.


6. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, 6-8 glasses of room temperature water, soups, broth.


7. Having freshly produced unfiltered honey relieves
allergic rhinitis.

8. Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon each of honey and lemon and briefly heat it. Have 1 teaspoon of this mixture three times daily to treat your hay fever.


9. Consult a practitioner before having any supplements. For instance probiotic supplements are known to ease the severity of the condition. Herbal preparation such as biminne has been known to effectively relieve symptoms. Indian gooseberry and Echinacea pills available over the counter are also known to naturally strengthen immune system. But it is recommended to consult your physician before doing self medication.


Hence you can effectively address
allergic rhinitis through a natural course of therapy including lifestyle changes, dietary plans and alternative medicine which can relieve symptoms and build a stronger immune system to fight against allergens.

Thursday 19 April 2012

Homeopathic Remedies for Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies or sensitivities are a group of signs and symptoms that denote adverse immunologic reactions to food. Nowadays thanks to coloring agents, preservatives, pesticides, and newer food storage techniques food allergies and sensitivities have become a very common phenomenon. The manifestation of food allergies or sensitivities are specific and highly individualized depending on age, sex, the quantum of exposure to a specific allergen.

If a person is allergic to some food, the manifestation of allergic reaction starts once the food enters the mouth. The mouth starts itching and once the food enters the stomach, abdominal dysfunctions starts and the person starts experiencing vomiting, stomachache, cramps and diarrhea. Severe gastroenteritis where there is vomiting and diarrhea cause a drop in blood pressure. On skin the manifestations are to dermatitis or hives with severe itching, red welts with heat and irritation and occasional swelling. The respiratory manifestations might vary from a slight difficulty in breathing to severe wheeze. The manifestation differs from persons to person.

Homeopathic
remedies for Food allergies and sensitivities

Homeopathy has an excellent remedy for treating food allergies and
sensitivities. As the treatment for these problems require a very individual approach, homeopathy treats food allergies by the use of simple remedies.

However, food sensitivity demands treatment that is specific to a particular problem, a specific allergen and a specific manifestations.

Some of the remedies for food allergies and sensitivities are:

Arsenicum Album: This is the remedy to think of first in any case of food related gastric upsets.This remedy is indicated when the patient is down, severely dehydrated with frequent passing of "White, rice watery liquid stools", where there is thirst for small quantities of cold water and there is physical and mental restlessness with anxiety.


Aloes Socrotina: Pain around the navel region. Sense of fullness and distension of the abdomen and a feeling that there is a constant need to evacuate the bowels. Burning sensation with the loss of power of the sphincter's of the rectum with the passage of lumpy, mucus stained undigested stool.


Calcarea Carbonica: The indications that ask for the use of this remedy are fatigue, anxiety sometimes with claustrophobia or fear of heights, lack of stamina, chillness, etc. The other common symptoms are developing digestive problem and heart burn after eating milk or wheat products, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils, back pain, shortness of breath from exertion and strong craving for sour liquids.


Carbo Vegetabilis: It is an effective remedy for people who show indications of weakness, faintness, chillness, and indigestion due to reactions to food allergens. Such patients may also experience difficulty in breathing, strong desire for fresh air, frequent need to burp, bloating and flatulence.


Gelsemium: Patients who develop symptoms of chillness, weakness, trembling, muscle pain, droopiness in eyes due to allergy reactions ask for this remedy. They may also suffer in the back of the head and muscles of the neck and feel ill and weak.

When you are allergic to some food, your body responds to this food. Sometimes your immune system may react to even good food. Food allergies are not an ailment which needs to be cured but it is a manifestation of basic imbalance of the body.

Monday 19 March 2012

Finding Natural Allergy Remedies

Today's world has seen the increased use of chemicals in food, other products and in our air and water. This weakens the body's immune system. Over time, we become susceptible to various diseases and other health problems. Among the problems we and our children face are allergies.

What Is An allergy?


An
allergy is a reaction of the immune system to what is a normal substance in the environment. Common allergens are

Pollen

Dander of cats and dogs
Grasses
Milk
Wheat
Corn
Eggs

Treatments For Allergies


There are several ways to control allergies. The marketplace is full of different products. As treatments for allergies, they promise relief from your allergy problem. Many brand name products do provide temporary allergy relief, but at what cost? The ingredients within these substances can cause side effects making you feel tired, listless and sleepy. This is not true with
natural allergy remedies. Natural allergy remedies consist of a multifaceted approach. This involves the following aspects of your life style:

Diet and Nutrition - select only high quality whole foods. This includes grains, legumes and vegetables. Steam instead of boiling or frying your food. Eat your food raw. This provides the enzymes you find your body will need to help digest your food completely

Consider nutritional supplements as beneficial in helping your body fight against an allergy problem
Get plenty of rest. Lack of sleep makes you more susceptible to allergies
Spend time out of doors in the sunshine and fresh air
Avoid stress, worry and other forms of anxiety. These contribute to the breakdown of your immune system and open you up to suffering from an allergy.
Do not sleep on bedding made up of down
Consider hydrotherapy

These methods may prove to be helpful. However, there are times when you may find you need to use a natural product.


Natural allergy remedies


Natural
allergy remedies are those containing all-natural substances. The most common ingredients in these products are

-  Quercitin - a flavonoid found in apples and onions

-  Eyebright - this small, perennial plant has a long history in herbal treatments. Its anti-inflammatory and mild decongestant properties act together to reduce the response of your body to an allergen. Eyebright reduces eye irritation, sinus infections and the symptoms of hay fever
-  Arsen Alb
-  Nat Mur - a biochemic tissue salt that helps eliminate and control itching, hives, colds and hay fever -  resulting from exposure to allergens
-  Kali Mur - a tissue salt that helps control head colds and digestive weaknesses

Natural
allergy remedies ensure your body does not suffer any side effects if taken according to instructions. The treatment is gentle.

Saturday 4 February 2012

Natural Allergy Relief - Squashing Allergies and Their Symptoms

Having allergies can be one of the most annoying conditions you can have the pleasure of being blessed with. Your head is clogged or nose is running a marathon, your eyes are watery or itchy and you have been blessed so many times you would think God himself had heard you sneezing. It makes your day miserable and most medications you can take will only make you sleepy.

Allergies can be caused from almost anything, mold, dust, pollen from trees or flowers, animal fur, insect bites, household chemicals and more to list the most common. The excess of mucus can be caused by a poor diet and even stress can bring allergies on. To get rid of allergies naturally with no side effects, we suggest some of the following remedies and then changing your diet for continued prevention.


For relief of your allergies you can go to any local health food or herbal store and pick up these herbs. You should pick the one that fits you best and if you don't see improvement within three days discontinue and re-evaluate your symptoms and back to the drawing board. Use the remedy that best fits your symptoms. Again, only choose one remedy for three days before trying another. Stop taking remedy as soon as you experience
relief.

Allium Cepa- If you have burning, watery eyes and a runny nose. Your symptoms feel better outside in the open air.

Euphrasia- Can be taken if you're experiencing burning teary, red eyes. You can also use Eye-Bright, 5 drops ratio to ½ ounce saline for your irritated eyes. Apply twice daily.
Sabadilla- Take this if you suffer from repeated "ah choo's" i.e. sneezes and runny nose.
Histaminum- Are you experiencing normal allergy symptoms which have a sudden onset? This helps!!!
Natrum Muriaticum- Take this if you sneeze at the sun and get re-occurring cold sores. Craving salt might also be a concern for you.
Silica- Can be used when upper respiratory problems develop into an infection, do you feel irritable and tired??? Silica screams "USE ME!"
Nux Vomica- You may wake up sneezing and crave stimulants such as tobacco or sweets.
Arsenicum Album- You will have burning eyes and constant runny nose causing red and sore irritation under the nose. You are sensitive and have many allergies.
Lycopodium- For people with only one-sided nasal congestion and throat issues. If you are in this category, you might also experience bloating after meals.
Pulsatilla- Do your allergies get worse in warm conditions or have a lot of congestion at night. This one is definitely for you...
Stinging nettles - For Hay Fever.

I would also suggest taking 1,000 mg of Vitamin C which is a
natural anti-histamine, three to five times daily. If this gives you diarrhea you can decrease the dosage or try taking Quercitin. Also, Butterbur has been studied and found to be better than Allegra and comparable to Zyrtec. In the evening, take a hot bath with Chamomile or Lavender to induce sweat and clean out toxins.

Now that you have gotten rid of the symptoms of your allergy, try some of these dietary changes to prevent further episodes.


We Recommend:


Increase your whole grains. This is something we should all be doing anyway.

Increase you intake of fresh vegetables and fruits to help with detoxification. You might try a 3 day vegetable juice fast for best results.
Cold pressed oils and raw seeds and nuts.
You will need to increase your lean protein such as seafood and tofu.
Drink all the water you can. This will cut mucus secretions.
Take flaxseed or flaxseed oil to reduce inflammation, 2 tablespoons every day.

We do not recommend:


Dairy products, fried foods or processed foods, refined flours, chocolate and eggs. Dairy only makes mucus secretions thicker.

Cut down on fats and oils and trans-fatty acids.

We also have many products in the surrounding areas of this page; please click on any of these remedies for reoccurring symptoms and relief remedies.

Sunday 15 January 2012

Top Herbal Remedies That Can Alleviate Allergy Attacks

We are exposed to allergens every season. During spring time, pollens from budding plants can be carried by the wind. During summer, people spend a lot of time travelling leading to the increased emission of smoke. During autumn season, everyone is trying to sweep leaves scattered on the ground which will then transfer dirt particles into the air. During winter, most people are confined inside the house causing prolonged contact with dusty objects and allergens.

Do not underestimate the symptoms of
allergy attacks because they can be quite debilitating. You cannot possibly concentrate while you are experiencing constant sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes and wheezing. And these are just the mild symptoms. For other cases of allergies, the skin can swell up. Allergens might also cause an enlargement of the tonsils and inflammation of the throat lining which will make it harder for the sufferer to breathe.

When allergens enter our system, the body reacts by producing histamine. This is our body's way of fighting allergens. But histamine brings forth uncomfortable physical symptoms such as those mentioned above.


In order to relieve symptoms of allergies, you can try using herbal
remedies such as:

1. Chamomile - this has soothing and calming benefits. When taken in tea form, it can help reduce the duration of
allergy attacks, especially hay fever. This can also calm down your frazzled nerves.

2. Eucalyptus - If you suffer from runny nose, sneezing and coughing due to allergens, you should try this remedy. Steep it in hot water to release the essential oil of eucalyptus. Inhale the steam to soothe congestion of the nose. This will also soothe irritated throat lining.


3. Rooibos - This herbal remedy has anti-histamine properties. It reduces the effects of histamine production in your body. You can try taking this in tea form for better results.


4. Ginger - If your body and lungs feel inflamed, try taking ginger tea. Its tangy flavour can calm down the usual symptoms of this condition. This also has antimicrobial properties that can counteract the negative effects of harmful micro organisms.


5. Nettle - If your sinus got inflamed because of overproduction of histamine, try this. It can reduce sinus inflammation and relieve congestion. It also clears air passageway so you can breathe easily.


It is nice to have these herbal
remedies in your kitchen just in case you are suddenly seized with an allergy attack. Using natural treatment is better because it does not have side effects.