Natural & fast relief for hayfever and other allergies

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN—the birds are cheeping, lambs are springing and you are sneezing!

Known medically as allergic rhinitis, hayfever is an allergy that occurs when our immune system attacks invading airborne plant proteins and binds them to an antibody produced in the body called IgE (immunoglobulin E).

The IgE-antigen complex then binds to white blood cells called mast cells. This binding causes the release of histamine, a chemical produced in the body, which results in the familiar hayfever symptoms. This process is known as ‘degranulation’.

If hayfever develops in the spring, it's usually due to tree pollen. If it develops in the summer, grass and weed pollen are probably to blame. Many people also develop hayfever in response to mould or fungus spores, which commonly occur any time from mid-March to November. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can offer speedy and significant relief without the drowsiness and other side-effects associated with pharmaceuticals.

Other allergies

Many of the nutrients discussed in this newsletter can be equally helpful in other allergic reactions. Pop in to your local health food store for help in developing your own personal health programme of vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies.

 

1. NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Quercetin is one of several bioflavonoids (special nutrients found with vitamin C in fruit and vegetables) with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-histimine properties. Quercetin works as an anti-inflammatory agent by deactivating enzymes that produce inflammation and strengthening cell walls that would normally release histamines into the bloodstream. Thus, quercetin may be helpful not only in allergies, but in all kinds of inflammatory responses, such as injury, bursitis, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. Take 200mg three times daily.

2. SUPPORT THE ADRENAL SYSTEM

Vitamin B5 is the main nutrient for nourishing the adrenal glands. It is needed by the adrenal glands to make glucocorticoids, which may be the reason that B5 is known as the anti-stress vitamin. Cortisone is also the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone. In this way, if the body requires cortisone (ie: in arthritis or allergic conditions), a well-nourished body that has all the necessary vitamin B5, will help to produce all the natural cortisone required. Take 200mg three times daily.

3. INSURANCE POLICY

A daily Multivitamin & Mineral will guarantee your intake of the essential nutrients needed to help boost your immune system and defend against deficiencies.

4. REDUCE HISTAMINE RELEASE

The basic mechanism of action of Coleus Forskholii is the activation of an enzyme, adenylate cyclase, which increases the amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. Cyclic AMP is perhaps the most important cell regulating compound. Once formed it activates many other enzymes involved in diverse cellular functions. The effects of raised cAMP include: inhibition of mast cell degranulation and reduced histamine release . Take 1 to 3 capsules daily.

5. NATURAL ANTI-HISTAMINE

Vitamin C - The combination of quercetin with vitamin C can be very helpful. Vitamin C is often used alongside quercetin as it enhances the effectiveness of bioflavonoids. Vitamin C also helps the body to detoxify histamines and has been shown to ease bronchial constriction. Take 1,000mg daily.

6. DE-CONGEST

Cut out or reduce your consumption of mucus-building dairy products. This will aid breathing and un-block your channels.

7. INTERNAL CLEANSING

Those who suffer with respiratory allergies, may also have the reactions exacerbated by food allergens and a cleansing fast can offer some relief. Ask for details in your local health food store.

8. RELIEF FOR ITCHY EYES

Bilberry extracts are rich in a flavonoid known as antho-cyanoside, which exerts potent effects primarily through improving blood flow and the delivery of oxygen to the eye. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) was used by ancient Greeks to treat eye infections. The name euphrasia is derived from the Greek euphrosyne, which means "gladness." It's believed the name was given to the plant because eyebright induced happiness by facilitating sight. Take 1 to 3 capsules daily.

9. OIL THE WHEELS

The essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in Flax oil may also help to reduce inflammatory symptoms, especially when taken over time. Hemp oil has the beneficial anti-inflammatory EFAs, as well as GLA which has also been shown to help with allergies. Take 1 to 3 teaspoons daily of Hemp or Flax oil.

10. DRINK YOURSELF WELL

Drink plenty of water—a glass every hour to help wash through allergens.

 

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These documents are reproduced with kind permission from Viridian-Nutrition.