Herbs For Spring Allergy Relief

As spring bursts onto the scene with all of its lovely color, vibrancy, light, and new growth you may- unfortunately - experience an array of discomforting symptoms. Your eyes may tear, you may have a scratchy or draining throat, your nose may be constantly itchy and you may be always be on the verge of a sneeze or experience repeated sneezing - spring allergies

Seasonal allergies are usually accompanied by "stuffiness", sneezing, watery eyes, excess drainage, runny nose, excess mucus. These symptoms are the body's attempts to flush out an offending allergen. For those with seasonal allergies these symptoms can get out of hand and result in feeling miserable.

Herbs can be added to your medicine chest of remedies to help make your change of season more comfortable and enjoyable. Before deciding which herbs to include as part of your spring allergy relief program, it is wise to check with a practitioner familiar with herbal health care.

Bioflavonoids to the Rescue

Bioflavonoids are an important constituent found in many flowers, leaves, and fruits that help bring relief for seasonal allergy symptoms.

Bioflavonoids help prevent the formation of histamine. Histamine is one of the substances released by the body in an attempt to get rid of the offending foreign particle - the allergen. It is a hormone that causes tearing eyes and runny noses to enable the body to flush out the offending allergen. Histamine prompts the body to quickly get rid of the allergen by activating the common allergy symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, runny and congested nose and sinuses, and swelling and inflammation.

Increasing your intake of bioflavonoids helps prevent the formation of histamine (as opposed to commonly used over the counter anti-histamines which interfere with histamine's action after it has been produced). Herbs that help alleviate sneezing, watery eyes, and runny noses contain substances that prevent the formation of histamine. Without histamine, your seasonal allergy symptoms can be significantly reduced. Many bioflavonoids are also anti-inflammatories, which means they decrease the swelling of tissues caused by reacting to an allergen.

Anti-allergenic and bioflavonoid rich herbs include German chamomile, lemon balm, Baical skullcap, mints, anise, ginger, peppermint, spearmint, feverfew, milk thistle, and yarrow.

Hawthorn is an anti-histamine herb that blocks the release of histidine decaroxylase needed to convert histamine in the body. Licorice, ginkgo, cinnamon, cardamom, rosemary, many mints and the essential oils of orange, tangerine, lemon are antihistamine and anti-allergenic and help relax the nasal passages and airways. German chamomile may slow allergic reactions by increasing the adrenal glands' production of cortisone, which reduces lung inflammation and makes breathing easier. These herbs can be taken as teas or in tincture form.

Herbal Baths and Teas Help Soothe Irritation

Essential oils of chamomile, clove, caraway, and lemon balm contain natural antihistamines that can be useful for soothing itchy hives. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil such as almond or olive and apply to hives. Never apply the essential oils directly to skin as they can be caustic. Never take essential oils internally unless directed by a health care practitioner.

Itchy hives can also be relieved by taking an herbal bath. Dried antihistamine herbs such as thyme, German chamomile, basil, fennel, and tarragon can be mixed together and made into a soothing bath for allergy relief for skin reactions. To make an effective herbal bath use a quart glass jar and fill the jar one-third way of the dried herb mixture. Pour in boiling water to fill the jar. Put a cap on the jar and let it sit for over an hour. If you want a stronger bath, let the mixture sit four to six hours. Strain out the herbs and pour the remaining herbal liquid into the bath. Soak and relax. These same bath herbs can be used to make an anti- allergy tea to help relieve those worrisome symptoms. To make a tea use one teaspoon of the herbs to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Drink one to three cups a day.

More Herbal Allergy Helpers

An allergic response can cause tissue lining the sinuses to swell, which can block the outlets of the sinuses to the nose. When this happens mucus build up in the sinuses can cause headaches and mucus draining from the back of the nose into the throat (the common postnasal drip). Using an over-the-counter anti-histamine with these symptoms can thicken the mucus even more so that it can not drain. It is better to help dilate the sinus passages and thin and liquefy the mucus so that it can drain easily. Hot chili peppers are very effective at draining thick, congested mucus and relieving these symptoms. Herbs such as ginger, yarrow, lemongrass, chickweed, red clover, fenugreek can be effective decongestants that thin and liquefy the congested mucus.

To help relieve the scratchy, sore throat that accompanies seasonal allergies herbs that soothe and coat the mucus membranes - demulcents- can be effective. Demulcent herbs include: marshmallow, malva, slippery elm, and violet. If a cough accompanies the sore throat, you can try plantain, wild cherry bark, or horehound all of which act as excellent cough relievers. Plantain also supports the adrenals, acts as an anti-spasmodic and helps expel mucus.

Nettles helps to prevent the excessive release of inflammatory substances such as leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are one of the natural body substances released when an allergen enters the body resulting in an inflammatory response. This leads to irritated and swollen mucus membranes that secrete excessive mucus. Nettles is also anti-allergen, enhances the immune system and increases the body's ability to handle stress.

The herb ginkgo contains ginkgolides that interfere with the chain of events that results in allergic reactions. Phytochemicals found in ginkgo biloba block the action of platelet-activating factor that activates immune cells responsible for inflammation. Several studies suggest that ginkgo improves the ability to tolerate allergens. Follow label directions on the bottle as far as dosage is concerned. Avoid taking in excess as excessive ginkgo can lead to diarrhea, irritability, and insomnia.

Another helpful herb to use to increase the body's ability to resist reacting to allergens is milk thistle. Milk thistle protects the liver and improves its ability to clear antigens from the body and strengthens mucus membrane integrity while providing bioflavanoids.

Herbs can be a definite benefit in helping you enjoy the early days of spring and move energetically and free from allergy symptoms into the warm days of summer.

Before taking any herbs always learn about the herb you are taking to be sure it is compatible with you and check with a knowledgeable herbal health care provider. Enjoy!




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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Mary_Ann_Copson

Allergy Herbal Remedies That You Can Consider

You can use allergy herbal remedies to help you find some relief from your symptoms. The quality of your life is affected if you find yourself having to live with endless rounds of sneezing, coughing and wheezing. Depending on drug medications can give you instant relief but can also produce several side effects. You may also find that some allergy drug medications may not also work for you.

Allergy herbal remedies can help reduce symptoms in a safer and more natural way. Having said that, there are many herbal remedies that deal with a wide variety of ailments. So what are some of the herbal remedies for allergy that you can consider?

- Camomile. This is an excellent herbal remedy for treating rashes and itches that accompany allergies. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties that make it suitable to be used as a herbal remedy for skin allergies. However, if you suffer from hayfever, you want to refrain from using this herbal remedy, because it is a member of the ragweed family, which may cause an allergic reaction.

- Gingko. Gingko contains several unique chemicals that can help to decrease the trigger response of inflammation, asthma, and allergies.

- Garlic and onion. Garlic and onion have anti inflammatory benefits and these are helpful to your sinus problems. You can find it easier to breathe easier and with less effort after using it.

- Feverfew. Feverfew is a known herbal remedy that is effective for treating migraines, but it can also be helpful in treating headaches and other symptoms of allergies. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution and not take feverfew.

- Horseradish. Eating a spoonful of horseradish is excellent for clearing the sinuses. Some experts suggest that you eat a spoonful of it daily until the allergy symptoms subside and then take it a few times each month to help prevent further allergy attacks.

- Stinging Nettle. Nasal symptoms can be treated by using freeze-dried stinging nettle.

The above list is not exhaustive. You may find that there are many more allergy herbal remedies available through your herbal store or herbal health practitioner. You can also get a more accurate herbal prescription if you describe the type of allergy symptoms that you are having to your herbalist. Herbal remedies for allergy symptoms offer a huge advantage over drug medications whether by prescription and over the counter. If you are tired of living with runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of allergies, then these alternatives can be just the right treatment for you.




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Herbal Medicines For Astigmatism

Description

Astigmatism is a condition in which one or both eyes has a misshapen cornea. In a normal eye, the cornea is symmetrically curved. In an astigmatic eye, areas of the cornea are steeper or flatter than normal, causing areas of your vision to be blurred. Although astigmatism often occurs on its own, it can also occur in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Astigmatism is usually present from birth and tends to remain constant, neither improving nor deteriorating with time.

Signs and Symptoms

Blurred areas in the field of vision of one or both eyes

Distorted vision in one or both eyes, typically when looking at vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines

Conventional Medical Treatment

An ophthalmologist or optometrist can diagnose astigmatism with a thorough examination. Corrective glasses or contact lenses are usually prescribed to counteract the unevenness of one or both corneas. Lenses also can be made to address a combination of astigmatism and nearsighted­ness or farsightedness.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

Nutritionists encourage adequate intake of nutrients necessary for healthy eye function. Protein (found in meat, eggs, poultry, and fish) and vitamin A (found in yellow fruits and vegetables) are required for proper eye function.

Include the following daily supplements to maintain healthy eye function:

Most Important

vitamin C (5000 IU)

vitamin B complex (100 mg), supplemented with vitamin B2 (50 mg)

vitamin A (10,000 to 15,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU daily if you are pregnant)

vitamin E (400 IU)

zinc (20 to 25 mg)

Also Recommended

calcium and magnesium (standard dose)

chromium (300 mcg)

omega 3 and 6 and DHA capsules (as directed on label)

grape seed extract (as directed on label)

(Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Chinese practitioners believe that most vision disorders are due to impaired liver functioning, so an acupuncturist may treat astigmatism by working to strengthen the liver and restore energy imbalances associated with that organ. Commonly used acupoints in the treatment of astigmatism include Bladder 1, Stomach 1, Liver 4, and Triple Warmer 6.

Studies indicate that stress may actually aggravate or promote astigmatism in children, so acupuncture may be used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation, thereby reducing the severity of the ailment.

Acupressure To help prevent an astigmatic condition from worsening, an acupressure practitioner may work on points around the eyes, nose temples, and cheeks.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Consult a qualified Chinese medical practitioner regarding treatment. Frequently, herbs are used to treat liver problems, which are believed to be associated with astigmatism.




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