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The Washington area can be a nightmare for allergy sufferers. Spring and
summer allergies can be triggered by airborne pollens of different plants
and trees. These pollens cause the immune system to react by releasing a
substance called histamines which cause typical symptoms like an itching
throat, eyes, nose and ears; sneezing; and a runny nose. Medical
treatments for allergies are unsatisfactory. Most people use
anti-histamines which are toxic and cause side effects like drowsiness,
dizziness, dry throat and mouth and interact unfavorably with medication
like antibiotics and anti-fungals (the newest anti-histamines have fewer
side-effects). The shots often given are expensive, time-consuming and,
by and large, ineffective. Oral corticosteroids are very dangerous and
should only be used in extreme cases. The long term effects of nasal
spray steroids are still unknown.
There are natural alternatives which work well. Stinging nettle (uritic
dioica) is a non-toxic herb which gets its name from the presence of
stinging hairs on the leaves and stems, which when touched, inject
formic acid and histamine unto the skin and cause urticaria, an
irritation and inflammation of the skin. Stinging nettles contain
many biochemicals which endow it with anti-inflammatory properties.
It is supplied in capsules of extract of the leaves.
Another effective treatment is the use of the bioflavinoid called
quercetin. This is obtained from foods like citrus fruits and
buckwheat. A dose of 400mg twice per day until the season ends is
effective. Pregnant women should not take this supplement. Also,
take your typical anti-oxidants vitamin C (2000-6000mg per day),
beta-carotene (5000I.U. per day) and vitamin E (400I.U. per day).
Avoid milk products.
The best way to keep the nasal passages clear is to use a nasal cup,
sometimes called a neti pot. Fill the pot with warm water
and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to make a saline solution. Tilt your head
to the side and pour the solution into one nostril at a time. The
solution will travel through the sinus cavity and come out the opposite
nostril. This flushes the pollen and any other contaminants
off the mucous membranes of the nose.
Sources:
Self-Healing newsletter by Andrew Weil, MD, Premier Issue.
Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products by Rebecca Flynn and Mark
Roest.
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Allergies and Hayfever