* Runny nose
      * Nasal congestion
      * Sneezing
      * Itchy and watery Eyes
      * Coughing
      * Post Nasal Drip
      * Fatigue
      * Headache
      * Facial pressure or pain

Hay fever and other allergies are caused when allergens enter our body. Hay fever allergens are airborne substances that enter our mouth, nose, throat and lungs. Pollens are the most common hay fever allergen. Pollens are made from the male sex cell of a plant. Wind carries these pollens to other plants of the same species. Our immune system reacts to these allergens and produces histamines in an effort to rid our body of the pollen.

The allergy medicine industry is a multibillion-dollar industry and they like it that way. Pollen and allergens contribute mightily to their profits. They would have you believe that the only way to treat allergies is through some high-priced medication. Antihistamines, which are the most commonly prescribed drugs for allergy symptoms, can cause sedation and reduce concentration, which can result in serious accidents. Some antihistamines may thicken mucus secretions, increasing the likelihood of a bacterial infection and sinusitis.

Fortunately, there are many natural ways to treat your spring allergies that won't have the unwelcome side effects of over the counter or prescription allergy medications.

The herb butterbur can help allergy symptoms in many cases. It is a shrub like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe and parts of North America. Extracts from the herb have been used in folk medicine for migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies and asthma. Butterbur works in a similar way as allergy medications by blocking the action of histamine and leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions. Butterbur is in the ragweed family, so people who are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisies or chrysanthemum should not use butterbur.

Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that have been shown to help relieve allergy symptoms. Beta-carotene is the best-known member of this family. Many people don't even get one serving of carotenoid rich foods every day. You should strive to have at least two servings per day. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, butternut squash and collard greens.

Quercetin is an antioxidant that may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. It belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids. Quercetin is thought to prevent the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine from immune cells. Histamine is involved in allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching. Quercetin occurs naturally in certain foods such as apples (with the skin on), berries, grapes, red onions, capers and black tea. Quercetin is also available in supplement form. A typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 milligrams per day.

Adding honey to boiled minced grapefruit and lemon can be very helpful in reducing allergy symptoms. The mixture should be taken three times a day. To stop irritation in your nose, simply boil chamomile in water and inhale the fumes from the water.

Talk to your holistic practitioner about other natural ways to treat your seasonal allergies. Using the natural approach you can avoid putting unneeded chemicals into your body and can treat your symptoms without the unpleasant side effects of prescribed medications.


Yours in good health,

Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch

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