ALLERGY SEASON IS UPON US

Allergy season is here! I consider myself lucky… I do not suffer like so many when it comes to allergies, but I do have my moments. Like right now! This up and down of temperature. The sunny and dry one day and wet and humid the next takes it’s toll on my sinuses. I should have stock in kleenex!

In October 2014, I wrote a post about the use of Apple Cider Vinegar and all the uses for this amazing elixir. ACV can be a great tonic to help with allergies, but there are so many other household items you can use to help ease allergies.

Eucalyptus as a natural medicine ingredient for allergy relief

ESSENTIAL OILS ~

I’ve shared my “go to” essential oils that I diffuse to help me – Eucalyptus, Fir Silver & Palo Santo. Works wonders for me! And I know many of you use EOs for loads of uses around the house. Please remember to be wise when using EOs. They are powerful medicine and should always be diluted. Consult a certified aromatherapist.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

The internet provides SO much information at the tips of our fingers! When searching and exploring all that is available, be discrete. Remember to use your best judgement. I’m always happy to hear from a new source. This week I received an email from Positive Health Source. Sounds like a site I would visit – RIGHT?!

Let me share their link about this subject… Click on the From…

From How Does This Happen TO Symptoms TO Tips To Help

HERBS…

We talk alot about plants. Anytime we can pick up something from the garden to help with an issue is always a good idea!

You all will recognize a good number of suggestions that we use for other issues like Nettle Tea. You can buy this amazing plant dry or fresh (in the summer) for teas, to use in salad when fresh, etc.

For my pregnant mamas, we talk Nettle for leg cramps. So many uses for so many plants.

I hope you will all check out this new source for OmBalance. And please let me know what you think.

Full Article from Positive Health Wellness Here

The remedies & conclusion are on their site. Be sure to check them out for more information about Positive Health and Wellness.

How Does Allergic Reaction Occur?

Your immune system protects your body from invaders such as bacteria and viruses that mean you harm. But when it fights with substances that shouldn’t matter that’s an allergy. The substances that cause allergy are termed as allergens. Peanuts, pollen or eggs can trigger a reaction. They are good examples for allergens.

During an allergic reaction, your immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies proceed to cells that release chemicals causing an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction usually causes symptoms in the throat, nose, lungs, ears, sinuses, lining of the stomach or skin.

These antibodies are single-minded, or in other words, they have specific radar for each type of allergen. Some people have allergic reactions to multiple allergens because they have much more types of IgE. Experts believe that your family history may play a part if you have multiple allergies.

Things That Cause an Allergic Attack

Animal dander
Medications such as penicillin
Bee stings
Dust mites
Insect bites
Mold
Foods such as peanuts, fish, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish, milk, soy, and wheat
Plants
Pollens

Symptoms

The allergy attacks may range from mild to life-threatening. If you have any severe allergy, it may cause a serious reaction called anaphylaxis. In some cases, it could be life threatening.

Hay fever: Sneezing, runny nose, red swollen and watery eyes, itchy eyes, nose or roof of the mouth.

Food allergies: Tingling in the mouth. Your tongue, face, lips or throat might swell up. In worst cases, you might get anaphylaxis.

Medications: If you’re allergic to medications you may get a rash, facial swelling or hives, wheezing or in severe cases anaphylaxis.

Stings: Edema which is a large area of swelling, at the site of the bite. Itching or hives all over the body. Stings may also cause shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, or a cough.

Anaphylaxis: It’s a serious condition and can put your body in shock. Medication, food, insect bites or latex are the culprits. The symptoms can come from a mild rash to nausea, vomiting, fainting or dizziness. You may have trouble breathing, tightness in the throat or hives. In such cases call 911 and go straight to an emergency room.

Instant Allergy Relief Tips

Experts advise you to start treating allergies before you feel anything. Spritz a saline solution into your nose daily to wash away pollen. This method is not a substitute for medication, but it can significantly reduce your need for drugs. A research study found that individuals who rinsed their sinuses twice a day for three to six weeks noted less nasal congestion than those who didn’t.

You can use a netipot to alleviate congestion, facial pain, and pressure. Using saline solution can help increase the speed and improve the coordination of the cilia, the tiny hair-like structures inside the nasal and the sinus cavities. Due to this action, the cilia may remove the allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems.

Mold and Mild Dew

Many different types of fungus or mold grow in our environment, and there’s mold all around us. It becomes a problem if you have a sensitivity to it and if you have areas in your home that promote mold growth. The areas could be wet areas like the basement for example.

Keep the humidity low in your basement by using a dehumidifier. If you have problems with leaks in your house, then immediately repair it because leaks promote mold growth.

Garlic

Garlic is an anti-histamine superfood and is a natural antibiotic that wards off viruses, infections, and allergies. Eating raw garlic every day will fight off all types of allergies because it immensely boosts your immune system. Garlic removes the allergens completely from your blood stream.

Citrus Fruits

An alkaline body results in better balance and immune function. Limes and lemons boost your immunity levels because they contain with vitamin C. If you drink lemon water the whole day, it rids your body of all the impurities.Go in for pure lemon water without any refined sugar.

Raw Local Honey

Raw honey contains bee pollen which wards off allergies. Use local raw honey made from the same flowers in your neighborhood. The honey produced this way will strengthen your immunity to the pollen allergies where you live. Naturopaths use bee sting therapy to boost the immunity levels.

Butterbur

If you want to go the natural route to beat allergies sans the pharmaceuticals, then try butterbur. It has the best track record among herbs used for pollen allergies. Butterbur is a big leafy green plant native to Europe.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help relieve hay fever. In a research study allergy sufferers were randomly assigned to a dozen acupuncture sessions had more symptom relief, and they used less anti-histamine medication than those who got a sham treatment or did not receive treatment. Experts believe that acupuncture curbs inflammatory immune system substances involved in allergic reactions.

Cook with Turmeric

Turmeric which is a common spice in Indian cuisine contains curcumin. Curcumin acts as a decongestant, wards off colds and helps reduce allergy symptoms. Curcumin, when mixed with other herbs like licorice root or extract of Boswellia, becomes effective in giving relief from immunological reactions to remove allergies.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid which helps stabilize mast cells to keep them from releasing histamine. You can best use it as a long-term remedy, and you may take it for 4-6 weeks before the allergy season to ward off the symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Organic apple cider vinegar promotes alkalinity and pH of the body which is one reason it works as a natural remedy to ward off all types of allergies. If you take a good look at a jar of apple cider vinegar, you will see little floating strands; these are living enzymes that keep allergies at bay.

Nettle Leaf

It is very effective in naturally blocking the body’s ability to produce histamine. Capsules made from dried nettle leaves are the easiest and most efficient option to treat allergies.

Probiotics

Donna Gates writes in the body ecosystem that consuming probiotics especially the ones that are resident in the human digestive tract can help optimize your inner ecosystem and your immunity.

For nearly all allergies probiotics improves the mucosal lining of intestines, hinder the growth of pathogenic bacteria, stimulates immune enhancing substances and has a direct influence on immune response.

Red Onion Water

Onion contains a water soluble compound called quercetin. Research studies show us that quercetin reduces the amount of histamine produced by our body. Quercetin inhibits inflammation, acts as a bronchodilator, opens up the pathways and helps you to breathe easier.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus contains citronella which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It helps to cleanse the body of toxins and harmful microorganisms acting as allergens.

Eucalyptus oil opens up your lungs and sinuses thereby improving circulation and reducing allergy symptoms. A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that Eucalyptus oil is very effective in treating upper respiratory infections.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract has high amounts of antioxidants, and it also exerts anti-inflammatory effects. This action helps in decreasing the inflammatory response related to allergies. Quercetin a natural anti-histamine is present in olive leaf extract.

Research studies have shown that Quercetin inhibited histamine release in people who had mild to severe allergic rhinitis. Consistent use of olive leaf extract helps the immune system to shift its focus to environmental allergens permanently and away from internal toxins leaving you healthier and able to enjoy life.

Sea Salt

Two of nature’s potent antihistamines are sea salt and water. This combo is one of the practical, cost-effective remedies you’ll ever find. Sea salt is alkalizing and helps to reduce inflammation in your respiratory system.

Sea salt can boost your immune system. It nourishes your adrenal glands helping you to prevent illness or recover quickly by stimulating cellular energy. Himalayan, Celtic, Redmond, Hawaiian and Maldon sea salts are your best options.

HEPA Filters

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. HEPA filter is a type of mechanical filter that works by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles. Using HEPA filters in your home can trap dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen inside your house and may help bring allergy relief.