Spring and Fall are oh so beautiful times of the year as Mother Nature is changing so vibrantly during these seasons. However, these seasons also send millions of people around the world running for the pharmacy to buy the strongest and most expensive anti-allergy medication they can find. Most people believe that their allergies are caused by pollen, dander, cat or dog fur etc, but the truth about what causes these allergies is much more complex. Most of these 'allergens' are actually harmless because what REALLY causes most allergic reactions is YOUR OWN IMMUNE SYSTEM! It mistakes these incoming allergens as a serious threat and begins an all out immune system assault, resulting in the excessive sneezing, coughing, mucus, itching eyes etc associated with an allergic reaction. The body then floods your system with special cells called 'mast cells' which release chemicals like histamine which in turn cause your allergy symptoms.
Your current health certainly has an impact on wether you will develop a reaction or not, so it is best to try to keep your immune system well supplied during these times to prevent your body from developing allergies. You should also do your own research when identifying a natural remedy that works for you. Some severe adverse reactions have been reported by some people while taking some of these remedies below and some are not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Below is a list of some of Natures most potent allergy blockers.
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| Butterbur Plant |
- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) ~ This perennial plant is native to Europe and Northern Asia and is member of the Daisy family. It has been used for thousands of years by indigenous people for many physical ailments and modern medicine knew of it's amazing ability to curb severe migraines decades ago. However, scientists have recently been studying Butterbur in allergy reduction and prevention with amazing results. It does however contain a toxic element, Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid (PA's), that in high doses can causes severe physical reactions and cause various cancers. Many manufacturers have made butterbur extracts available by removing the PA's and always be sure that your butterbur product contains NO PA's before attempting to curb your allergies with Burrterbur.
- Stinging Nettles ~ Stinging Nettles have been used in various forms for allergies all over the world and is considered one of the best natural histamine blockers. It can be used in the form of tea, freeze dried, capsulated or some people even eat the leaves raw (which we DO NOT recommend). They have long been used as an allergy medication because of their ability to curb histamine production therefore resulting in smaller allergic reactions. A few words of caution ~ nettles can affect menstrual cycles and they should not be used during pregnancy. If you are taking blood pressure medication, be aware that nettles can lower your blood pressure. Drink lots of water when using nettle as it also acts as a diuretic.
- Burdock Root ~ This root has been used for many thousands of years and is a key ingredient in many ancient Chinese medicinal remedies. Burdock is a common weed that produces purple flowers. It has very volatile oils, carbohydrates, fatty oils, tannins and plant sterols. The root of this herb has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, which is why it has been used to treat allergic reactions.
- Quercetin ~ This substance is found in the skin of onions, red grapes and apples among other plants and is natural antihistamine. It is a plant based chemical known as a flavanoid and further evidence shows that quercetin is effective in restoring normal insulin function that can lower risks from metabolic conditions including diabetes
- Bromelain ~ This enzyme is primarily derived from the stems of pineapples, and has long been used for medicinal purposes by natives of Central and South America. It is thought to inhibit the bodies production of histamines, therefore reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
- Bee Propolis ~ Bee Propolis is produced by, you guessed it, Bees! It is generally used by Bees in the hive for dozens of different purposes including sealing the hive, reinforcing hive strength and it is believed to help strengthen the human immune system, thereby helping to reduce allergic reactions.
There are many manufactures of natural allergy remedies and I suggest you find one that works for you and your specific allergy needs.
Natural Cures Not Medicine
Keep healthy using nature.
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