History of Allergies
Though allergic reactions have been documented in ancient Greek and Roman history, the modern era of the study of allergies really began in the early 1800’s when hay fever was described by a doctor in his journal notes. This continues to be one of the most common allergic reactions, affecting approximately 15 million people in the United States today. The first skin test for allergies was performed in 1869 when a scientist placed pollen into a small cut in the skin and observed the reaction. The concept of immunotherapy, which is building up the immune system through the administration of injections to help people cope with their allergies, was introduced in 1914. Antihistamines became more widely used in the late 1930’s. They helped by lessening the body’s reaction to allergens. Corticosteroids that reduced inflammation caused by allergens started being used to treat asthma and allergic reactions in 1948. A discovery in 1953 and another in 1963 identified the mast cells and antibodies that causes a chain reaction leading to the release of histamine and allergic reactions. Professor Bengt Samuelson won the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1982 for his study of leukotrines which incite the inflammatory responses causing asthma.
Typical Methods
Antihistamine Drugs that block histamine receptors thereby reducing symptoms. The problem is they do not address the cause.
Decongestants reduce swelling and inflammation of nasal passages causing congestion by constricting blood vessels in the area. The problem is that there can be significant side effects that can affect heartbeat, breathing and nervous system. A better natural alternative is the herb Ephedra.
Corticosteroidsare synthetic derivatives of adrenal glad hormones cortisone and cortisol. These also can have serious side effects.
Immunotherapy/ Allergy Shots are intended to desensitize the body and are normally taken weekly. Complications may arise when the shot actually causes increased allergic reactions. Side effects can be severe such as anaphylactic shock.
Elimination diets such as dairy-free or gluten-free manage food allergies by avoiding the cause.
Some Natural Ways to Alleviate Allergies
Cut down on sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Sugar can throw off the microbial balance in the gut, can cause mucus to form and throws off the immune system. The herb Stevia Rebaudiana is a much better alternative.
Eat more dark red and purple foods that contain anthocynanins. These include beets, berries, cherries and grapes. Anthocynanins have been found to have an anti-allergic effect by inhibiting the action of mast cells that trigger histimines.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Curcumin which is in Turmeric can help decrease the inflammation associated with allergies.
Hesperetin and hesperidin are potent phytonutrients that have antihistamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are found in green leafy vegetables and citrus.
Quercitin is a natural antihistamine that doesn’t have the side effects of the drug versions. It can be found in apples, blueberries, chives, cocoa powder, cranberries, onions and tarragon among many others. Also the herbs milk thistle, St. John’s wort, hops, valerian, licorice, elder, chamomile and gingko.
Local raw honey is made from the pollen that when taken internally, has shown in studies to have marked improvement in symptoms and the number of days affected by allergies.
Lemons contain rutin as well as hesperetin, which alleviates eye discomfort, including from allergies. The vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, and B-complex vitamins also assist in subduing allergy symptoms.
Nettles have been proven to reduce inflammation linked to allergies as well as seasonal allergy symptoms. They can be taken by capsule or steeped in a tea or added to soups or stews.
Eat organic to avoid pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and GMOs. They contain less neurotoxins, and contain more nutrients than commercially grown foods.
Sea buckthorn has been used for centuries by ancient Tibetans in the Himalayan Mountains and food and as medicine for breathing disorders and reducing inflammation.
Butterbur, also known as Petasites hybridus, is a shrub that has been used for pain, aches and fevers. It has been studied to show that it offers relief for allergy symptoms as well.
Herbs that aid the lungs: Coltsfoot, elecampane, ephedra, horehound, lobelia, licorice root, lungwort, marshmallow, mullien, pleurisy root.
Apple cider vinegar can help break up mucus and support drainage of the lymph glands. A splash of ACV in a glass of water.
Flush sinuses using a natural sea salt and distilled water in a netti pot. Proper dilution is 1/2 tsp per 8 oz of water or use one of the NeilMed system premeasured packets. Add a splash of colloidal silver if desired. Remember to keep mouth open while flushing to avoid over-pressurizing your nasal system.
Essential oils such as eucalyptus and frankincense in a diffuser will help clear nasal passages and soothe airways.
Be aware of the chemicals are being used to clean the home, also air fresheners and perfumes. Many may make allergies worse or be the cause of them. Air cleaners inside the home can make massive improvements.
Homeopathic Remedies work by signaling the body to overcome imbalances to return to balance.
Click here for a homeopathic outdoor allergy remedy on Amazon.
Click here for a homeopathic pollen/hayfever allergy remedy on Amazon.
The Gut-Allergy Association
Our digestive tract has a link to inflammation in the body. Becoming your own expert on the proper balance of probiotics can decrease allergies as well as many other aspects of your health. Fermented foods such as saurkraut, kimchi, kefir, miso and yogurt bring probiotics to the gut that help reduce and alleviate the symptoms of allergies. Enzymes are another important factor in quelling inflammation and promoting healing. The three types of enzymes are metabolic, digestive and food enzymes. The normal American diet does not contain enough enzymes it is important to replenish enzymes every day and eat more fermented foods. Serrapeptase is a natural enzyme that has been shown to aid asthma and allergies because it helps break down mucus. Papaya and pineapple have other enzymes that aid in breaking up mucus and alleviating allergy symptoms. An alkaline diet using foods such as garlic, lemons, greens, bone broth, coconut milk, almond butter and seeds, gluten-free flours and grains can help bring the body back into balance so it can fight off what it doesn’t need and be able to repair and restore itself.
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