Treat Seasonal Allergies Naturally

October 9, 2007:- Actifed, Benadryl, Claritin... you could make an alphabet book with the names of allergy medications drugstores sell to soothe seasonal symptoms. But all have side effects that can be as annoying as the sniffles and sneezes they treat. So, with the autumn allergy season upon us, I thought it might be helpful to review some natural therapies for treating allergy symptoms.

As regular readers have heard before, using "natural" treatments for anything -- allergies included -- doesn't make this a do-it-yourself solution. Natural doesn't automatically mean safe and dosages must be adjusted to your individual needs by your own naturopathic physician. That said, for broad advice on this topic I called Jamison Starbuck, ND. She practices natural and holistic medicine in Missoula, Montana, is a past president of The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and had lots of helpful, interesting suggestions you can discuss with your own doctor.

SOME TREATMENTS THAT HELP

Dr. Starbuck recommends assorted supplements to quell her patients' symptoms:

Quercetin. Abundant in apples, citrus fruits, raspberries, black and green tea, grapes and red wine, this bioflavonoid has the capacity to strengthen the capillaries in the upper respiratory tract to make them less reactive to the airborne particles, including pollens or spores from grasses, weeds, trees and ragweed that trigger many allergic symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory capacity is especially helpful, Dr. Starbuck told me, because some people prone to allergies simply have highly reactive mucus membranes, meaning they have a low tolerance for irritation. "Quercetin supports the immune system at the same time it helps to decrease inflammation," she said. "Patients have told me that using quercetin alone has made a huge difference in their symptoms and suffering." This super bioflavonoid is inexpensive and widely available in capsule form at health food stores. Remember that quercetin may interact with certain drugs, so check first with your prescriber.

Vitamin C. The anti-inflammatory, free-radical-quenching capacity of vitamin C decreases the release of histamines, which our bodies generate to manage allergic insults like pollen. Dr. Starbuck cautions that at higher dosages of this super-power vitamin, some people may notice a loosening of the bowels -- if you're among them, ask your doctor to cut you back to a lower dose.

GARDEN VARIETY TREATMENTS

Stinging nettle. This flowering plant is gaining popularity in its freeze-dried form as being moderately effective in soothing allergy symptoms. There's not much research supporting this -- a 1990s study from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland indicated it might have a mild helpful effect -- but stinging nettle has a long history in traditional medicine as treatment for allergies, among other conditions. The fact that it also has an anti-inflammatory effect leads many practitioners to prescribe stinging nettle as part of a total natural treatment for allergies. It's most effective if taken at the first sign of symptoms, said Dr. Starbuck, who has used it for years and finds it helps her patients. If you are taking blood thinners like coumadin or if you have diabetes, stinging nettle should be used very carefully. A small percentage of people are allergic, so if stinging nettle makes you feel worse, talk to your doctor. You can be tested for a nettle allergy. Pregnant women should avoid it.

Eyebright (Euphrasia). This herb has been used as a compress to treat eye infections and irritation for hundreds of years and Dr. Starbuck points out that it's also quite effective when taken orally in a tincture for treatment of inflammation of nasal mucus membranes and sinuses.

AND NOW TO THE KITCHEN

Food allergies. Though seasonal allergies and food allergies seem to be distinctly different entities, Dr. Starbuck explains that it is important to realize that they're not unrelated. "Seasonal allergies are definitely aggravated by food allergies and sensitivities," she told me. Allergy sufferers should be aware that problem foods can amplify seasonal allergies so you should try eliminating the usual offenders, at least temporarily. "Dairy, wheat, corn and soy are all mucus-producing foods," she told me. They can make seasonal allergies like hay fever worse -- avoiding them can make a big difference. Also avoid foods that contain mold (such as blue cheese) since these, too, can trigger allergy symptoms.

Chamomile tea. This sleepy-time favorite soothes mucus-membrane activity, which will help allergy victims feel more comfortable. Note: Chamomile tea can cause allergic reactions in those allergic to ragweed.

Decongestant snack. Finally, Dr. Starbuck offered her own recipe for a homemade decongestant snack. Mix water and organic honey together (in a 50-50 mix), bring it to a simmer. Add to this the peels of organic grapefruit, lemons and oranges. These, she says, "are absolutely loaded with bioavailable quercetin and other bioflavonoids." Leave to simmer for 20 minutes. Once they've simmered and cooled, the peels are sweet, soft, and beyond delicious -- keep them in the fridge for a sweet and healthy treat. The remaining liquid can be reheated and enjoyed as a beverage.

Source(s):

Jamison Starbuck, ND, practices natural and holistic medicine in Missoula, Montana. She is a past president of The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. .......

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