In line with the rising popularity of alternative medicine, those seeking natural remedies for allergies and allergy-induced diseases like asthma are also on the upswing.
The fact is, mainstream medication can produce adverse side effects that are not properly understood even after years of trials and actual use of drugs in clinical practice.
For instance, a 1995 study in New Zealand showed that prior to 1940, the death rate from asthma was very low. However, after that time, when bronchodilators were introduced, asthma deaths shot up significantly.
Here are several natural remedies for allergies that have been used by practitioners of alternative medicine.
Dietary therapies
* Dairy products are said to contribute to food allergies. They also tend to increase mucus secretions in the lungs which can be detrimental to asthma patients. Some practitioners recommend elimination of dairy products from the diet for allergy patients.
* Avoid processed food, refined sugars / starches, foods that contain sulfites and in general, anything that contains additives.
* Consider switching to a purely vegan diet. Meaning, a diet with zero animal foods. This cuts out arachidonic acid, which is a fatty acid linked to food allergies. Note that a vegan diet may not always work, since some allergies are triggered by vegetables rather than by meat.
* Onions and garlic contain a flavonoid that cuts down the release of histamine. That can help allergy sufferers.
* Drink plenty of water. This helps the body’s elimination process and may assist in reducing allergic reactions.
Acupuncture / Acupressure
Acupuncture has been used as one of the natural remedies for allergies. Asthma patients have also used this form of treatment. Acupuncture relies on stimulating certain points on the body by inserting fine needles into them.
This is part of traditional Chinese medicine and restores health by balancing subtle energy flows in the body. Allergy and asthma patients will need to see a qualified acupuncturist for treatment.
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of inserting needles into the body, it relies on stimulating those specific points using finger pressure. Under the guidance of an experienced therapist, the patient herself can learn to stimulate certain body spots to relieve symptoms.
Both acupuncture and acupressure are thought to strengthen the body’s immune system and thereby prevent allergic reactions.
Herbal remedies
There are a number of herbs that have been used as natural remedies for allergies. Here is a sampling.
* An extract of grape seed has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful for treating allergies.
* Chinese medicine recommends using Ginkgo biloba seeds to control wheezing and other allergic symptoms.
* Stinging nettle helps control the body’s responses to certain allergens.
* Licorice (biological name: Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herbal produce that can be taken as a tea. It is said to have effects similar to cortisone and helps control inflammatory reactions.
* Both cramp (Viburnum opulus) bark as well as khellin (Ammi visnaga) have bronchodilator effects and help with allergies.
* Another herb called ephedra or ma huang (Ephedra sinicia) can be consumed as a tea. It helps to treat allergies because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Some of the herbal remedies listed above produce adverse side effects if used over a period of time. Therefore they must be used only under qualified medical supervision.
Many natural remedies for allergies have been used as complements to traditional western medicine. They have a useful role in alleviating symptoms and helping the body function well even when allergens are present in the environment.
May 21, 2009
Allergy testing and diagnosis
1. First step is to determine if the reaction is allergic. This is usually done by a doctor.
2. Establish if there are other members of the family or close relatives that have allergy
3. Blood test for syphilis - a white blood cell produced during allergy attack
4. Identify possible allergens that may have triggered the allergic reaction
5. History of recent contacts or intake (eating, drinking or injection) of possible allergens that may have triggered the allergic reaction.
6. Skin prick test - solution of allergen is dropped to the skin and then pricked by a needle. The formation of wheal (elevated swelling) and flare (surrounding the wheal of well defined redness) within 15 to 20 minutes would give a positive allergic reaction. Allergen solution may also be injected to provide a more detailed result.
7. Radio allergically test (RAST) is used when skin tests to trigger allergic reaction cannot be used-for example, when a skin rash is widespread.
2. Establish if there are other members of the family or close relatives that have allergy
3. Blood test for syphilis - a white blood cell produced during allergy attack
4. Identify possible allergens that may have triggered the allergic reaction
5. History of recent contacts or intake (eating, drinking or injection) of possible allergens that may have triggered the allergic reaction.
6. Skin prick test - solution of allergen is dropped to the skin and then pricked by a needle. The formation of wheal (elevated swelling) and flare (surrounding the wheal of well defined redness) within 15 to 20 minutes would give a positive allergic reaction. Allergen solution may also be injected to provide a more detailed result.
7. Radio allergically test (RAST) is used when skin tests to trigger allergic reaction cannot be used-for example, when a skin rash is widespread.
May 19, 2009
Types of allergies and what causes allergies
Food allergy. Allergy caused by eating allergenic foods that cause allergic reaction Food allergy may include:
* Peanuts
* Milk
* Wheat
* Wallnuts, pecans, etc
* Shellfish
* Soy
* Eggs
Medication Allergy. Allergy caused by taking medications that cause allergic reaction.
* Penicillin
* Allopurinol
* Sulfa antibiotics
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as asprin and ibuprofen)
* Muscle relaxants
Insect allergy. Allergy caused by insect bites that belongs to the Hymenoptera order of insects. Bites from insect that cause allergic reaction are from
* Bees
* Hornet
* Ants
* Wasps
* Yellow jackets
Latex allergy. Allergy caused by contact to latex materials. Common latex materials that cause allergic reaction are
* Rubber bands
* Carpet backing
* Hospital and dental equipment
* Rubber (latex) gloves
* Balloons
* Condoms
Exercise induced Anaphylaxis: Allergy due to exercise-induced Anaphylaxis develops allergic reaction after doing some strenuous exercise
Allergic Conjunctivitis and Eye allergy. Allergic reaction is usually caused by pollen, house dust mites and animal dander
Hay Fever . Hay fever, asthma and eczema are all related allergy conditions and the tendency to develop them runs in families. Most people with hay fever have allergic reaction to grass and oilseed rape pollens, which appear from April to August each year. People who are sensitive to pollen from hazel, yew, elm and alder may develop allergy symptoms from January to April, and people allergic to nettles and other weeds can be affected from April to mid-September.
Allergic Rhinitis. Allergic reaction is caused by exposure to house-dust mite, but there are others, including allergens from animals such as cats, dogs, and horses. Certain foods, drugs and chemicals can also trigger allergic reaction.
* Peanuts
* Milk
* Wheat
* Wallnuts, pecans, etc
* Shellfish
* Soy
* Eggs
Medication Allergy. Allergy caused by taking medications that cause allergic reaction.
* Penicillin
* Allopurinol
* Sulfa antibiotics
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as asprin and ibuprofen)
* Muscle relaxants
Insect allergy. Allergy caused by insect bites that belongs to the Hymenoptera order of insects. Bites from insect that cause allergic reaction are from
* Bees
* Hornet
* Ants
* Wasps
* Yellow jackets
Latex allergy. Allergy caused by contact to latex materials. Common latex materials that cause allergic reaction are
* Rubber bands
* Carpet backing
* Hospital and dental equipment
* Rubber (latex) gloves
* Balloons
* Condoms
Exercise induced Anaphylaxis: Allergy due to exercise-induced Anaphylaxis develops allergic reaction after doing some strenuous exercise
Allergic Conjunctivitis and Eye allergy. Allergic reaction is usually caused by pollen, house dust mites and animal dander
Hay Fever . Hay fever, asthma and eczema are all related allergy conditions and the tendency to develop them runs in families. Most people with hay fever have allergic reaction to grass and oilseed rape pollens, which appear from April to August each year. People who are sensitive to pollen from hazel, yew, elm and alder may develop allergy symptoms from January to April, and people allergic to nettles and other weeds can be affected from April to mid-September.
Allergic Rhinitis. Allergic reaction is caused by exposure to house-dust mite, but there are others, including allergens from animals such as cats, dogs, and horses. Certain foods, drugs and chemicals can also trigger allergic reaction.
May 6, 2009
Signs and symptoms of allergies
Symptoms of allergies may include:
- allergy baby face rash Watery and itchy eye
- Runny nose,
- Sneezing (hay fever, rhinitis)
- Nasal congestion
- around the mouth, nose and throat
- Itchy skin
- Swelling of
- Rashes (including hives and eczema)
- Swelling of the skin
- Wheezing and coughing (asthma)
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Lowering of blood pressure
- Light headedness, weakness, and anaphylaxis
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- In severe cases may cause death
Allergies defined
What are allergies?
The immune system is responsible for the identification and destruction of foreign substances that enters the body. Normally the immune system acts as the body's defense against disease-causing microorganisms and substances. However for some people, the immune system mistakes perfectly harmless substances for germs and in response, it releases certain compounds to destroy the perceived "enemy". This results to allergic reaction.
Some people may show allergic reaction to one substance, but others may manifest allergic reaction to many substances which we call allergens.
Allergens may cause an allergic reaction when they come in contact with skin or the eye, when they are inhaled, eaten, or are injected. An allergic reaction can occur as part of a seasonal allergy (such as hay fever). Or an allergic reaction can be triggered by taking a drug, eating certain foods, or breathing in dust or animal dander.
May 4, 2009
Chinese medicine for allergies
Chinese skullcap (Scuterllaria baicalensis) has been studied for its effectiveness in both animals and people. It has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties. This makes it potentially useful for treating allergic rhinitis, particularly when used with other herbs, including stinging nettle.
Biminne
Biminne is a Chinese herbal formula used to treat allergic rhinitis. In a recent Western study of 58 people with year-round allergic rhinitis, biminne was found to effectively relieve at least some symptoms in most of the participants. Participants took the formula five times a day for 12 weeks, and they still showed the benefit of biminne even after one year. It is not known how biminne works, or if it is safe to use for extended periods.
Ephedra
Ephedra (Ephedra sinica), also called ma huang, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 5,000 years. It is used to treat nose and lung congestion. Synthetic ephedrine compounds, such as pseudoephedrine, are widely used in over-the-counter cold remedies. However, ephedra and its derivatives are potentially dangerous and addictive. Take only under the close guidance and supervision of an appropriately trained specialist
Prognosis and Complications
Chances are, your symptoms of allergic rhinitis will be readily treated, but they will continue to appear with each exposure to an allergen.
Although perennial allergic rhinitis is not a serious condition, it nonetheless can interfere with many important aspects of life. Depending on the severity of your case, allergic rhinitis may be mildly disruptive to temporarily debilitating, resulting in missed days from school or work. Medication may cause drowsiness and other side effects. Your allergies could also trigger other conditions such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis, and ear infection (called otitis media). Seasonal allergic rhinitis may diminish as you age.
Desensitization may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and may have dangerous side effects such as anaphylaxis. It often requires years of treatment and is effective in about two-thirds of cases.
Biminne
Biminne is a Chinese herbal formula used to treat allergic rhinitis. In a recent Western study of 58 people with year-round allergic rhinitis, biminne was found to effectively relieve at least some symptoms in most of the participants. Participants took the formula five times a day for 12 weeks, and they still showed the benefit of biminne even after one year. It is not known how biminne works, or if it is safe to use for extended periods.
Ephedra
Ephedra (Ephedra sinica), also called ma huang, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 5,000 years. It is used to treat nose and lung congestion. Synthetic ephedrine compounds, such as pseudoephedrine, are widely used in over-the-counter cold remedies. However, ephedra and its derivatives are potentially dangerous and addictive. Take only under the close guidance and supervision of an appropriately trained specialist
Prognosis and Complications
Chances are, your symptoms of allergic rhinitis will be readily treated, but they will continue to appear with each exposure to an allergen.
Although perennial allergic rhinitis is not a serious condition, it nonetheless can interfere with many important aspects of life. Depending on the severity of your case, allergic rhinitis may be mildly disruptive to temporarily debilitating, resulting in missed days from school or work. Medication may cause drowsiness and other side effects. Your allergies could also trigger other conditions such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis, and ear infection (called otitis media). Seasonal allergic rhinitis may diminish as you age.
Desensitization may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and may have dangerous side effects such as anaphylaxis. It often requires years of treatment and is effective in about two-thirds of cases.
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