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.
Apr 22, 2009
Homeopathic Medicine for Allergies
Homeopathy is also used for allergy treatment and prevention.
Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for allergy treatment especially allergic rhinitis. Before prescribing an allergy treatment, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. A constitutional type is defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual based from their knowledge and experience.
Allium cepa (raw onion) - allergy treatment for frequent sneezing, a lot of irritating nasal discharge and tearing eyes. The person tends to thirst frequently.
Euphrasia (eyebright) - allergy treatment for bland nasal discharge, with stinging, irritating tears; a suitable person for this remedy has worse nasal symptoms when lying down
Nux vomica (poison nut) - allergy treatment for stuffiness with nasal discharge, dry, ticklish, and scraping nasal sensations with watery nasal discharge and a lot of sneezing; an appropriate person for this remedy is irritable and impatient
Arsenicum album (trioxide of arsenic) - for stuffiness with copious, burning nasal discharge and violent sneezing; an appropriate candidate for Arsenicum feels restless, anxious, and exhausted.
Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for allergy treatment especially allergic rhinitis. Before prescribing an allergy treatment, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. A constitutional type is defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual based from their knowledge and experience.
Allium cepa (raw onion) - allergy treatment for frequent sneezing, a lot of irritating nasal discharge and tearing eyes. The person tends to thirst frequently.
Euphrasia (eyebright) - allergy treatment for bland nasal discharge, with stinging, irritating tears; a suitable person for this remedy has worse nasal symptoms when lying down
Nux vomica (poison nut) - allergy treatment for stuffiness with nasal discharge, dry, ticklish, and scraping nasal sensations with watery nasal discharge and a lot of sneezing; an appropriate person for this remedy is irritable and impatient
Arsenicum album (trioxide of arsenic) - for stuffiness with copious, burning nasal discharge and violent sneezing; an appropriate candidate for Arsenicum feels restless, anxious, and exhausted.
Herbal medicine for allergies
If you plan to use herbs for allergy treatment and prevention, you are advised to consult a qualified herbalist for proper dosage and administration. Herbal supplements or herbs, like other medications, may produce side effects or interact with other medications. It is best to follow instructions as prescribed by herbalist or by the product label.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica/Urtica urens)
Stinging nettle has long history as treatment for variety of respiratory conditions, including allergic rhinitis. Though studies have shown favorable results, more research is needed. Discuss with your doctor about whether it is safe for you to try nettle as a possible allergy treatment.
Freeze-dried nettle capsules can be bought from many health food stores. Recommended dose is 600 milligrams per day.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Butterbur has long been used for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis and to reduce mucus. A study of 125 people with hay fever found that an extract of this herb was as effective and less sedating than cetirizine, a commonly prescribed non-sedating antihistamine. The study lasted only 2 weeks, and while it shows promise, it is not known what would be the effect of using butter bur over a longer time period.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia/Echinacea pallida/Echinacea purpurea)
Professional herbalists may recommend echinacea for allergy treatment especially allergic rhinitis. Test tube and animal studies suggest that echinacea contains substances that enhance the activity of the immune system and reduce inflammation. However, echinacea itself can cause an allergic reaction.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Evening primrose is known as an allergy treatment especially for allergic rhinitis. Its active ingredient is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that may relieve allergy symptoms (see Nutrition and Dietary Supplement section).
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal is traditionally known to be a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Many herbalists include it in allergy treatment. Many laboratory studies suggest that berberine, the active ingredient in goldenseal, has antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties.
Herbal Tea Bath
Herbal tea bath is also recommended for allergy treatment and prevention. Herbal tea bath is used to calm an overactive immune system. Herbal tea from the blend of marigold flowers, lavender flowers, eye bright flowers, or German chamomile are used. This is prepared 1 day before the planned use, by mixing equal amount of herbs to produce a ¼ mixture. Let it soak to 4 cups of tap water and allow to steep overnight. On the next day boil the mixture. Remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes. Strain the herbs and pour the mixture to your bath, then soak.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica/Urtica urens)
Stinging nettle has long history as treatment for variety of respiratory conditions, including allergic rhinitis. Though studies have shown favorable results, more research is needed. Discuss with your doctor about whether it is safe for you to try nettle as a possible allergy treatment.
Freeze-dried nettle capsules can be bought from many health food stores. Recommended dose is 600 milligrams per day.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Butterbur has long been used for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis and to reduce mucus. A study of 125 people with hay fever found that an extract of this herb was as effective and less sedating than cetirizine, a commonly prescribed non-sedating antihistamine. The study lasted only 2 weeks, and while it shows promise, it is not known what would be the effect of using butter bur over a longer time period.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia/Echinacea pallida/Echinacea purpurea)
Professional herbalists may recommend echinacea for allergy treatment especially allergic rhinitis. Test tube and animal studies suggest that echinacea contains substances that enhance the activity of the immune system and reduce inflammation. However, echinacea itself can cause an allergic reaction.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Evening primrose is known as an allergy treatment especially for allergic rhinitis. Its active ingredient is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that may relieve allergy symptoms (see Nutrition and Dietary Supplement section).
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal is traditionally known to be a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Many herbalists include it in allergy treatment. Many laboratory studies suggest that berberine, the active ingredient in goldenseal, has antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties.
Herbal Tea Bath
Herbal tea bath is also recommended for allergy treatment and prevention. Herbal tea bath is used to calm an overactive immune system. Herbal tea from the blend of marigold flowers, lavender flowers, eye bright flowers, or German chamomile are used. This is prepared 1 day before the planned use, by mixing equal amount of herbs to produce a ¼ mixture. Let it soak to 4 cups of tap water and allow to steep overnight. On the next day boil the mixture. Remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes. Strain the herbs and pour the mixture to your bath, then soak.
Apr 14, 2009
Nutrition and diet for allergies
Nutrition and diet help in the allergy treatment and allergy prevention.
If you have food allergy, eliminate those items from your diet. Even if you don't have any identified food allergy, try a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, reduce the intake of foods that may stimulate inflammation (such as meats, full fat dairy products, sugar, and highly processed foods). Change in your diet may improve allergic symptoms.
Include Essential Fatty Acids in your diet.
Omega-6 fatty acids have a longstanding history of folk use as allergy treatment. They are essential fatty acids (EFAs), meaning that they are needed by the body and must be obtained from the diet. People who are prone to allergies may require more essential fatty acids and often have difficulty converting linoleic acid (an inflammation-provoking type of omega-6 fatty acid) to gamma-linolenic acid (an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid). Studies on the use of essential fatty acids for allergy treatment and prevention have had mixed results. Whether taking a gamma linolic acid supplement improves your symptoms, therefore, may be very individual. Work with your healthcare provider to first determine if it is safe for you to try gamma linolic acid and then follow your allergy symptoms closely for any signs of change. Gamma linolic acid is found in spirulina and seed oils of evening primrose, black currant, borage, and fungal oils.
In terms of dietary changes relative to essential fatty acids, you should try to eat foods rich an omega-3 fatty acids (such as cold-water fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts). Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and limiting foods with omega-6 fatty acids (found, for example, in egg yolks, meats, and cooking oils including corn, safflower, and cottonseed,) may reduce allergy symptoms in general. This is because omega-3 fatty acids tend to decrease inflammation while omega-6 fatty acids (other than GLA) tend to increase inflammation.
Take in Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Studies suggest that L. acidophilus, "friendly" bacteria found in the intestines, enhance the immune system and helps in the allergy treatment and allergy prevention. It is thought to have the potential to lower the risk of allergies and suppress allergy symptoms, including allergic rhinitis.
If you have food allergy, eliminate those items from your diet. Even if you don't have any identified food allergy, try a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, reduce the intake of foods that may stimulate inflammation (such as meats, full fat dairy products, sugar, and highly processed foods). Change in your diet may improve allergic symptoms.
Include Essential Fatty Acids in your diet.
Omega-6 fatty acids have a longstanding history of folk use as allergy treatment. They are essential fatty acids (EFAs), meaning that they are needed by the body and must be obtained from the diet. People who are prone to allergies may require more essential fatty acids and often have difficulty converting linoleic acid (an inflammation-provoking type of omega-6 fatty acid) to gamma-linolenic acid (an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid). Studies on the use of essential fatty acids for allergy treatment and prevention have had mixed results. Whether taking a gamma linolic acid supplement improves your symptoms, therefore, may be very individual. Work with your healthcare provider to first determine if it is safe for you to try gamma linolic acid and then follow your allergy symptoms closely for any signs of change. Gamma linolic acid is found in spirulina and seed oils of evening primrose, black currant, borage, and fungal oils.
In terms of dietary changes relative to essential fatty acids, you should try to eat foods rich an omega-3 fatty acids (such as cold-water fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts). Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and limiting foods with omega-6 fatty acids (found, for example, in egg yolks, meats, and cooking oils including corn, safflower, and cottonseed,) may reduce allergy symptoms in general. This is because omega-3 fatty acids tend to decrease inflammation while omega-6 fatty acids (other than GLA) tend to increase inflammation.
Take in Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Studies suggest that L. acidophilus, "friendly" bacteria found in the intestines, enhance the immune system and helps in the allergy treatment and allergy prevention. It is thought to have the potential to lower the risk of allergies and suppress allergy symptoms, including allergic rhinitis.
Vitamins and Minerals for Allergies
If you have any food allergies, eliminate those items from your diet. Even if you don't have any identified food allergy, reducing the intake of foods that may stimulate inflammation (such as meats, full fat dairy products, sugar, and highly processed foods) may improve your symptoms.
Bromelain Bromalain supplements is may help suppress cough, reduce nasal mucus associated with sinusitis, and relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever and is generally used for allergy treatment. This supplement is often administered with quercetin.
Quercetin it is another supplement used for allergy treatment together with bromalain. Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment responsible for the colors found in fruits and vegetables. Quercetin acts as allergy treatment by inhibiting the production and release of histamine.
- Vitamin C Research has shown that vitamin C can reduce blood levels of histamine. Studies have shown that 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C drastically reduced the blood histamine level of a group of volunteers. Some doctors picking up from this study suggests vitamin C as part of allergy treatment.
- Vitamin B Alan Gaby, M.D. said "I often get good results by treating hay fever with supplements of pantothenic acid," (from the book Blended Medicine, Michael Castleman) He recommends to take 100 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin B every day.
Bromelain Bromalain supplements is may help suppress cough, reduce nasal mucus associated with sinusitis, and relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever and is generally used for allergy treatment. This supplement is often administered with quercetin.
Quercetin it is another supplement used for allergy treatment together with bromalain. Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment responsible for the colors found in fruits and vegetables. Quercetin acts as allergy treatment by inhibiting the production and release of histamine.
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