Allergy Answers
By Dr.Kingsbury

What causes allergy symptoms? (during the late summer season)
The underlying cause of allergic reactions can be an immune system imbalance exacerbated by stress. While dust and pollen are common occurrences that do not affect most people, if you are stressed or have a weaken immune system allergy symptoms can occur. Late summer allergies are often caused by dust in the air. Your immune system starts producing histamines to fight off the attacker. Excess histamines circulating in the body cause inflammation and congestion in the respiratory system.

What types of herbal remedies have you found to be most successful at easing those symptoms?

TO EASE SINUS CONGESTION

1. Herbal Teas and Tinctures

My number one choice for allergy relief is the common Stinging Nettle.  Either in tea or tincture extract, it acts as a natural antihistamine to clear blocked sinuses. High in chlorophyll and natural minerals it also has the stress relieving qualities of strengthening the adrenals and immune system. Alfalfa contains digestive enzymes and high amounts of vitamins and minerals making a superior green tonic herb for all ages. Drinking a cup of tea daily helps alkalize the blood and restore balance to an anxious body. Chickweed helps the body release mucus and has a cleansing effect on the cells. This wild edible weed can be gathered, washed, and added to sandwiches like sprouts or made into a tea by steeping 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried herbs in 1 cup of water for 20 minutes. These three herbs make up the popular Allertea tincture that I formulated for Earth Wisdom Herbals.

Caution: when gathering herbs be sure to do so with a qualified herbalist or botanist to assure proper identification.

 2. Lavender Sinus Pillow

My first herbal heat pillow was made by blending 1 ½ cups of whole grain rice and ½ cup of organic lavender flowers in a white tube sock tied at the end. If you like to sew, you can make a fancier one, but for a quick fix the sock works fine. To use just place the pillow in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Cool to a safe temperature before placing it over your forehead and sinus area. Relax for 20 minutes in a comfortable place to ease your mind and body, and open your sinuses. Good to ease sinus headache pressure to. As the herbs are heated, the volatile oils are released and the healing vapors can be inhaled.

3. Sinus Steam

This can be as simple as taking a hot shower, bath, or facial steam. Hot water is the main ingredient enhanced with essential oils or dried herbs. 5 drops of lavender or eucalyptus globulus essential oil can open bronchial and sinus passages as well as having the relaxing benefits of warm steam. If you do not want to take a bath, simply opening a bottle of the essential oil in the shower and inhaling the vapors is helpful. A sit-down sinus steam can be made by pouring 2 cups of boiling water in a cereal bowl.

Add 1 Tablespoon of yarrow flowers or your chosen essential oil. Create a tent over the bowl and your head with a towel. Inhale the warm vapors for 5-10 minutes. Have a box of tissues handy as the steam opens up respiratory passages for easy expulsion of mucus.

Lavender essential oil is also a preventative for bronchitis and asthma attacks. Simply opening the bottle and inhaling the vapors can reduce irritating feelings in the lungs.

 TO EASE EYE IRRITATION

Eyebright tea or tincture

To make a tea steep 1 teaspoon of the herb leaves in 1 cup of water for ½ hour. Sweeten with ½ teaspoon of honey if needed. The tincture extract is convenient to add to water or take directly in your mouth. A dropperful  up to 3x a day can ease allergy eye irritation. The herb in known to tone the membranes behind the eyes.

Fennel Seed Eye Compress

Fennel seeds from your kitchen spice rack can be used as a soothing herbal eye compress. To make the compress, boil 1 cup of water. Add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, cover with a saucer to let steep for ½ hour. Separate the seeds from the fennel tea by pouring the liquid through a strainer. Dip a cotton face cloth into the cooled fennel tea. Squeeze out excess liquid, fold the face cloth in half, then lay the fennel compress over your eyes. When one side gets warm, flip the cloth over.

 Are there any warnings/cautions associated with using herbal remedies for this type of condition?

(For example, some doctors warn that certain herbs can actually make some allergy symptoms worse, such as herbs that are closely related to ragweed)

If you are new to using herbs or taking other medications, start with one herb at a time and one cup of tea or one dosage of tincture.

Research suggests people with ragweed sensitivities are best to avoid chamomile or goldenseal based herbal products. Ephedra is a plant source of epinephrine, the main ingredient in many bronchial dilators. Though it is an ingredient in some herbal allergy formulas, because of its controversy I do not recommend using it.

Disclaimer...The information provided here is intended to help you make informed choices about your health. It is your responsibility to seek medical attention if needed. If you are pregnant or nursing it is recommended to use herbs only in conjunction with the guidance of an experienced herbalist.

Why do you think herbal remedies are so effective?

Herbs help both to reduce symptoms and treat the underlying cause of disease.

With the benefit of easy to assimilate vitamins and minerals, herbs are a wise choice for building your health naturally. Many are easy to grow in your backyard or can be wildcrafted from local fields.

Herbs also contain a broad spectrum of active ingredients making them less resistant to bacteria and viruses.

TO learn more about how to use herbs for family wellness, check out our class list.

What advice do you have for late-summer allergy sufferers?

3 STEPS OF PREVENTION:

1. Drink plenty of fluids including: 4-6 cups of spring or filtered water a day, 1-2 cups of herbal teas a day, and 1 cup of fresh fruit or vegetable juice a day

 2. Begin drinking 1 cup of tea a day or taking 1 dropper of Astragalus root tincture, 1 month prior to usual onset of allergy symptoms to boost your immune system. This herb is safe to take for long periods of time as an immune tonic. This Chinese herb is now grown organically in the United States. To make a tea simmer 1 teaspoon herb in 1 cup of water for 20 minutes. 1 Tablespoon root tied in a bit of cheesecloth makes a nourishing addition to autumn soup broth.

3. For optimal health relax and renew yourself with adequate rest, regular relaxation-inducing exercise, and daily laughter.