Spring has arrived and with it misery for about 20% of the Australian population.Whether the culprit be dust mites, pollens, grasses, pollutants or foods, these allergens trigger the production of antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies then attach to specific immune cells known as mast cells and basophils causing them to release copious amounts of histamine and inflammatory chemicals. This results in the annoying symptoms of allergy such as runny itchy nose, watery eyes, irritated throat, skin rash and asthma.
Just as we need to spring clean the house once a year, spring is when the body needs a clean out as well to decrease the toxic load. Natural remedies work well to improve drainage and circulation of sinus/nasal passages, improve immunity, decrease allergic response and membrane inflammation.
- Avoid Dairy, Sugars, soy milk and alcohol which all produce excess mucous and phlegm
- Drink lots of Water! Try 3 days of only water, freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices. Sip on fresh ginger slices in hot water or fenugreek, peppermint or chamomile teas. Squeeze ½ lemon into your water jug/bottle.
- Stop it before it starts! If it starts with an infectious bang, take homeopathic Aconite; for sneezing, take homeopathic Euphrasia; for a runny nose, take homeopathic Allium Cepa. Ask your local homeopath or health food store.
- Eat as much onions, garlic, ginger, chilli, horseradish as you like, or other people can tolerate, as they are a natural antibiotic, will flush out excess mucous and decrease inflammation. A wonderful disguise for children or adults who do not like the taste is to slice an onion and pour a tablespoon of raw honey over the top. Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container and in 24 hours you have a sweet antibiotic syrup. A teaspoon/day of the liquid syrup helps kill any germs!
- Increase your Vitamins. Take Vitamins C, A, Bioflavonoids and Zinc in one tablet or formula together daily. This will boost your immune system as well as decrease inflammation of the sinus/nasal passages.
- Herbal Magic. My favourite herbal mix for allergies includes Echinacea, Eyebright, Golden Rod, Golden Seal and Albizzia. These herbs decrease the allergy response and speed your recovery.
- Sinus Drainage Massage: 10 drops of eucalyptus or chamomile essential oils into 10ml rosehip/olive oil and massage around sinuses, inside nostrils, base of nose 3x day for 3 days.
- Steam Inhalations: add 6 drops of oils above to a bowel of hot water/bath/hot shower or to palms of hands & cup over nose.
- Salt Water Wash. Mix ½ tsp of sea salt to 1 cup water and use a dropper or neti pot to clear wash out your sinuses.Swimming in the ocean will have the same effect!
- Exercise. Regular exercise that is stimulating and FUN helps unclog sinuses, increases circulation and reminds us to enjoy life! Try skin brushing each morning before showering.
If these handy hints do not provide relief, book in for a comprehensive, individual treatment plan.
