It is estimated that 10-20% of the population are plagued with sneezing attacks, a runny or blocked nose and itchy and watery eyes. This condition is generally known as allergic rhinitis – inflammation of the nasal passages due to an allergic reaction. Allergic rhinitis can be divided roughly into two different types: seasonal allergic rhinitis, which is triggered by an allergic reaction to tree, grass or plant pollen during the pollen season, and non-seasonal allergic rhinitis, which is caused by other allergens and which can occur all year round. Over 12 million people in the UK now suffer from hayfever, causing misery for many throughout the summer months. Pollens are generally produced in the UK from February to September. The concentration peaks around early July. Allergic reactions are most noticeable in the early morning when the pollen is carried into the atmosphere by the sun warming the air, and in the evening as the pollen laden warm air descends. People who are sensitive to pollen often react to other substances, such as animal hair, house dust, smoke and car exhaust fumes etc.
Many of the symptoms of hayfever are similar to that of the common cold, but whereas colds are often associated with a mild fever and usually pass within a week, hayfever suffers often have a feeling of being ‘wiped out’ for weeks on end. The body recognises pollen as a foreign body, an antigen, and like an infectious molecule it stimulates the immune system to generate antibodies. The action of these antibodies causes the mucous membranes in the nose and the surrounding areas to release histamine and other substances, which are normally produced in response to infection. The role of histamine in the body is to dilate local blood vessels, making them more permeable and thereby helping components of the immune system to get to work cleaning up any infection. As a result, hayfever suffers show classic symptoms of itching, sneezing, a streaming or blocked nose, and itchy, red, watery eyes. Around 30% of sufferers also experience wheezing or breathlessness, known as pollen asthma.
A 20th century disease, the number of hayfever cases reported are increasing steadily each year. The conventional treatments for sufferes of allergic rhinitis consist of desensitisation injections, which have been shown to be of limited value, antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, which give some temporary relief and can cause side effects of drowsiness and can affect co-ordination. In severe cases, steroid preparations are prescribed. These can depress more important immune functions and tend to deepen the imbalance of the natural defence system. With ever increasing numbers of people suffering from allergic rhinitis and little option from conventional treatment, many people are now looking to nature to help alleviate the symptoms which make their summer a misery each year.
Enjoy Summer with Homeopathic Mixed Pollen
Homeopathy is a 200 year old system of medicine working on the principle of like cures like. Using that principle means that the use of a particular allergen (allergy causing substance) in miniscule amounts can be of great benefit in reducing the symptoms. Given the large amounts of pollens which now cause reactions, including rape seed, rye grass and tree pollens, we have a mixture of many different pollens which has been prepared by Ainsworths, the homeopathic pharmacy London. This means that symptoms caused by a number of different pollens can be alleviated in a simple and easy to take format, no matter which symptoms are most irritating.
Due to the absence of side effects associated with homeopathic remedies, and their suitability for all ages, this remedy is a great treatment for all the family. Taken from the beginning of the hayfever season, usually around March, it naturally increases resistance to pollens and eases attacks of the symptoms. Simply dissolve tow pillules under a clean tongue four times daily. Homeopathic remedies can be used alongside or instead of conventional medicines and your doctor or pharmacist’s recommended treatment may be greatly enhanced by the addition of a homeopathic remedy, so do let him/her know if this is the case. As a complement to your traditional medicine, you may find that some drugs, such as steroids, may slow down your homeopathic response, but none appear to stop it.
Homeopathy can also be considered before the hayfever season begins, usually around November, or any time for non-seasonal allergic rhinitis suffers. By having a consultation with a registered homeopath, constitutional treatment may be given. This removes layers rather like peeling an onion until the root cause is discovered and dealt with.
Homeopathic Mixed Pollen is available for only £5.90 along with expert advice from our fully trained staff.
Simple Homeopathic First Aid for Allergies
Allium Cepa can help hayfever sufferers with violent sneezing and watery eyes!
Arsen. Album is indicated where there is a burning sensation in the eyes and/or nose.
Euphrasia is a great remedy to soothe red, itchy and irritated eyes!
Wyethia can be used successfully when hayfever causes an itchy throat!
Nutritional Supplements
Quercetin & Vitamin C – the bioflavnoid Quercetin inhibits the release of histamine which is the trigger of the physical symptoms of allergic rhinitis whilst vitamin C has been shown to reduce constriction of the airways. In addition, vitamin C helps the body to process and break down histamine as well as increasing the effect of bioflavnoids including Quercetin. Typical intake 250-500mg twice daily.
Carotenoids – some carotenoids can help protect the lining of the respiratory tract, though both their action as an antioxidant and their conversion into vitamin A. In addition, carotenoids reduce the formation of leukotrienes, which trigger the inflammatory and allergic reactions. Typical intake 15-30mg per day.
Luffa Complex – A.Vogel’s Hayfever Remedy
Luffa complex is a traditional herbal remedy, made by Bioforce, which was first formulation by the Naturopath Alfred Vogel at his clinic in Tuefen, Switzerland. A blend of seven herbs, this remedy contains American Spikenard, Heartseed, Golden Thryallis, Luffa, Chapparal, Okoubaka and Toothpick Weed in a formula which can help to alleviate the symptoms of hayfever and other airbourne allergies such as animal fur, feathers and perfume etc.
Each of the seven herbs works individually on specific symptoms:
Ammi visnaga (Toothpick Weed) has an antispasmodic action on the muscles in the lungs to ease the symptoms of breathlessness which often accompanies allergies.
Aralia racemosa (American Spikenard) has been specifically used to relive irritations of the throat and windpipe, as well as to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Cardiospermum halicacabum (Heartseed) is often used to relieve allergies where there is a reaction of itchy skin and urticaria (nettle like rash).
Luffa operculata (Luffa) is effective in combating the symptoms of rhinitis which include sneezing, nasal discharge, and a blocked nose.
Larrea mexicana (Chapparal) has an anti-inflammatory action similar to that of steroids, which reduces skin redness, itching, sneezing and many other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Galphimia glauca (Golden Thryallis) is thought to have desensitising properties useful in hayfever, allergies, bronchial asthma and allergic skin disease.
Okoubaka aubrevillei (Okoubaka) is added for its ability to aid the body in detoxification.
Luffa complex is available in tincture, tablet and nasal spray formulations and can beused alongside all known pharmaceutical medications. It is also suitable for children, and in all cases can be taken more frequently in acute situations to provide instant relief. The tincture and tablets are best taken for one to two weeks before the onset of the allergy season and throughout its duration and the nasal spray can be used whenever the symptoms are present.
Helpful Hints
If you suffer from the misery of hayfever or other allergies then these simple tips can help to minimise the symptoms for you:
· Avoid spending time out of doors between 5am and 10am as this is when the pollen counts peak.
· Also try to keep the windows and doors closed during the day and when driving, use the air conditioner to filter the air you breathe.
· Hang washed clothes inside the house as those which are dried on an outside line can catch pollens from the wind and carry them onto your skin where they can cause irritation.
· Shower and change your clothes following a period outdoors as pollens can stick to hair and clothes and trigger attacks later in the day. For men with moustaches or beards, and women with long hair, shampooing will also help to cut down on symptoms.
· While the pollen count is high try to keep pets either inside or outside rather than allowing them to move between the house and garden as they will pick up pollen on their fur and bring it indoors with them.
· Avoid an excess of diary produce (cheese, butter, milk, chocolate) as this can produce an excess of mucous, making headaches or blocked or runny noses worse.
· Eating locally produced honey from bees in your area can also help to raise you body’s resistance to the pollens that often cause your hayfever.
Angela Stephenson has been working at The Natural Food Store in Norwich City Centre for nearly 6 years. You can benefit from 30 years of experience in Natural Health, or make a telephone order by calling The Natural Food Store, Natural Health Specialists and an A.Vogel Specialist Store on 01603 613228. For internet enquiries visit www.shop-naturally.com or email enquiries@shop-naturally.com.