By Andrea Hauser
We are rapidly approaching the dreaded season of sneezing, runny noses, itchy watery eyes, throat irritation and a general low feeling despite the end of winter. Canadians are much too familiar with these “summer cold-like” symptoms and consequently are far too familiar with the allergy section at the drug store.
Living with seasonal allergies and hayfever can be torture for many individuals especially when it impacts our ability to enjoy outdoor activities after a long winter of being cooped up indoors. Many people are quick to reach for over the counter allergy meds that may provide temporary relief of symptoms but often reap havoc on the liver and can cause unwanted side effects. Natural alternatives such as Homeopathic Medicine can provide individuals with relief from allergy symptoms without the use of suppressive medications that can cause more complex health concerns.
Hay fever is described as a type of seasonal rhinitis typified by an allergic reaction to pollen causing a release of histamine by the body and inflammation of the mucous membranes (eye, nose, and airway). This is a very physical (or material) way to look at allergies. When we look at allergies from a more holistic point of view we understand that it is our inability to resist the allergen that is the issue. The allergen is merely the trigger and not the problem.
Treating the symptoms of allergies alone is not always the answer, and avoiding allergens is not truly living. What needs to be addressed is the strength of your constitution and immune system. Homeopathy strengthens your constitution; creating deep and profound healing by naturally activating the body’s self-healing mechanisms. We become less affected by typically harmless substances (allergens) when our constitution is strong as opposed to being over-reactive and hypersensitive. In general, allergies are a reflection of an imbalance in the body as a whole.
As a classical homeopath, a remedy that fits your unique expression of allergy symptoms is selected. This remedy can also address any other symptoms you may be experiencing mentally-emotionally and physically. Overtime the remedy will help your body to heal itself and overcome allergy symptoms as a result of addressing the root cause of your health concerns.
There are also numerous combination homeopathic remedies that can potentially help your allergies. These products are a more natural, side-effect free option that may be helpful in providing temporary relief of allergy symptoms in some patients. If you would like to try a safe, natural alternative in treating your allergies this spring call Sage and book your Homeopathic Consultation with Andrea Hauser OR check-out the Natural Dispensary at the Sage Clinic for products such as Luffeel (homeopathic hayfever treatment and nasal spray) and Allergiplex (homeopathic prevention and treatment of allergies).
**********************************
Helpful Allergy Tips
Use nasal saline irrigation products such as a Neti Pot during allergy season to help gently flush away irritants. Note: An inexpensive bulb syringe and with warm distilled water and Himalayan salt or sea salt can produce the same effects (Ex. 1tsp of salt to each pint of distilled water)
Strengthen your immune system by limiting sugars and wheat from your diet, exercising, and optimizing your Vitamin D levels
Take a high quality probiotic because good bacteria can help to lower levels of an antibody that produces allergy symptoms, while raising levels of antibody IgG that may play a role in allergic reaction
Consider an air purifier for your home to help remove airborne allergens.
Increase your Omega-3 fatty acid levels (fish oil) to reduce the allergic and inflammatory response.
Avoid mucous-forming foods such as fried and processed foods, refined flour, eggs and dairy products while increasing your green leafy vegetables for their high nutrient content required for a healthy immune system.
Take a Vitamin C supplement that contains Quercetin for its natural antihistamine effects
To soothe itchy and irritated eyes, soak eyepads in diluted, cool Eurphrasia tincture and rest them on the eyelids (Ex. 4 drops of the tincture to 150mL water)
By Andrea Hauser, Homeopath