Allergies - Natural Remedies & Treatments
An Allergy is a disorder of the immune system. The person with allergies tends to have allergic reactions to things that are normally harmless to other people. These things are referred to as allergens. Allergies are a very common condition. While the immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses, it also reacts to these allergens which as stated before, are usually harmless to most people and do not create a problem.
However, in the person with allergies the immune response tends to be overly sensitive. And so, when it recognizes an allergen, it will release certain chemicals such as histamines, which fight off the invading allergen. This in return causes itching, swelling, rashes, mucus formation, and other symptoms which vary from person to person.
Allergic reactions can be caused by anything from bug bites to cosmetics to sunlight. Some of the most common allergens are pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander. While environmental factors do play a major role, allergies may also be genetic. If both of your parents have allergies, you will more than likely have allergies.
The main goal of allergy treatment is in preventing the symptoms from occurring in the first place. This typically includes avoiding the allergen, whether the cause be foods, pets, insects, or chemicals. Avoiding certain specific foods such as peanuts can be difficult because they are quite common. That means a person with food allergies needs to very closely follow a diet free from the particular type of food, and also know how to properly handle an allergic reaction.
In the home environment, some steps can be taken to reduce indoor allergens. For instance, your bedding can be covered with a casing to reduce your exposure to dust mites. Regular vacuuming of carpets, and possibly even the removal of your carpet altogether can be helpful in reducing dust and other allergens.
If your goal is to reduce the growth of organisms such as mold, take steps to insure that the humidity levels in your home environment are kept to a minimum. And fix any leaks that could lead to moisture buildup. Regular house cleaning can also aid in dust reduction. It's also a good idea to have a high quality dust filter over your heating and cooling air ducts. Many of these filters can trap very small microparticals including dust and pet dander.
For things like allergies and asthma, prevention is key.
Here are a few of the most popular herbs used in herbal therapies:
Echinacea: This has been claimed to boost the body's immune system to help fight off infections. It has been widely used to treat the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections
Goldenseal: This is typically used as an antibiotic. It is often used in conjunction with Echinacea to ward off the common cold or the flu.
Rose Hips: This is a good source of vitamin C.
Chamomile: This is often used for calming overly stressed nerves, relieving stomach pain, preventing ulcers, and fighting infection.
Garlic: This is known to be a potent natural antibiotic, with natural anti-viral properties. It aids in the reduction of cholesterol and prevents the formation of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
Slippery Elm Bark: This is helpful for soothing sore throats, coughs, and stomach disorders.
Ginseng: This is used to help stimulate the immune system. It aids protecting of the liver from toxic things. And it has widely been used to increase stamina.
Dandelion: This is helpful in relieving premenstrual bloating.
Feverfew: This has been used to aid in the prevention of migraine headaches.
Raspberry Leaf: This is popular in the treatment of morning sickness and uterine infection. It has also been known to aid in the prevention of miscarriage.
Spearmint & Peppermint: These are typically used in the treatment of indigestion.
Comfrey: This is often used in the treatment of cuts or bruises.
Senna: This is a very powerful natural laxative.
Uva Ursi: This is used as a natural diuretic. It is also known for its urinary antiseptic effects.
Ginger: This has been used to help prevent motion sickness. Also used in the prevention of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
Licorice: A digestive aid. Also good for soothing sore throats and treating ulcers.
Remember, before starting any kind of herbal therapy, learn as much as possible about any contraindications, or any allergies that you may have. And you may want to consult with a reputable herbalist to help with your individual needs.
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