Simply Natural Healing

If spring and fall send your seasonal allergies into a spin, many experts say look to Mother Nature for relief. Allergy sufferers often find that the road to relief is best achieved by non toxic natural solutions. There are a variety of all-natural treatments that studies show can help — often without many of the troubling side effects associated with traditional care. “Using nature-based products can be a very useful way to handle mild allergies and a useful adjunct for more significant allergies, and there are many types of treatments you can safely try,” says Mary Hardy, MD, director of integrative medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Homeopathic treatment is gaining respect in the treatment of upper respiratory infections and allergies. In late 2011, the Swiss government’s report on homeopathic medicine represents the most comprehensive evaluation of homeopathic medicine ever written by a government and was just published in book form in English (Bornhoft and Matthiessen, 2011). This breakthrough report affirmed that homeopathic treatment is both effective and cost-effective and that homeopathic treatment should be reimbursed by Switzerland’s national health insurance program. The Swiss report found a particularly strong body of evidence to support the homeopathic treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Respiratory Allergies. This report cited 29 studies in “Upper Respiratory Tract Infections/AllergicReactions,” of which 24 studies found a positive result in favor of homeopathy. Further, six out of seven controlled studies that compared homeopathic treatment with conventional medical treatment showed homeopathy to be more effective than conventional medical interventions.

Considering the lack of toxic side effects offered by the homeopathic products and the recent studies performed by the Swiss government showing them to often be more effective than conventional treatments, it would seem logical to at least test these products to see if they are effective for your allergy symptoms. I have used a variety of homeopathic products for many years and have been very pleased with the results.

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NATURAL ALLERGY TREATMENT

Allergies plague millions of people, and many only get marginal relief from drugs, which can also have frustrating side effects. There are many ways to treat your allergies naturally, without medicine. Unless it’s an allergy that is life-threatening, try one of these methods before you reach for the pharmaceuticals.

Treating your allergies naturally with things like vitamins, minerals, and herbs will also boost and strengthen your immune system and provide adrenal support. Not only are you fighting your allergy symptoms, you’re also helping to avoid future illnesses.

The name for this approach to fighting allergies is called the “Orthomolecular” approach. This method focuses on using nutritional supplements to strengthen the body, which helps you correct nutritional imbalances that can compromise your immune system and it supports the body’s natural functions to let your body itself fight allergies.

Combining Nutritional supplements into an allergy relief plan can achieve specific effects. First, herbs and dietary supplements that strengthen the immune system are essential. Then, other nutrients and herbs strengthen the adrenal glands in your body so that you can fight allergens better. The last group of supplements work as natural antihistamines, decongestants, and relieve the inflammation that usually comes with allergies.

NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR ALLERGY RELIEF

Vitamin C w/bioflavonoids This supplement works as a natural antihistamine, and it boosts your immune system while providing adrenal support. Take up to 5000 mg daily.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) B5 boosts adrenal function and also defends against stress. It is a good addition to other supplements that boost immunity and provide antihistamine action. Take up to 1000 mg 2 times daily.

CoQ10 This one does more than just boost immunity and work as an antihistamine – it also helps you deal with stress, and is often combined with B VitaminS to counteract depression. Take 100 mg 3 times daily.

Vitamin A If coughing and postnasal drip are PART of your symptoms, it is likely that you have inflammation. Vitamin A will reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. Take 10,000 IU 2 times daily.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Combine Omega-3 fatty acids with Vitamin A and CoQ10 for a complete allergy relief plan – it works to reduce allergic reactions. Take 1000 mg dail

Alka Seltzer Gold is a sodium bicarbonate/potassium bicarbonate mix that has been
shown to reduce allergic responses. It is very effective when combined with
Emer-gen-c. When you have active allergy symptoms it can be very helpful to take this mix am/pm.

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR ADRENAL SUPPORT

Licorice Root Is often referenced in herbal literature dealing with allergies and colds. It works so well because it encourages the adrenal glands to produce hormones that fight illness and allergies, as well as reduce inflammation. Licorice root also increases the level of interferon produced in the body, a natural chemical that fights viruses. Try a licorice root tea, available at health food stores, and drink it hot 3 times daily.

Astragalus Usually taken in capsule form, increases your body’s metabolic activity and strengthens your immune system. Like licorice root, it increases the body’s production of interferon. Follow directions on the bottle as to recommended dosage.

NATURAL ANTIHISTIMINES

Capsicum It is high in Vitamin C and quercitin, a natural antihistamine. Studies have shown that it may help your respiratory system fight infections, and it has been proven to increase energy and help with allergies and respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, and general colds. This is another herb which is better taken in capsule form. Follow the direction included with your bottle.

Vitamin C with Qurecitin It works as an antihistamine and the Vitamin C helps your immune system.

The three categories you need to address are Immune Support, Adrenal Support, and Antihistamine/Decongestant Action. Choose one type of natural supplement for each of these categories, and you’re well on your way to natural relief that will keep you from illness down the line.