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Alternative Methods for Allergy Relief
Attitudes toward allergy treatments have been changing and more and more as people are open to exploring alternative techniques. Acupuncture,
homeopathy and yoga are just
a few treatments you might want to learn about.
Natural remedies can often help relieve allergies and promote healing,
including such herbal preparations as:
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples inhibits pro-inflammatory compounds
to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and protects the body from the damage
caused by free radicals.
Green Tea Extract (Theasinensis) is anti-inflammatory, protects cells from
bacterial infections, lowers cholesterol and regulates blood sugar.
Echinacea lessens the body�s allergic response.
Euphrasia, also called eyebright, is used to treat nasal discharge.
Licorice root extract has anti-allergic properties. It increases energy,
hydrates the lungs, and strengthens digestion.
Selenium protects against cellular damage and stimulates immune function. In
addition, it is believed to improve the function of vitamin C.
St. John�s Wort is known to relieve sinus headaches.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) reportedly works as well as many
anti-histamine medications.
A tincture of benzoin, also known as balsam, is applied topically to the
nasal passages or inhaled to relieve sinus problems.
Please note that there are few, if any, standards regarding dosages of
herbal supplements so use these preparations with care.
The importance of taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements cannot be
over-emphasized. B-complex vitamins increase energy and calcium inhibits
histamine production, as does vitamin C. Magnesium lessens allergic
reactions and is also a detoxification agent.
Chronic stress, including anxiety and depression, often worsens allergies,
since stressful situations affect the immune system. Stress management is
one solution, when stressors cannot be eliminated. Meditation, yoga and
other forms of relaxation can help reduce stress levels. Acupuncture
improves energy flow and can reduce inflammation and regulate blood flow.
Studies show that acupuncture can also improve immune function. Some
insurance companies will cover the cost of acupuncture treatments.
One simple practice that is not widely known is called inversion, which
involves raising your lower body so that your legs are higher than your
head. This can help relieve sinus pressure and other allergy symptoms.
Inversion causes increased oxygen flow to your brain and can clear your
nasal passages.
Hypnosis is another way to find relief from severe allergies. It has proved
to be effective in improving immune function in some patients. There can be
unknown emotional triggers causing allergic reactions that hypnosis can
address. It is worth investigating whether psychological issues are the
basis for some people�s allergic reactions, which is a radical concept for
many. Understanding the emotional issues that can cause allergies allows us
to attack the problem from an entirely new perspective. Conventional
medicine teaches us that allergies are our bodies� reactions to chemicals
or other substances in our physical environment. Perhaps stress plays a
bigger role in creating allergies than we know, and behavioral conditioning
and other non-medical therapies may one day become our treatments of choice.
Note: Some statements in this article may not be
approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and
should not be taken as professional medical advice.
