Allergies are nothing to sneeze at

By Jonathan Evans Herbalist & co-owner, the Herbarium Special to PRIME Yes, I know that headline may be grammatically incorrect, but if you have ever spent a day with itchy eyes, runny nose, a pounding headache, and then tried to get some sleep, you know what I'm talking about and won't give a hoot about the grammar. An allergy primer Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis is a response to pollens that affect the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and air passages. At least 22 million Americans suffer from seasonal sneezing and other reactions. There are three distinct allergy seasons, distinguished by the type of pollens at the time. Right now, sufferers are dealing with tree pollens, and many grass pollens. In some cases, the mold spores found in last year's leaves are also being stirred up as you do spring cleanup around the yard. Treating allergies naturally Some of the best remedies for allergies can be found in herbal and homeopathic combinations that can and do relieve the symptoms and don't leave you feeling groggy or cotton mouthed, as some over the counter remedies will. For example, the American Herbal Science, Dr. Clayton brand, puts one of the best all-around formulas out, called Sinus-Ade. I am living witness to the potency of the product. I suffered for many years and could not find relief using the over- the-counter items. Plus after many years of using such products, I found I was becoming immune to the drugs. As I began using Sinus-Ade I found quick relief from the symptoms. Over time my immunity to the pollens and other allergens increased and today I rarely have to use my herbal remedies. Another general symptom brand is Buried Treasure. Their Aller-Ease formula contains vitamins, herbs and other nutrients that help with the inflammatory process. Aller-Ease contains such items as quercetin, a bioflavinoid that helps inhibit over-production of histamine; bromelain, which increases absorption of quercetin and is very effective in treating inflammation of the delicate sinus tissues; L-Histidine, an essential amino acid that supports normal histamine production; and MSM, a sulfur compound that works as an anti-inflammatory, and softens the cell walls allowing allergens, and foreign proteins to be moved out of the body. Best of all, it works quickly, and is in a fruit juice base, so even fussy children, (and fussy adults) will actually use it. Already taking other medicines? For people who are afraid of mixing herbs with other medications they may be on, let me suggest Homeopathic remedies. There are a variety of Homeopathic remedies that work well without side effects. Most Homeopathic remedies found in health and nutrition stores are labeled for easy reference. Some ingredients will include: Arsenicum album, Calcarea Carb, Allium Cepa, Euphrasia Officinalis and kali Bichromicum, to name a few. In general, the Homeopathic remedies may contain several other individual items for particular symptoms or problems, but they are very safe and very effective. Allergies and your diet During the hay fever season that affects you, it is best to stay away from mucous producing foods such as white flour, dairy products, sugar and artificial sweeteners. These foods produce a thicker, stickier mucous that just makes matters worse. Increase your water intake, along with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. You will find that the allergy season is much less severe. Herbal help for sore muscles Finally, I notice many of you are already out with your spring clean up activities (personally I think you folks are rushing it just a bit) and I have already heard the tales of woe concerning sore backs and strained muscles. There are some very simple things you can do to make your clean up easier and less painful. First, make sure you are getting enough magnesium in your diet, either through food or supplementation. When I am out cutting wood, I always take my mineral supplement and do not have to worry about sore lower back muscles. A ratio of two parts magnesium to one part calcium does the trick. Homeopathic MAG PHOS can be used for quick relief of muscle aches and pains if you forgot to take your minerals. There are also a wide number of topical treatments to use. Tiger Balm is an old favorite, though it does carry a certain medicinal smell. Boswellin cream is an Ayurvedic herb that works particularly well for arthritis-type pain. My wife, the Herbalist and Clinical Aromatherapist, designed two great pain relievers. One is called Pain-Away, a combination of ginger and black pepper oils. Ginger is a rubefacent, bringing circulation and warmth to the area, and black pepper has analgesic properties, and best of all, it has no medicine smell. Lastly, she created the Ultimate Soak. This is a combination of herbal extracts of valerian, oat, and skullcap, along with essential oils in a base of bath salts. This stuff can untie any knotted muscle! There have been times I have used this in the bath, and just wanted to throw a blanket over myself and never get out of the tub. The last suggestion for pain-free spring cleanup is, hire someone to do the raking and rubbish removal. Good Luck! Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mail at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.