Spring allergy aids, the truth about vitamin D

PRIME – April 2013 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist, The Herbarium Happy Spring! For most of you it is a wonderful time of year, but for allergy sufferers, it is the beginning of some miserable times. Some folks began taking allergy remedies several weeks ago to get their systems ready for the onslaught of pollens, molds, and other allergens. Others have tried the old bee- pollen-and-honey treatment to desensitize themselves from the grass and tree pollens bursting forth as we speak. I have suffered with hay fever and sinusitis since I was kid, which was quite a few years ago. None of the over the counter remedies did very much to help my allergies, and I never bothered to get allergy shots. Most people I met who had treatments did not get the relief they expected. When I first met noted herbalist Kathy Duffy, I was a skeptical that natural substances could help my condition, but I tried an herbal combination anyway. Much to my surprise, it worked – with no side effects! Since that day I became a believer and now it is a rare day that I have to take any remedy. That is the interesting consequence of using natural products for my allergies. I do not know if they helped to build up my resistance to allergens, or if they helped to get my immune system out of overdrive. All I know is I do not suffer anymore. Herbal allergy aids Some of the herbs that can help alleviate the suffering of individuals with allergies include Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), which acts as an anti inflammatory and antihistamine; Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), which is helpful for weepy, watery eyes and mucous; and Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), which soothes sore throats and reduces inflammation. Other remedies include quercetin, which is a bioflavonoid that helps inhibit the overproduction of histamine and reduces inflammation, while bromelain helps increase the absorption of quercetin and is a powerful anti inflammatory. Pharmaceutical alternatives Many people use over-the-counter or prescription products for their allergies, and are wary of using natural formulas. For these folks I can suggest any number of homeopathic remedies as alternatives. These remedies are very safe to use, even if you are on another medication. Homeopathic treatments use the idea of "like cures like" to alleviate the symptoms of myriad conditions, including seasonal allergies. Homeopathics are extremely dilute solutions; when you ingest them your body recognizes these ingredients and responds with a healing response. As an example, to treat poison ivy, homeopathy would use a dilution of Rhus tox, or poison ivy, but so diluted it would not even register on a test unless you were using the most advanced technology. It sounds a bit bizarre, but it does work very well. Vitamin C and allergies No conversation about beating the allergy blues would be complete without mentioning good old vitamin C. A great antioxidant and powerful anti- inflammatory, this miracle vitamin helps to thin mucous and strengthen the mucous membrane. The Herbarium carries a variety of herbal formulas to help with allergy season, as formulas tend to work better than individual ingredients. Vitamin D and bone health I have had several calls at The Herbarium pertaining to a story that appeared recently on NBC news. It seems researchers have found using low dose calcium and vitamin D did not improve bone health in postmenopausal women. Several concerned women did not hear or read the whole story, and thought using both calcium and magnesium supplements also did not work. That is not what the research covered; however, the news reports were correct. The study was done using calcium carbonate and low dose vitamin D. At The Herbarium, we have maintained for years that the calcium supplements being sold at the drug store, discount house and online are not the right form of calcium to promote bone health as they lack magnesium. Calcium chelates (citrate malate, glycinate et al) with magnesium and sufficient vitamin D will help with bone density. Please folks, do not panic. At The Herbarium, we do know what we are talking about and have now been proven to be correct. HGH supplements Lastly, TV's Dr. Oz – or someone who is associated with him – is touting Human Growth Hormone (HGH) supplements. I am not sure what amino acids he is referring to, as this information was given to me moments before the deadline for this column. Let me just say one thing. For all the years people have been trying to sell us human growth hormone supplements to look and feel younger, we at The Herbarium have asked one simple question: "In using the HGH boosters, will these contribute to tumor growth?" Not one company has ever supplied any documentation showing that HGH supplements are not tumor promoting. So with all due respect to Dr Oz, I would be hesitant to start messing with Mother Nature. – Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.