Hay fever and environmental allergies
It's allergy season. Flowers and trees are blossoming, and people with seasonal allergies are sniffling, itching and sneezing.
Most people with allergies are all too familiar with over the counter medications, but fewer realize that there are other alternatives than medication or relocation. Moving elsewhere is not always possible, and using medication may alleviate symptoms, but does not deal with the cause of the problem, an immune system that is reacting to otherwise harmless substances. Allergies are caused when a substance in the environment is seen as "foreign and hostile" by the immune system, which then attacks. The body's own defenses are responsible for the runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms as it attempts to expel the foreign substances.
There are several approaches to treating allergies with natural medicine. It is possible to decrease and even entirely resolve symptoms of seasonal allergies with natural medicine. Generally, it is useful to know what a person is reactive too. While the big culprits may be seasonal pollens, other things can making you more susceptible to allergies. If you know exactly what you are reacting too, you may be able to be desensitized to this substance. Conventional medicine utilizes injections - "allergy shots". Naturopathic medicine uses oral desensitizing techniques, which often do not require repeat visits to be effective.
In addition, the immune system can be stabilized so that it is less trigger happy when exposed to potential allergens. Bioflavinoids are a class of plant chemicals which can stabilize the immune system: in particular, quercitin can be very effective. The immune system's reactivity is also related to the fat composition of the body. Essential fatty acids, particularly the omega three type of essential fatty acid, can decrease allergy symptoms. Many people with allergies are deficient in essential fatty acids. Vitamin C, particularly buffered vitamin C, can also be useful. Diet can influence allergic tendencies. Some people with seasonal allergies will find that changing the diet greatly influences their symptoms, either for the better or for the worse. Botanical medicines and homeopathic preparations can be useful in rebalancing the body.
While some natural medicines such as over the counter combination homeopathic remedies are generally safe, it is wise to seek the advice of a health professional trained in natural medicine. In North America, Naturopathic Physicians are the doctors of natural medicine, trained in primary care medicine, and in BC legally licenced and regulated. A Naturopathic Physician will take your case history, advise you on any diagnostic investigations, and develop a treatment plan suited to your individual needs.
Copyright 2000 Dr. Isis van Loon.