-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
immune system
Hayfever syndrome
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Hay fever, also known as Allergic Rhinitis
Hay fever is a seasonal reaction to pollen from trees, grasses, and other plants. It may also be due to fungus spores in the air. Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and a run-ny nose with watery discharge. Headaches, irritability, lack of appetite, depression, and inability to sleep may also occur. Hay fever may be accompanied by sinus headaches. If the condition affects the ears, particularly with children, consult your healthcare practitioner.
Factors that contribute to hay fever may include food allergies, abnormally low amounts of digestive acid in the stomach, and allergic reactions to food additives such as the dyes and preservatives used in many foods, beverages, and medicines.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USEFUL, AND YOU CAN TAKE THEM UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Vitamin B-complex 50 milligrams per day.
2. Vitamin C 1,000 milligrams, 2 or 3 times a day. The best form of vitamin C for this condition is buffered (or non-acidic) vitamin C.
3. Beta-carotene 50,000 Units per day. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of Beta-carotene a day.
4. Calcium 500 milligrams per day.
5. Magnesium 400 milligrams per day.
6. Selenium 250 micrograms per day.
THE PROPER DIET FOR HAY FEVER WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. As much as possible, avoid sugar foods (candy, cake, cookies, etc.) and refined carbohydrates such as white flour products, especially during hay fever season.
2. Eliminate or reduce the consumption of dairy products, including cheese, cream, butter, and ice cream. These tend to increase mucus production and make the problem worse.
3. Onions and garlic are recommended. Include them raw as well as cooked in your diet as often as possible.
NOW, LET'S LOOK AT HERBS FOR HAY FEVER:
1. Nettles Take 2 capsules, 3 to 6 times a day.
2. Take a combination of Dong Quai and Licorice in a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract. The usual dose is 25 drops, 3 times per day.
3. Ephedra tincture 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, 3 times a day. Take it with caution if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or insomnia.
4. Make a curry seasoning with equal parts of any combination of the following herbs: Ginger, Cayenne Pepper, Tumeric, Cumin, Coriander Seed, and Fenugreek Seed. Used as a seasoning for meals, this combination of herbs will work to eliminate congestion and stimulate digestion.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue.
Euphrasia 12C: For burning, watery eyes. Take 2 times a day while condition lasts.
Allium cepa 12C: For burning discharge from the nose. Take 2 times a day while condition lasts.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with allergies and hayfever. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.