ALLERGIES
 

Allergy is defined as "any body reaction that cannot be explained by infection or injury or tumor growth ... The term allergy should really be limited to eczema, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), bronchial asthma, drug reactions, serum sickness, and contact dermatitis." (London Smith, The Encyclopedia of Baby & Childcare)

An allergy happens like this. ‘Something’ is taken into the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or digestive tract. The body, recognizing this 'something' as being unfriendly or foreign, sends out antibodies to devour the invader. In the process of eliminating and/or neutralizing the invader, histamines are released. The liver must then supply antihistamines to neutralize the histamines. Histamines are responsible for all allergic reactions that involve swelling, itching, fluid production and retention, etc.

Often in allergy situations, we see weakened adrenals (hence, very little stress hormone production), a congested liver, poor digestion, hypoglycemia (especially cravings for sweets, bread, and cheese), and Candida overgrowth.

When working with allergies, it is best to do very little for the symptoms and work with the cause instead.

When working with meridians (energy channels within the body) to reverse allergies. This is exciting and often very beneficial. In addition to this, it is mandatory to support the liver, adrenals, digestion (many food allergies begin with poor digestion), and pancreas. For the liver consider using Liver Cleanse Formula. An alternative is Gall Bladder Formula or the single herb Oregon grape. These cleanse the liver and nourish it so it can function properly. Chlorophyll is helpful, too.

Formulas for the pancreas that often work well are: HY-A or Pro Pancreas formula or PBS . Licorice herb can also be used and is available in capsules and extract. Hawthorn extract can be very helpful in supporting the pancreas and stabilizing the blood sugar. For the adrenal consider using Adrenal Support or Pantothenic Acid or AdaptaMax. For the digestive system Food Enzymes are vital to building and for the allergic person.

The organ/system which is manifesting the symptoms may need support, For example: the formula HSN-W and Pau d'arco lotion are good for the skin. Sinus Support may help the sinuses. ALJ or Marshmallow & Fenugreek or Lung Support can be used for the respiratory tract.

Bifidophilus Flora Force could be used to build the bowels and Bowel Detox to cleanse it..

Some people have found relief by using Bee Pollen (start with small doses and build it gradually) as a preventive and curative. They usually use it for up to 12 months, and then find they don't need it anymore. As in all things herbal; there is not one cure-all. What works for your neighbor may not work for you.

Supporting the body with vitamins and minerals can also help. Vitamin A & D can help to build respiratory tract integrity, and of course vitamin D is needed to help in the assimilation of vitamin A.

Vitamin B complex supports the adrenal glands and helps them to function properly. Vitamin B is utilized best when taken with vitamin C. Vitamin C has demonstrated antihistamine properties with some people, and is used best when taken with bioflavonoids.

Vitamin E helps vitamin A to work better, and also helps body cells retain their proper permeability, decreasing their susceptibility to histamines.

Allergies are more than just an inconvenience. They are a deep-seated problem. Orthodox medicine will usually prescribe antihistamines, with their miracle side effects, and/or allergy shots. In my opinion, allergy shots serve to 1) beat the body into submission so it can no longer respond to a diseased state with a cry for help, 2) drive the allergy to another part of the body where it will once again manifest itself with different symptoms and 3) lower the immune system.

The key is to strive to bring the whole body into balance, providing the nutrition for it to heal itself.

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Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant

Phone: (719) 495-4930

E-mail: Karen