 Nature's Way
with Alan Hayes
Don't Let Allergies Get You Down
Why some people develop allergies and others don't still remains a medical mystery. The best line of defence in combatting them is to remove the offending agent. On the home front, consider installing an air-cleaning system. They keep humidity down, which discourages mites and mould, and also filter pollens from the air.
Consider going back to timber floors with floor rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, and if you've build on a concrete slab it's worth considering timber flooring over the top of it. You might also consider sleeping on synthetic pillows - they have one major advantage over those made from down is that you can wash them in hot water.
However, quite often we do not know the cause of an allergy unless specific allergy testing is done, because almost any substance in the world can trigger an allergic reaction. Dairy products, pollens, house dust, pets, wheat, and food colorants, preservatives and other additives are common culprits. These can trigger allergic reactions to manifest as asthma, eczema, hyperactivity, fatigue, itching, running nose, sneezing, headaches, and lumps and bumps.
Seriously consider your diet and start by avoiding processed, refined 'white foods' - white flour, sugar, rice, and egg whites - and replace these with extra fresh fruit and salads, oats and vegetable juices. Avoid milk and dairy products, and tea, coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks, while the attack is on, but drink plenty of filtered or spring water.
Herbs and vitamins will help alleviate the symptoms of allergies. For runny noses and eyes and constant sneezing, horseradish is excellent as it helps to dry up mucus and lessens sensitivity to pollens. Since fresh horseradish can cause a burning sensation when taken on an empty stomach you may find the tablets from your health food store more acceptable. You should also take plenty of garlic, either in your food or as a tablet and combine this with the horseradish.
Fenugreek seeds, which are good for clearing blocked nasal passages, can be made into a tea. Soak a teaspoon of seeds in cold water for 30 minutes, then add boiling water, cover and allow to infuse for 10 minutes before straining and drinking.
A cup of Alfalfa tea taken 3 times daily during an attack will help to give relief. Or blend 10ml each of honey and apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water. Drink half in the morning and the rest in the evening about an hour after your meal. And for mild to moderate food allergies drink lots of soda water or a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in water.
Include a glass of the following juice blend in your diet as part of your daily morning regime. Blend together 200ml of carrot juice and 150ml of celery juice and strain through a fine strainer to remove the pulp. Sip slowly for best digestion.
Chewing a piece of comb honey daily often helps to clear the nose and sinuses in Hay Fever attacks. If possible, track down a beekeeper in the area in which you live and buy the comb honey from them.
These simple natural modifications to your home, diet and daily regime will help to make life far more pleasant if you tend to suffer from an allergy.
Alan on the Web - www.itssonatural.com
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