Most people suffer from some form of allergies at one time or another. Allergic reactions are brought on by an overactive or hypersensitive immune system. Normally, our immune system protects us from invasions like bacteria, viruses and toxins. However, an allergic reaction occurs when the immune system responds in an exaggerated manner to any substance introduced to the body. These hypersensitivities can occur from exposure to certain foods, medicines, airborne particles, or fungal and mold particles.
There are a number of good over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications on the market that will relieve your allergy symptoms, regardless of their source. However, one of the most important contributions to allergy relief is identifying which allergens the body is reacting to. In the case of food, fasting for two to three days on a simple, plain diet can make an easy self-diagnosis. Then begin reintroducing the suspected foods one at a time, leaving a minimum of a one-day interval. Common food allergies are milk, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.
Once you are aware of your food sensitivities, it is best to avoid these foods. If you do need allergy relief and are having a strong reaction, such as with peanut allergies, emergency medical care is required immediately. However, if you are having a mild reaction to something you have eaten, there are several ways to achieve allergy relief.
A quick, natural remedy is mixing equal, small amounts of turmeric, honey and licorice root into a paste and eating it. This remedy will work within minutes. Caffeine will also give quick relief to mild allergy attacks. Many people have attested to averting even an asthma attack by drinking a caffeinated soft drink such as Coke™ or Pepsi™.
Spices to consider adding to your diet that will give you allergy relief are cumin, which will eliminate phlegm; coriander, which will help the body detoxify; fennel, which is cooling and neutralizing; ginger and black pepper, both of which have cleansing properties. In the vitamin family, Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. CoQ10, Vitamin E, Selenium and Grapeseed extract boost the immune system. Vitamin A and Vitamin B12 are anti-inflammatories. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce allergic reactions.
There are several homeopathic remedies available for allergy relief. Many homeopathic practitioners believe colloidal silver is an excellent all-around allergy relief remedy. Then there are specific remedies for specific allergens, such as spring grass, ragweed, interior or exterior molds and even harvest time irritants. Moonseed, myrobalan, kutki and turpeth root used as homeopathic remedies help the body eliminate internal toxins and external irritants simultaneously. As with most homeopathic medicines, a few drops under the tongue several times a day is enough for success. Oblas™ is an inhaled product to clear sinuses.
Airborne particles, such as dust, mold and pollen, can cause allergic reactions as well. Air pollution can intensify any symptoms or can become an allergy in itself. Science believes that exposure to any of these particles at an early age can increase your likelihood of developing these allergies later in life. People born at certain times of the year can develop the corresponding airborne allergies. Therefore, if possible it is best to avoid exposure to allergens for the first six months of an infant’s life.
Many holistic practitioners strongly believe the best allergy relief remedy for spring and summer pollen is honey. The theory is that because the local bees gather pollen, we can build immunity to all the allergens they consume. It requires taking one or two spoonfuls of raw, local, wild honey daily. Another long-standing consideration is to purify and cleanse the liver regularly. This reduces sensitivity to all allergens.