Targeted Help for Allergies

The spring flowers have begun to bloom here is South Carolina, and the pollen is out in full force. Everyday my car is coated with a layer of yellow dust – it is amazing how much there is. I would normally be stuffy and sneezing, but I am able to go outside and take a deep breath and enjoy it. I had allergies way back when I was 10 years old, for years I lived on Sudafed all summer long. When I was 25, I started working with herbs and lifestyle changes and was able to overcome my allergies, they barely bother me now. For those of you who are suffering with allergies, I'd like to share with you several natural formulas I have used successfully. These are my “superheroes” formulas for combating seasonal allergies.

Our first supplement COQ10 is a hidden gem. CoQ10 is well known for protecting the heart, but you may not have thought about it for helping with allergies. Researchers have found that people with low levels of Co-Q10 have exaggerated histamine reactions and thus react more to common allergens. CoQ10 is critical for energy production in the cells. It is essential for the health of all human tissues and organs. CoQ10 particularly affects the cells that are the most metabolically active: the heart, immune system, and mucus membranes lining the digestive organs, bladder, lungs, and sinus. Coq10 also enhances the body’s ability to disable invading pathogens and is thought to modulate allergic reactions.

Histablock is my natural alternative to antihistamines like Zyrtec or Claritin. It works well and does not make my head feel funny or dried out like the OTC medications do. The main ingredient in Histablock is the herb stinging nettle which is a natural antihistamine which also reduces inflammation. The formula also contains bitter orange, Quercetin and bromelain which helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the mucus membranes of the sinus. I typically take 2-4 capsules as needed, depending on how much pollen or other allergens are in the air. Histablock can be taken at bedtime to help reduce snoring since it helps reduce the swelling in the nasal passages. If the snoring does not seem triggered by allergens, then you may want to try Snore-Ease instead. The formula Snore-Ease also contains bitter orange and bromelain to reduce inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. Snore-Ease also contains some Coq10.

Note: Vitamin C is also a good antihistamine, and it boosts immune function. You may want to increase your Vitamin C intake if you are suffering from allergies.

Enviro-Detox is a wonderful formula to help combat allergies. The herbs in this formula target cleansing all the channels of elimination: lymph, kidneys, lungs, skin and liver, as well as cleaning the blood. And at the same time, they target the sinus and immune health. When your lymphatic system and elimination channels get congested mucus backs up into the sinus and lungs. This formula gives your body a gentle whole-body cleanse. For a seasonal cleanse to target allergies take 2 capsules 2-3 times daily through a bottle, then take as needed.

If you’re curious about the ingredients in Enviro-Detox, here’s a short summary: Burdock, a key ingredient in the formula, is a blood cleanser. Burdock also helps stop sinus drainage related to weather changes. Fenugreek and Marshmallow help the mucus membranes stay healthy and thin the mucus so it can be expelled. Red Clover helps congestion in the lungs and cleans the blood. Echinacea cleans the lymph and blood of toxins and boosts immunity. Ginger and pepsin help improve digestion, a key factor when dealing with allergies. Milk Thistle and Dandelion support healthy liver and kidney function. Yellow dock, red clover, and sarsaparilla clean the blood. And lastly, Bacillus Coagulans a probiotic which supports gut health, improves immune response and has been shown to help prevent respiratory infections.

Seasonal Allergy formula (formally ALJ) is a wonderful herbal blend, formulated by herbalist Jeanne Burgess. Jeanne lived in the state of Oregon, she created this formula to support the sinus and lungs during cold, damp weather. In the spring and summer, it doubles as a wonderful formula to help relieve allergy symptoms which are accompanied by congestion.

Seasonal Allergy contains Fennel, fenugreek and horseradish which are all warm, spicy aromatic herbs. They act as expectorants to loosen and dissolve mucus. Fenugreek helps to soothe irritated tissues in the sinus and digestive tract and can help reduce fevers. In addition, these herbs have a focus on the digestive tract to help break up gas and intestinal spasms.

The key herb in the formula is Boneset – it is an expectorant herb: loosen and dissolves mucus. Boneset herb gets its name directly from its traditional use of helping the body fight off the flu. The flu’s original name was “break-bone” fever because of the achy bones that came with the onset of the symptoms. The herb Boneset got its name because it helped relieve the aches and pains associated with the flu.

The last herb in the formula is Mullein – this is a cooling mucilaginous herb which means it soothes irritated mucus membranes (mullein has an affinity to the lungs and sinus), it also has expectorant properties like the other herbs in the formula

Note: These herbs also have mild diuretic properties – diuretics help to clear excess fluid from the body. As the mucus is thinned, it is converted to fluid and needs to be removed, so it is important to keep your water intake up while fighting a cold or you can end up with dried out mucus.

Sinus Suppport is another option I wanted to mention - it works well for allergies, combined with sneezing, itchy eyes, and a tendency to get sinus infections. The first herb in this formula is Capsicum Fruit which has antiseptic and decongestant properties (stimulates the productions of mucus fluids to remove irritants) and soothes inflammation in the mucus membranes. Because this is a hot herb, I find it best to take this formula on a full stomach. Sinus Support also contains Burdock, which I have mentioned before as helping the body adjust to temperature changes. Burdock also helps the body deal with allergens. Goldenseal is another key herb in this formula. Goldenseal root soothes inflammation or irritation in the mucus membranes; it also has natural antimicrobial properties. Several other herbs in the formula have expectorant and decongestant properties as well as properties to support your immune system.

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Disclaimer: Supplement recommendations are not designed to treat a disease condition. Discussions are for educational purposes only. Supplements should be used to nourish and strengthen the natural function of the various body organs and systems so that they will have a greater capacity to heal themselves. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations. Any questions or concerns that you have regarding existing medical conditions, or the use of medications with supplements, should be discussed with your nutritionally oriented medical doctor.

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