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Seasonal Allergies

Allergies · 1stChineseHerbs

Did you know that an estimated 50 million people in the United States have an allergy? So if you have some allergies, you aren't alone! Thankfully, there are some herbal and natural remedies for allergies. 

What is an allergy?
An allergy is the inappropriate response by the body's immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful. The body mobilizes the white blood cells to fight these foreign bodies. The immune system produces IgE antibodies to that allergen. Those antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine (pronounced: his-tuh-meen). In some cases the body's immune system wrongly identifies a non-toxic substance as an invader, and the white blood cells overreact and do more damage to the body than the invader.

What are the symptoms of allergies?
Allergy symptoms can include hay fever, asthma, runny nose, itchy eyes, and irritated throat. In more serious cases, anaphylaxis can occur. Other symptoms may include sneezing, tingling mouth, hives, edema, itching, wheezing, red skin, and flaky skin.

What are some common allergies?
Many people have at least one type of allergy. Common allergies include:

• pollen
• dust mites
• mold spores
• pet dander
• food allergies
• insect stings
• medicines

What can I do to help with my allergies?
There are some things you can do to help with your allergies.

• Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid sugar, caffeine, and dairy. Certain foods might exacerbate the severity of your allergies.

• Check Your Medications: Sometimes people can be allergic to certain ingredients in their medications. Other times, medications can make your allergic reactions worse. Check with your doctor if you think one of your medications is interfering with your allergies.

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References

  • "Allergy: MedlinePlus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/allergy.html>.
  • Balch, James F., and Phyllis A. Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Pub. Group, 1997. Print.
  • Bland, Jeffrey, and Donald R. Davis. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, CT: Keats Pub., 1983. Print.
  • Naeser, Margaret A. Outline Guide to Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines in Pill Form: With Sample Pictures of the Boxes: An Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Boston Chinese Medicine, 1990. Print.
  • Santillo, Humbart, and Subhuti Dharmananda. Natural Healing with Herbs. Prescott Valley, AZ: Hohm, 1984. Print.
  • "The Nutritional Protocol Manual by Dolores S. Downey." LibraryThing.com. <http://www.librarything.com/work/8615616>