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HAY FEVER
Hay fever is an allergy which develops
when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless airborne
substance as something harmful. The immune system starts producing
antibodies to this harmless substance.
The next time this substance comes into
contact with the lining of the mouth, nose and throat these
antibodies recognize it and signal the immune system to release
chemicals, such as histamine, into the bloodstream.
These immune system chemicals cause a
reaction that leads to the irritating signs and symptoms of hay
fever. Hay fever is more prevalent in people who are physically
inactive
Hay fever is never caused by hay nor
does it cause fever as the name suggests. Usual culprits that cause
hay fever are:
- Dander (dried skin flakes), hair and saliva from pets such as cats, dogs or birds is common all year round.
- Dust mites or cockroaches can occur all year round.
- Grass pollen is common in spring and summer.
Perfume, aftershave and air fresheners
Ragweed pollen is common in autumn.
Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and moulds
Tree pollen is common in spring. Usually different trees release pollen at different times throughout spring, but if the weather has been particularly cold, the trees may wait and all will release their pollen at the same time which is particularly unpleasant for the hay fever sufferer.
Although hay fever can begin at any age,
it is usually developed it during childhood or early adulthood. It's
common for the severity of hay fever reactions to change over the
years. For most people, hay fever symptoms tend to diminish slowly,
often over decades.
Sneezing activates the pharyngeal and tracheal muscles involving
the face, throat, and chest muscles. The sneeze reflex involves
contraction of a number of different muscles and muscle groups
throughout the body, typically including the eyelids. Any of
these muscles can be strained when sneezing constantly.
Address the alkaline balance in the body. Check the pH of your saliva with pHydrion paper. If the saliva pH is below 7.2 then you may have an imbalance of the bacteria flora in the intestines. To increase your oral pH to a normal 7.2 or greater, drink one teaspoon
of
bicarbonate of soda in two ounces of
cooled boiled water.
It is that easy to neutralise the acids that can cause the following health issues:
Cleaning teeth with
bicarbonate of soda after eating and avoiding commercial powerful chemical laden toothpastes and mouthwashes which can also help readdress the balance.
NATURE CURES HAY FEVER
Dry sheets and clothes indoors – never hang clothes outside to
dry in summer if suffering from hay fever
Antioxidants: in particular
flavonoids found in virtually all fresh vegetables, prevent
the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine from immune
cells.
Rutin is especially effective against hay fever. Foods rich
in rutin such as:
apples
(especially the peel),
apricots,
asparagus,
buckwheat (especially the leaves),
capers,
cherries,
citrus fruits and
prunes should be consumed along with foods rich in
in the following nutrients:
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Butterbur reduces inflammation, blocking histamines and
leukotrienes. Studies suggest the herb is effective for
relieving sneezing, itchy eyes, sinus congestion and headaches.
People allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemum should avoid
butterbur.
Carotenoids found in orange and green plant foods promote freedom
and openness in the airways. See
Nature's Colour Codes. Always consume foods rich in fat soluble carotenoids with a little oil or fatty foods like nuts, avocado or fish in order to absorb them efficiently.
Capsaicin: Cayenne chilli pepper contains capsaicin which thins mucous in the nasal passageways and sinuses and makes breathing easier when a person is suffering from hay fever, a sinus infection or the common cold. Add cayenne pepper to a tea as it stimulates drainage of nasal mucus and reduces cold and allergy symptoms. Take one quarter to half teaspoon of cayenne pepper steeped in a cup of hot water.
NOTE: cayenne pepper has powerful natural anti-coagulant properties similar to the actions of aspirin or blood thinning medication. It is advisable to take less of these medications if regularly consuming cayenne pepper.
Chamomile tea is reputed to relieve hay fever symptoms. Some
herbalists suggest smearing chamomile and lemon oil on a tissue
and inhaling to prevent hay fever symptoms.
Ginger and fresh lemon tea and raw
locally produced
honey works to break up chest congestion and loosen phlegm.
It strengthens the immune system and acts as a natural
antihistamine.
Green tea blocks the production of histamine and is one of
the best homemade remedies for building the immune system.
Honey that has been produced by local bees can effectively prevent hay fever when taken before the hay fever season starts.
Horseradish,
basil and
garlic can provide relief for hay fever.
Lemon balm
leaf tea with
mint or
peppermint
leaves and a teaspoon of locally produced
honey, can eliminate hay fever symptoms. To make a
tea, pour hot water onto a handful of all the leaves in a jar. Screw on the lid
and then cool and leave to chill for four hours in the refrigerator. Then gently reheat, strain the leaves out and add a teaspoon of honey. Sip this tea three times a day.
Omega-3 fatty acids:
can reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body
which makes it very effective in combating the symptoms and
treating the causes of hay fever.
Highest sources of o mega-3 fatty acids in milligrams per 100 grams
-
Krill oil 36000 mg
-
Flaxseed oil 22813 mg
-
Chia seeds 17552 mg
-
Walnuts 9079 mg
-
Caviar (fish eggs) 6789 mg
-
Cloves (ground) 4279 mg
-
Oregano (dried) 4180 mg
-
Marjoram (dried) 3230 mg
-
Tarragon (dried) 2955 mg
-
Mackerel 2670 mg
-
Herring 2365 mg
-
Salmon (wild) 2018 mg
-
Lamb 1610 mg
-
Basil (dried) 1509 mg
-
Sardines 1480 mg
-
Anchovies 1478 mg
-
Soya beans 1433 mg
-
Trout 1068 mg
-
Pecans, sea bass 986 mg
-
Pine nuts 787 mg
-
Bell peppers (green) 770 mg
-
Oysters 740 mg
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Radish seeds sprouted 722 mg
-
Purslane 400 mg
-
Basil (fresh leaves) 316 mg
-
Rabbit 220 mg
-
Kidney beans 194 mg
-
Wakame seaweed 188 mg
-
Alfalfa sprouts 175 mg
-
Brussel sprouts 173 mg
-
Rocket 170 mg
-
Cauliflower 167 mg
-
Spinach 138 mg
-
Broccoli 129 mg
-
Raspberries 126 mg
-
Lettuce 113 mg
-
Blueberries 94 mg
-
Summer squash 82 mg
-
Strawberries 65 mg
-
Milk 75 mg
-
Eggs 74 mg
-
Chinese cabbage (pak choy) 55 mg
Parsnips 49 mg
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Peppermint tea relieves nasal and sinus congestion. Drink it
cold to soothe coughing associated with hay fever and allergies.
Red krill oil capsule taken twice a day is particularly effective at reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body which can combat the symptoms and causes of hay fever.
Stinging nettle is known for its ability to
reduce the amount of histamine the body produces. Drink as a tea
by steeping leaves in hot water for 15 minutes then straining
and adding locally produced honey and lemon juice to taste.
Associated articles
"Nature cures not the physician..." Hippocrates 460 BC
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