May 20, 2008

Allergies? What You Can Do To Enjoy the Weather

Many researchers believe that more than half of the population in this country suffers from allergies of one sort or another, and this probably includes you and me.

So what are allergies? Allergies are the result of an immune system that is confused, mistaking something that should be considered friendly for something that needs to be attacked. Why would an immune system do this? When I speak with allergy sufferers in my herbal practice, I see the same pattern repeating itself. Almost everyone has a history of stress in their background.

May 1, 2008

Sinus infections continued

Research has also shown us that most chronic sinus infections/irritations are fungal in origin. It is easy for fungi to grow in mucous rich sinuses, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to take hold. It is important to treat the sinuses for fungal infestation as well as bacterial.One of the best preventative treatments I have found for sinus problems due to allergies is the neti pot. Neti pots are ceramic or plastic little containers that look like an alladin's lamp, with a long spout. They are used daily or twice daily, especially during allergy season, to wash the nasal passages of pollen and allergens that may cause sinus allergic reactions. I use the standard salt water solution along with one to two drops of tea tree oil to kill fungi in the sinuses. Neti pots can be bought at your local health food store.

Another therapy that I use is to douse a handkerchief in anti-fungal essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender or patchouli and place it over the nose at night to breathe in the anti-fungal, anti-microbial vapors, effectively getting them directly into the sinuses.  

Often just one packet of Sinus and Nasal Seasonal Relief, taken internally will dry up over-productive mucous membranes, making breathing easier and reducing pain.

May 1, 2008

Pollen, Molds, and Allergies...Oh My!!!

Well, geez, here we are again; beautiful springtime, everything is greening up, and the weather is turning warm, which means...pollen, molds, and ALLERGIES!!!  Over the next month I will be talking about herbal and natural allergy remedies.  Also, be sure to check out the HerbalCast on allergy relief for more information. 

May 1, 2008

Sinus infections

Sinus inflammation and infection are sometimes a complication of allergies and people often find themselves having to take several rounds of antibiotics to combat them.  Antibiotics can be lifesaving and effective in many situations but repeated overuse only serves to further confuse and compromise the immune system.  Not to mention, overuse can contribute to the development of rampant antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria such as the current MRSA. Also, because the blood supply to the sinuses is limited, antibiotics in the bloodstream have a difficult time reaching the target.  One must get the anti-microbial directly into the sinus cavities to be effective.  This can be accomplished through herbal steams and herbal snuffs.

April 24, 2008

Spring Nettles

It's allergy season again here in the Rockies.  As some of you know, one of the best spring tonics to prevent or decrease the frequency and severity of allergic responses is Stinging Nettles, Urtica dioica.

Did you know that the fresh leaves can be boiled or steamed and eaten like cooked spinach?  They are delicious and the formic acid sting is neutralized by cooking or drying so you needn't worry about that.