Sniffles, Sneezing and Itchy Eyes—Oh My!
Natural Options for Allergies
Sounds like allergy season is here again! In children who are susceptible, or predisposed to allergies, this can be a miserable time—for the parents too! Did you know more than two million school days are lost because of allergy symptoms? Even when kids are able to go to school, they may be significantly impaired; they may be limited in physical activities and may be unable to concentrate because of the annoyance of their symptoms. This may led to a lack of self esteem. Most parents struggle with wanting their kids to feel well versus giving their kids harmful drugs which are conventional medicines only options. Some struggle with this issue themselves; often having to choose between their symptoms or the side effects from the drugs used to treat those symptoms.
Allergies typically manifest in children between the ages of three and seven. Children with a history of atopic, or skin diseases such as eczema as an infant are more likely to develop seasonal allergies than children who have not. They are also more likely to develop asthma as the get older. Eczema, allergies and asthma are a well established triad of illnesses.
Allergic rhinitis are a collection of symptoms caused by a hypersensitive immune system reaction to a substance we have become sensitive to, an antigen, which is usually not harmful. The over-reaction of immune white blood cells (WBC) and the antigen causes a release of histamine from the WBC. Histamine is an inflammatory signal in your body causing the symptoms of allergies which run the course from watery eyes, itchy eyes, sore throat, itchy throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, etc.1
Mainstream allopathic medicine aims to reduce the histamine response by the use of drugs-both over the counter and prescription. But with side effects like impaired ability to concentrate, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, epigastric (stomach) distress, decreased alertness, drowsiness, and muscular weakness, what’s a parent to do?2 Sedating our children before them off to school or sedating ourselves before work hardly seems like we are fixing any problems! Not to mention you must continue taking the medicine in order to have relief, for as soon as you stop taking it, the symptoms return because nothing has been done to address the underlying cause.
The good news is there are many safe alternatives to these drugs which will help to address the symptoms and the underlying susceptibility to allergic reactions. Your Naturopathic Doctor will likely address your diet and digestive health, as food sensitivities here can exacerbate seasonal allergies. Herbs, vitamins, homeopathy, changes in environment and lifestyle may all be recommended. Some common examples are listed below. Please consult your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any supplements for correct doses and strengths.
Herbs
Urtica dioca (Stinging Nettles)—Researchers at National College of Naturopathic Medicine gave 98 adult hay fever sufferers a placebo or 600 mg/day of freeze dried capsules of nettles. The nettle users reported fewer, milder symptoms.3
Petsites hybridus (Butterbur)—In a Swiss study, this herb was tested against the prescription antihistamine Zyrtec. The benefits from each treatment were similar but the Petsites was less sedating. The researchers used 50 mg twice per day in adults.4
Echinacea angustafolia or purpura—Echinacea is often used to help to regulate the immune system, which in this case, may be hyperactive. It should not be used in people who have an allergy to ragweed. They should also avoid other plants in the Asteraceae family (including echinacea, feverfew, asters, chamomile, and chrysanthemums).
Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamin C—In an Italian study, Vitamin C or a placebo was give to 16 allergy suffers, then exposed them to histamine. An hour later the participants who received vitamin C showed fewer symptoms. The dose used in this study was 2,000 mg per day.5
Vitamin A—helps to strengthen immunity especially of mucus membranes.
Quercetin—Quercetin is a bioflavinoid which is thought to stabilize mast cells and thereby decrease symptoms. It should be taken with bromelain to increase absorption. Bromelain can also decrease inflammation, and sinus discharge. Vital Nutrients makes ‘Aller-C’ with Vitamin C, Quercetin, Bromelain, and Bioflavinoids. Contact Dr. Amber for availability.
Fish Oil (Omega 3 Fats)—The omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil have an anti-inflammatory effect. In one study, levels of Omega 3’s were measured in patients red blood cells and found that those with the highest levels had a decreased risk for developing allergic sensitization or allergic rhinitis.6 Another study showed that in neonates who are at risk for atopic diseases (including allergy and asthma), maternal supplementation of fish oil (3.7 grams per day from 20 weeks on) showed improved immune function.7
Regional Allergy Mixes by Dolisos—These are dilute mixes of regionally (Southwest, North Atlantic Coast, Pacific NW, etc) specific grasses, trees, molds, and pollens which aim to stimulate your bodies immune system much like the way allergy shots do. The difference is the quantity of substance given is less and the route of administration is by mouth, not injection, making it much kid friendlier! A study of 40 allergy sufferers in Arizona found a significant improvement with the regional mix versus placebo and no adverse effects were noted.8 This product is no longer manufactured, but Dr. Amber has a few bottles still available.
Homeopathy
An individual remedy will be chosen by your doctor based on your specific symptoms. There are literally thousands of remedies to choose from; two common remedies given to patients with allergies are given below with their indications.
Allium cepa (Common red onion)—Lots of secretions characterize this remedy-from nose, eyes, and mouth. The secretions from your eyes will be profuse and bland (non irritating). Eyes are often red with the desire to rub them. From the nose, patients experience profuse, burning discharge which turns the nostrils and upper lip red. A patient who needs this remedy has symptoms which are worse in a warm room and better in the open air.
Euphrasia (Eyebright)—This patient will have the opposite symptoms of Allium cepa. Eyes are sore and red and the discharge is profuse and burning. The eyes feel worse in open air. The discharge from the nose is bland and non irritating.9
Naturopathic medicine is safe, gentle and effective for treating allergies in children and adults. In addition to reduced or eliminated allergy symptoms, and reduced risk of developing further respiratory diseases, the only ‘side effects’ you may experience are actually bonuses such as increased immunity to infections, more energy and better sleep!