I've got 99 problems, but come spring my allergies become number one! Join me in holding back the allergy season with these herbal medicine allies.
Allergies: Everything's A Threat
Allergies can be a difficult condition to manage without intervention, causing symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, head congestion, which are difficult to ignore! These symptoms are the result of immune system cascade - where a component of an encountered substance (antigen) causes an immune response signalling to the body to produce proteins (antibodies) which attach to the antigen. This combination results in a cascade including the recruitment of histamine, serotonin, and other substances. These additional chemical messengers are responsible for the negative side effects of allergies such as restricted breathing, mucous secretion, hives, and nasal congestion.Â
When the immune system goes wrong with allergies or sensitivities, it misidentifies innocuous compounds such as pollen or gluten as threats and initiates an inflammatory cascade. Allergies become concerning when left uncontrolled and triggered frequently, leaving the body in a state of systemic inflammation.
Herbal Strategies for Allergies
As allergies can also be exacerbated by other conditions or environmental factors it is valuable to consider allergies from a holistic perspective. There are three key areas to manage: moist mucous membranes, efficient detoxification, and appropriate immune function.Â
Mucous Membranes
Mucous Membranes are part of our first line of defence against external pathogens. Any antigens from our environment are first managed by our skin and then once ingested, by our mucous membranes. If these barriers are kept intact and functioning appropriately it is much more difficult for antigens to enter the bloodstream and initiate the immune cascade. However, in cases where we are consistently encountering antigens that cause sensitising reactions (ex. daily dairy or wheat consumption, mould exposure, environmental pollutants) the body is kept in a primed immune state, assessing everything as a risk and causing reactions to things that may have never affected you in the past.Â
Detoxification Pathways
Efficient detoxification pathways are critical for quick resolution of allergy symptoms. While many of the initial symptoms will subside within an hour post allergen encounter, there are damaging residual symptoms such as lethargy, sluggishness, and prolonged tissue inflammation. These symptoms are a result of the antigen clean-up crew released by the immune system. Preventing prolonged or chronic effects from these messengers is done through the elimination pathways. If elimination is functioning effectively the chemical compounds and antigens are quickly broken down and removed from the body. However, unless you live an extremely clean life, it is safe to assume that in today’s world the detoxification pathways will be sluggish and that liver and kidney support will be required during an allergic reaction.
Immune Function
The immune system, being the driver of allergic reactions is essential to affect real change with symptoms. Different herbs will modulate the immune system in different ways to reduce symptoms and severity, therefore having a blend of herbs is most effective. Nettle for example stabilizes the mast cells, preventing an excess release of histamine and thus reducing many of the itching symptoms, whereas Marshmallow Root or Licorice Root will ‘train’ the immune system so that non-threats such as pollen, aren’t recognized as such.
Important to note - the immune system needs to be trained; over the years it has been told that these antigens are threats, therefore do not expect one cup of tea to rid yourself of allergies! Your immune system was not created in a day (consider the immunity of a baby compared to an adult), therefore for best results with allergies you must start at least one month ahead of your allergy season - which for most people in the Pacific Northwest is right now!
Goodbye Pharmacy, Hello Garden!
Herbs make the best allergy allies! Many of the over-the-counter allergy medicine's are exclusively symptom management, and can have negative side effects like sedation itself. Herbs can actually improve allergies year to year! When the three areas of holistic allergy prevention are considered allergies can subside or even disappear with herbal intervention. If no changes are made to lifestyle, environment or diet, expect to require herbal remedies each season. However, for some the allergies may not come back!
Medicinal Tea Offerings
Allergy Relief
Allergy Relief is a complete blend balanced with Marshmallow Root, Comfrey Leaf, Nettle Leaf, Chamomile, and Pearly Everlasting. Offering immune, and detox support with emphasis placed on stabilizing the mucous membranes for fast symptom relief.
Innate Detox
Innate Detox is the ideal tea for those who are prone to lengthy reactions, or if the reactions are to toxic environmental compounds. Innate Detox ensures that all elimination pathways are considered, preventing prolonged and chronic allergic symptoms
Soothed Sayer
Soothed Sayer is an immune modulating tea, ideal for those without a consistent allergy season but have regular reactions to unknown triggers. Soothed Sayer stabilizes an over sensitized immune system through soothing mucilage-rich and immune active plants.
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