subject: Natural Health Care In The Treatment Of Allergies [print this page] There are many people who suffer from allergies. They are allergic to a variety of things, ranging from pollen, dust mites, or even food. These allergic reactions are caused when the body's immune system sort of "overreacts" toward everyday objects that normally pose no threat. Instead of ignoring these objects, the immune system goes after these objects, thereby eliciting an allergic reaction.
These reactions arise in the form of inflammation, rashes, runny nose, or watery eyes, among others. There are even critical reactions, like reduction of blood pressure, trouble in breathing, and loss of consciousness. These can have a negative impact and may necessitate hospitalization.
The simplest method to prevent such allergic reactions is to avoid the allergens causing them. There are allergy testing kits that can identify things having allergens and cause allergic reactions, but this is easier said than done. Several allergens are very universal and are ubiquitous; avoiding them will take a prodigious effort. In situations where avoiding the allergens is not possible, then therapy will help. There are many medications for relieving allergic symptoms, like antihistamine products. There are natural approaches for the treatment of allergies aside from the commercially available treatments. These natural methods are simpler and are not as expensive as commercial medical treatment.
One such approach is the use of honey. A study of people who are allergic to pollen revealed that these people were not allergic to honey with pollen in it. It is implied that honey acts as a sort of desensitizer, making the body desensitized to pollen, making it such that pollen has no longer an allergic influence on the body. This finding supports the traditional belief that honey can reduce symptoms of hay fever.
Another such plant-based approach is the use of nettle extract. Nettle extract has been found to contain components that desensitize the body to pollen allergies that cause hay fever. There are also findings that the severity of allergic reactions to pollen is reduced whenever nettle extract is taken. Hypnotherapy is another approach for reducing allergic symptoms. This technique has been very effective in alleviating allergic reactions.
For pollen-allergic people, the simplest way is to avoid pollen. This may sound absurd, but it can be done. One such approach is to apply a blocking agent to the inside of the nostrils. The blocking agent can catch most of the pollen that may otherwise travel inside the body and cause an allergic reaction. Another approach is to use an air purifier and ionizer at home. These devices can remove pollen and other fine particles floating in the air.
