{"id":2245,"date":"2012-07-27T10:32:13","date_gmt":"2012-07-27T15:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/paganswithdisabilities\/?p=2245"},"modified":"2016-05-31T12:04:14","modified_gmt":"2016-05-31T17:04:14","slug":"ease-allergy-symptoms-naturally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/paganswithdisabilities\/2012\/07\/ease-allergy-symptoms-naturally\/","title":{"rendered":"Ease Allergy Symptoms Naturally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

I\u2019m allergic to dust so to others out there who are suffering during the enduring North American drought, you have my sympathy. I\u2019m also allergic to mold and pollen. When we encounter one of these common allergens our immune system will over respond. This can cause one or more of the following symptoms:<\/p>\n

scratchy or swollen throat
\ndry or watering eyes
\nrash\/hives
\ncoughing\/wheezing\/shortness of breath
\nrunny nose
\nsneezing
\nheadache
\nnausea
\ndiarrhea<\/p>\n

These symptoms depend on whether you inhaled, touched, or ingested the allergen. <\/p>\n

The solution that has worked best for me is a nasal rinse. You can by these in at least two form: neti pot or bottle. Sometimes they will come with a prepackaged solution or you can make your own. It is important to follow the sinus rinse instructions. Keep your equipment sterilized. Boil the water or use distilled water to prevent infection. Use the water at room temperature to prevent burns. Don\u2019t use a sinus rinse when your passages are very blocked. This can cause pain in your ears from the pressure.<\/p>\n

Tamera Glascock owner of Tamera\u2019s Herbs<\/a> in Edgar Springs, Missouri suggests making a sinus rinse out of 1 teaspoon of sea salt in 2 cups of water. Add 1\/8 teaspoon of goldenseal to clear up any present infection. Goldenseal will also sooth and protect the sinus cavity membranes. (Kaleidoscope Weekly) She doesn\u2019t mention what form of the goldenseal to use so I\u2019m guessing a tincture. <\/p>\n

UPDATE:<\/p>\n

Hi~
\nTamara (from Tamara\u2019s Herbes) here. Nice article and a great blog!
\nI did want to clarify on the golden seal. I use the powdered form and put it in when I put in the salt. It doesn\u2019t completely dissolve, but that isn\u2019t really a bad thing. A small amount of the powder may not dissolve, but it will simply remain in your nasal cavity where it will continue to heal and soothe the mucus passages until your body naturally passes it out or absorbs it. I\u2019ve never had a problem with it feeling gritty or anything like that.
\nI don\u2019t recommend using the tincture because it almost always is in an alcohol base, which can cause drying, irritation or burning.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"goldenseal\"
\nImage:<\/em> Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) \u2013 flower is a cluster of white stigmata with light green tips surrounded by a darker shaded leaves. The leaves have many hills and dips. The edges are ragged and a red brown color.<\/p>\n

Studies show that stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) blocks histamine receptors and can sooth allergy symptoms. (Pubmed.gov) Glascock suggests making a tea of 1-2 nettle teaspoons of nettle leaves to use in the sinus rinse.<\/p>\n

For irritated skin, my favorite treatment is aloe or tea tree oil.<\/p>\n

For more information on herbs you can visit Linda Ursin\u2019s site Heksebua.com<\/a>. Linda is a heathen witch living in Norway.<\/p>\n

Have any tips or websites you\u2019d like to suggest? Please share them in the comments. Comments are moderated and it may take a day to show up in on the website.
\n
\nReferences:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cNature has the Cure\u201d<\/em> guest writer Tamera Glascock Kaleidoscope Weekly July 26, 2012 <\/p>\n

US National Library of Medicine \u2013 Allergies <\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cNettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.\u201d<\/em>
\nRoschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. pubmed.gov<\/a><\/p>\n