Natural Ways To Ease The Seasonal Sneeze!

Natural Ways to Ease the Seasonal Sneeze!

After a very long winter, it seems that Spring has now finally arrived. For many of us, it is a time of year that brings new life and renewed energy, lighter mornings and nights and nature itself truly starts to awaken once more. We start looking forward to the Summer, and begin to plan our holidays, time with friends & family and long days in the outdoors. We could liken it to our emergence from Hibernation! However, for some of us, the return of Spring also brings the misery of Hayfever Season!

Usually encountered in the spring and early summer, hayfever it is part of the group of health conditions known as’ allergic rhinitis’ – an allergic reaction to airborne substances which lead to inflammation in the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. People prone to the condition tend to develop the problem during their teenage years, and although the condition lessens in severity with age, it can certainly linger well into late adulthood. In the main, these airborne substances are pollens from grass, trees or flowers. In temperate climates such as in the UK and Ireland, pollen levels increase dramatically in spring as nature comes to life, and as the weather warms up and we head into the summer months, grass, bushes, trees and other plants grow and develop in a coordinated fashion. In this way, pollen levels are highest during spring and early summer

The main symptoms of hayfever are experienced in the eyes, nose and throat. These commonly include:

·         Sneezing

·         Itchy or runny nose

·         Irritation at the back of the throat

·         Itchy or runny eyes

·         Blocked nose

·         Dry cough 

There is evidence that hayfever is on the rise, with one in five of the UK population now suffering with the condition, a number that has trebled in the last 20 years and alarmingly, still on the increase. Jean Emberlin, Scientific Director of Allergy UK explains

“Around 16 million people in the Britain suffer from hayfever and the figure is expected to rise to 30 million within the next two decades. 95% of hayfever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen. One in four is allergic to birch and one in five allergic to oak”

She goes on to say,

“there is substantial evidence from pollen monitoring records and from vegetation surveys to show the timing of some of the pollen seasons has been changing in the UK and across Europe over the last few decades” this is in addition to longer pollen seasons and increasing pollen loads. Air pollution is also contributing to this increase, acting as an irritant to the respiratory system making more people susceptible to symptoms whilst indirectly interacting with pollen allergens and making them more potent."

This is not the news that millions of UK hayfever sufferers want to hear! The bottom line is - hayfever is now becoming an all year round war, with the arrival of Spring posing the biggest battle!

So, what can we do to ‘arm’ ourselves and help minimise the effects of pollen on our health?

There are numerous over the counter remedies that offer some relief, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops and steroids are just a few examples. However, if the latest research is anything to go by, some of these over the counter and prescribed remedies need to be approached with caution. A recent study from the Indiana University School of Medicine has found that a certain group of over the counter and prescribed medication, hayfever medication included, could be linked to the development of dementia and Alzheimers in older adults. The scientists have found a link between the prolonged use of ‘anticholinergenics’ (which include some hayfever treatments) and reduced brain size and poorer cognitive performance, whilst the drug users also had lower levels of glucose metabolism in the brain – a biomarker for brain activity that leads to Alzheimers.

With this startling evidence in mind...Are there more natural options available to help alleviate the symptoms of Hayfever? In short, yes. Fortunately, there are certain nutrients and botanical medicines that can provide primary therapy or be used in combination with conventional methods and they might just make all the difference between enjoying the spring and summer months, spending it sneezing, or worse...indoors!

Supporting Hayfever...naturally!

Pycnogenol

 Otherwise known as French Maritime Pine Bark, Pynogenol, is a nutritional supplement which offers a range of extensive and proven health benefits, one of which is to reduce inflammation. This natural process is a response to external factors such as air pollutants such as dust or pollen. Pycnogenol contains a rich blend of of antioxidants known as bioflavanoids, some of which are also found in fresh fruit and vegetables. Its antioxidant activity is approxiametely 30 times stronger than Vitamin E and 50 times stronger than vitamin C. A double-blind placebo-controlled study showed that Pycnogenol supplementation can improve allergy symptoms when started at least five weeks before allergy season. Subjects who received Pycnogenol five to eight weeks before allergy season exhibited 35% less eye allergy symptoms and 20% less nasal allergy symptoms. Those who showed the greatest reduction in allergy symptoms were individuals that began Pycnogenol supplementation seven to eight weeks prior to the allergy season. 

Quercetin

Research supports the use of Quercetin as a natural anti histamine, stabilising the mast cells which release all the cause of the misery. Certain drugs can block the effect of histamine, but quercetin inhibits the release, without any side effects. Quercetin is a flavonoid (plant pigments that give fruit, vegetables and flowers their colour) and found in a wide variety of herbs and vegetables, for example onions, apples, parsley, sage and green tea.Olive oil, grapes, dark cherries, and dark berries such as blueberries, blackberries and bilberries are also high in quercetin. It is now widely available as a food supplement.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been found to exert a number of effects on histamine. It appears to prevent the secretion of histamine by white blood cells and increase its detoxification. Histamine levels were found to increase exponentially as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels in the plasma decreased. Vitamin C also supports the Immune system and may also have anti-inflammatory effects. Camu Camu, an Amazonian berry like fruit, is a fantastic source of vitamin C. In 1957 the Instituto de Nutricion in Peru undertook the first nutritional analysis of the fruit and found that the acidic fruit was jam packed with vitamin C, containing 30 to 50 times the vitamin C of oranges! Since this initial analysis, many more have been undertaken and have shown promising anti-aging, cognitive, anti-inflammatory, immune, vision, and antiviral benefits. The fruit has a powerful concentration of antioxidants also. Camu Camu can be found in powder form in selected, independent health stores and can be mixed easily with water or smoothies.

Nettle

Nettles (urtica) are especially good if you have high histamine levels & suffer from ‘prickly heat’, they work as a blood tonic and help reduce histamine levels. They also contain Silica which may help strengthen lung tissue. Nettle can be found in the form of tincture, tablets or tea bags.

Euphrasia (Eyebright)

The Homeopathic Remedy ‘Euphrasia’ (Eyebright) is also an effective remedy to ease the irritation of itchy, inflamed eyes and a consultation with a qualified Homeopath will ensure you get a remedy tailored to your unique symptoms.

Luffa

Luffa is a useful herb if symptoms manifest around the eyes and nose. Swift in its effect, it appears to deal with both blocked and runny noses, as well as watery and itchy eyes and a tickly throat. As it is taken internally, it is a good option for those who wear contact lenses and can’t use eye drops. It isn’t contraindicated with other medication, including other hayfever medication.

Spirulina

Spirulina a blue green algae often referred to as a ‘superfood’ due to the abundance of nutrients contained within, however research has also shown it to be effective in tackling some of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. A double blind, placebo controlled study, evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of spirulina and discovered that it was clinically effective on allegic rhinitis when compared with a placebo. Spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms and physical findings compared with placebo including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. Spirulina can be purchased as an organic, raw freeze dried powder for greatest benefits and absorption or in tablet form.

Local Honey

Regular consumption of raw, local honey during the hayfever season may also offer significant relief. A randomized controlled study conducted by the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, showed that patients who consumed honey had significantly better control of their allergy symptoms than those on conventional allergy medications. Local honey works to relieve symptoms because it contains local pollen that is causing your allergies. A couple of tablespoons each day may relieve your itchy, watery eyes, congestion and the general symptoms of hay fever

Probiotics

Ongoing research is also showing promising results for the use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis, one study highlighting a reduction in number of symptoms and another indicating that they may reduce the number of allergic episodes. With all of the other well known benefits of probiotics on offer, it may be worthwhile adding a quality probiotic supplement to your daily regimen.

All of these remedies can be found at a quality Independent Health Store near you. For additional tips on how you can ease the sneeze this hayfever season why not drop into Bare Health, Congleton? Our experienced team will be more than happy to offer nutritional support and guidance on how to source the highest quality supplements to receive the full benefits.

The content contained within this article is solely for information purposes. Always remember to consult your GP or healthcare professional if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment prior to embarking on any new supplement regimen. If you have any concerns about prolonged use of ‘anticholinergenic’ then please approach your GP for advice.

References:

https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00552433/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20549654

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S132389301530719X

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11056414

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23333628

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314669/

http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/5/5/448.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27088965

http://www.agingbraincare.org/uploads/products/ACB_scale_-_legal_size.pdf

http://naturalsociety.com/camu-camu-berry-benefits-vitamin-c-health-gem/

http://news.medicine.iu.edu/releases/2016/04/anticholinergics-brain-effects.shtml

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hayfever-drugs-reduce-brain-size-risk-dementia-alzheimer-s-a6991281.html

https://www.allergyuk.org/news/latest-news/post/236-world-allergy-week

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21196761

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/allergic-rhinitis

Nettles - More than a sting in this tale......!

Catherine Schofield - Medical Herbalist, discusses the healing powers of the humble Nettle 

Nettles are a wonderful medicinal weed  - there's more than a sting in this tale..!

One of the joys of spring for me undoubtedly is seeing the new bright green shoots of all our wild plants emerging in the hedgerows, woods and waysides. Some bring with them the instant joys of their flowers, whilst others just doggedly drill their way up through the winter-hardened ground to once more populate our world with green. Many of these plants are at most under-appreciated or perhaps even reviled by some – the nettle is one such. 

It is admittedly a plant with attitude – invasive and most of all that famous sting which, as children, we are all taught to rub immediately with a dock leaf to quell the pain. But I think it is time to celebrate its many medicinal virtues.  I wouldn't go as far as to say cuddle a nettle, but I am keen to spread word of the properties of this amazing plant.

Some say that nettles (Urtica dioica) are not indigenous to the UK, but are a long settled foreign plant - possibly introduced by the Romans who used it to treat the rheumatism they became prey to when they occupied this gray and damp island. They were said to beat themselves with the leaves to increase circulation and to provide a counter-irritant to the pain in their joints - both interesting if uncomfortable ideas - but the counter-irritant principle is still used in topical applications for aching joints. Whether this is true, I can't comment, but I do know that the Romans were skilled herbalists and it is likely that they knew the value of the nettle, much as it is still very much appreciated by herbalists today.

Nettles are helpful for many things, the root, leaves and seeds being used medicinally for a wide range of applications. Also a good source of nutrition, young nettles can be eaten as spring greens in soup (cooking deactivates the sting) as they are rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium and silica, so make a healthful addition to your diet. You can also make herb vinegars using young nettles, which can preserve their qualities for the winter months.

Perhaps less well known is the fact that nettles can be made into textiles, the fibres are long enough to allow them to be woven into cloth. It is said that in World War I, some soldiers uniforms were made from nettle fibres, when other textiles became scarce.

A herb of wide medicinal use

The seed is a great 'local' adaptogen - adaptogens are a class of herbs which help the body adapt to and deal with stress which are incredibly useful to herbalists. The use of nettle seed as an adaptogen also keys into the idea that herbs which are 'local' to patients - i.e. are derived from a shared close environment, rather than from far flung corners of the earth, give a them a greater sympathetic action within the medicine. The plant itself contains serotonin, which may help with depression, although this is not one of its key actions.

The seed is also helpful for kidney problems and the whole plant is used to stimulate the kidneys, although it is thought that long term consumption may put a strain on the kidneys, because of its high silica content.

Nettles can be helpful for allergic skin complaints and for prostatitis

Useful particularly for the male genito-urinary tract - nettle root is often included in herbal remedies for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. The leaves are used to rid body of uric acid and so are used for gout and other rheumatic complaints and usually figure in most herbal prescriptions for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly nettle leaf can help with some chronic skin disorders, particularly where there may be an allergic cause to the problem, such as in some eczemas and urticaria (ironically derived from the Latin for nettle and commonly called 'nettle rash').

High blood sugar in diabetes and high blood pressure will respond well to nettle and it can be used to stimulate sluggish digestive systems, where there is low stomach acid.  If these myriad uses were not enough, it is also used to nourish hair and nails because of its high silica content and is often used alongside rosemary in order to stimulate hair growth and strengthen the hair fibre.

Summer is a'comin in... sing aloud 'aitichoo'! Nettles for hay fever misery

The misery of summer hay fever is well known and many of us snuffle our way through the summer months. If you suffer from mild hay fever (or more properly, seasonal allergic rhinitis) and want a more natural alternative to over the counter remedies, you could try nettle and elderflower tea. Use a teaspoon of a mixture of dried elderflowers and nettles in a cup of boiling water, cover whilst it is brewing and then drink when cooled. Take this up to three times a day.

Nettles have a traditional reputation for quelling allergies (ironic when you think of the effects of nettles) and research seems to be confirming this traditional use. For example remedies using freeze dried nettle leaves have been shown in one clinical trial to have some positive effect against hay fever. Although not conclusive this study thought that nettles might have an anti-inflammatory on the mucous membranes (Mittman1990) However, a more recent study found that extract of nettle has been found both to be anti-inflammatory and to have anti-histamine effects (Roscheck et al. 2009). A useful addition to your nettle tea might be Elderflowers (Sambuccus nigra) which also soothe the mucous membranes and when dried or fresh they make a refreshing tea with an interesting and refreshing musky taste.

You can pick and dry your own nettles (be careful!!) but it is just as easy to get some nettle tea, ready prepared, from your health food shop. Dried elderflowers can also be bought, but can be less easy to find. However, these can be gathered from the hedgerows and should be in flower in the next couple of months (pick from bushes away from roads and from the nearer the top of the tree than the bottom – dogs can pollute the lower branches). Try to pick the fresh flowers that are full of pollen, as unlikely as this seems. it is the pollen which is thought to help with hay fever. If you gather too many you could always make elderflower cordial or wine!!

There are of course other herbal remedies that can be effective for more severe hay fever and allergies that are available through your herbal medicine practitioner.

This article is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended as a guide for self-treatment. As with all herbal remedies, if you are taking other medication, such as insulin or warfarin, are pregnant, lactating or suffering from any medical condition check with a professional before using. Make sure you buy herbs from a reliable source or if you are harvesting from the wild that you have permission, identify the right plant and pick from an uncontaminated source.

Don't take too much of anything for too long and discontinue immediately if you have any ill effects.

To make an appointment to see Catherine at Bare Health - please call 01260 408413. Her next clinic day is Tuesday 20th May 10am - 4pm or alternatively, you can email catherine@naturesbestmedicine.

References

Mittman P.(1990) andomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Planta Med. Feb;56(1):44-7

Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. (2009) Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.Phytotherapy Res.Jul;23(7):920-6.

Our Favourite Products to help you Ease your Sneeze!

Once again it is the time of year that people start to suffer from hayfever and with approximately 20% of the population suffering it has become a very common and irritating problem. Usually encountered in the spring and early summer, it is part of the group of health conditions known as allergic rhinitis – an allergic reaction to airborne substances which lead to inflammation in the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. People prone to the condition tend to develop the problem during their teenage years, and although the condition lessens in severity with age, it can certainly linger well into late adulthood. In the main, these airborne substances are pollens from grass, trees or flowers. In temperate climates such as in the UK and Ireland, pollen levels increase dramatically in spring as nature comes to life, and as the weather warms up and we head into the summer months, grass, bushes, trees and other plants grow and develop in a coordinated fashion. In this way, pollen levels are highest during spring and early summer.

Hayfever is the result of an allergy to these pollens with people being sensitive to either one or more of them, with symptoms varying from month to month and from location to location. If one is allergic to animals or house dust, this is referred to by doctors as ‘allergic rhinitis’. However, the terms ‘hayfever’ and ‘allergic rhinitis’ are often used interchangeably.

The Met office has produced a useful pollen count calender (see below) which shows an average pattern of release of the main allergenic pollen in the UK. The severity and timing of the pollen seasons will differ from year-to-year depending on the weather, biological factors and geographical location.

Hayfever - The Symptoms

The main symptoms of hayfever are experienced in the eyes, nose and throat. These commonly include:

• Sneezing 
• Itchy or runny nose
• Irritation at the back of the throat 
• Itchy or runny eyes 
• Blocked nose 
• Dry cough 

However, in severe cases, the inflammation triggered by hayfever can sometimes affect the entire body. When this happens, a number of symptoms may arise including: Feelings of tiredness or lethargy , itching all over the body or a general feeling of irritability In addition, those suffering from hayfever may exhibit a greater tendency for developing asthma, with symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing or Eczema with itching, dryness and scaling of affected skin.

Many of the worst symptoms of hayfever are caused by histamine levels rocketing as your body reacts to pollen. The key to reducing the severity of such reactions lies in minimising allergen levels in the bloodstream and buffering the response to them. And although many of the symptoms of hayfever are triggered by nature itself, did you know that there are many remedies also found in nature that have an effective antihistamine action that can also help relieve the reactions?

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE NATURAL HAYFEVER REMEDIES :

1) A.Vogel Pollinosan tablets & Nasal Spray

Pollinosan tablets are non-drowsy so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery. It can be used to help treat allergies to grass or tree pollen (hayfever), as well as allergies to dust, animals and pets (allergic rhinitis) – both conditions give rise to symptoms such as itching and watery eyes, sneezing, tickly nose or throat and a blocked nose. Pollinosan tablets can be used together with Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray. 

Luffa is a useful herb if symptoms manifest around the eyes and nose. Swift in its effect, it appears to deal with both blocked and runny noses, as well as watery and itchy eyes and a tickly throat. As it is taken internally, it is a good option for those who wear contact lenses and cant use eye drops. It isn’t contraindicated with other medication, including other hayfever medication.

2) Haymax - Pollen Barrier

A pollen barrier balm, HayMax, could be the answer to easing your sneezing! Simply apply around the rim of the nostrils as soon as symptoms start; and it traps the pollen before it enters your body, helping you stay symptom free longer.

HayMax has been proven to trap over one third of the pollen in the air in independent studies by The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit [1]; which is enough to effectively reduce the pollen count from high to medium on all but the highest pollen count days. . HayMax works by reducing the amount of pollen getting into the body, keeping the sufferer below their trigger level, and symptom free, for longer – less pollen, less reaction.

3) Natures Aid Quercetin Complex

Quercetin, Ester C and French Maritime Pine Bark are effective anti-histamines, stabilising the mast cells, which release the cause of all the misery. Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their colour - natural sources of quercetin include onions, apples, parsley, sage, citrus fruits and green tea. MSM, a rich source of sulphur, helps keep mucous thin, eases the breathing and nourishes the liver, which is responsible for histamine breakdown. Liquorice has an anti-inflammatory effect and is soothing for those irritated mucous membranes.

4) Pharma Nord Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol according to several clinical studies inhibits the release of histamine helping to maintain a normal response by the body to allergic or inflammatory challenge.  Since this powerful antioxidant is an anti-inflammatory, it inhibits production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Pycnogenol may help to relieve the swelling, reduce hives and help make breathing easier.

5) Stinging Nettle/Urtica

Dr. Andrew Wiel, the author of Natural Health/Natural Medicine, claims there simply is nothing more efficient than stinging nettle at relieving allergies. His belief is substantiated by past studies made at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. It is known that decongestants, antihistamines, allergy shots and even prescription drugs similar to Allegra and Claritin only work on the symptoms of allergies, plus they seem to lose their potency over a certain period of time. These prescription medications may also cause drowsiness, dry sinuses, insomnia or high blood pressure. Stinging nettle on the other hand doesn't induce any of these potential side effects. Stinging nettle has also been traditionally used to ease the symptoms of urticaria & prickly heat. Take in the form of a tea or as a tincture.

6) Local Honey

And don’t forget how a daily spoonful of local honey throughout the winter & spring season may help build your resistance to local pollen. Congleton’s own Howty Honey is a cold extracted floral honey from a variety of local flowers. It is a completely natural product with no additives. And if you're a lover of honey, this is one not to be missed! You can find this along with many other natural remedies for Hayfever in store at Bare Health.

For more Information & tips on how you can manage your hayfever naturally with the support of herbal remedies, supplements, homeopathy & nutrition please call into Bare Health, Congleton. We are always more than happy to chat to you to find the best natural solutions for health - tailored specifically to your needs.

We also have an experienced & professional team of Complementary Therapists available should you require a tailored one to one consultation. For more information click 'here'

The information contained within this article is intended for information purposes only and is not designed to replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Always seek medical advice if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment.