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Nondrug Allergies Treatment
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Nondrug Approaches for Allergies
Even if you created a perfect living environment by eliminating carpets and rugs, minimizing stuffed furniture, banning your pets to the outdoors, and filtering your air, you could never truly eliminate allergens from your personal space. And every time you go outside, you are vulnerable to whatever is in the air. So, what can you do to minimize your reaction to pollen and all the other nasties flowing through your nose every time you breathe? Americans have a hard time imagining that you can clean your internal environment. But the Ayurvedic tradition of India encourages nasal washing with what’s known as a neti pot. This porcelain container looks a little like Aladdin’s lamp. It allows saltwater to be poured into one nostril and exit out the other. This washing process is supposed to clear the nasal passages of dust, pollen, and other allergens.
You can find neti pots at some health-food stores or by calling the Himalayan Institute at 800-822-4547. Visit their Web site at www.netipot.org to get an idea of what we are talking about. A ceramic pot costs $18 to $20.
For years I was troubled with allergies. But I have discovered the following natural approach. I use a ned pot to wash my sinuses with salt water Sinus and ear infections are now a thing of the distant past. Many people are grossed out at even the suggestion of pouring something into their noses, but the sensation is really very pleasant if done properly (with lukewarm filtered water and mild saline solution).
I also vacuum my bedding daily to get rid of dust mites.
Vitamin C
We are the first to acknowledge that vitamin C studies are squishy. There just have not been large, well-conducted clinical trials to test the effectiveness of ascorbic acid (vitamin Q against allergic disorders. The allergists will rightfully say that without decent data they cannot recommend this vitamin.
Nevertheless, some research suggests that this nutrient might help reduce allergy symptoms through a kind of antihistamine action.”,” There is also the possibility that vitamin C modulates immune-system reactivity and has anti-inflammatory effects.37 The benefits, if they exist, appear fairly short-lived. That’s why the general recommendation is to take 500 milligrams of ascorbic acid three or four times a day.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
The very name of this herb is enough to scare many folks away. If you were to come into contact with stinging nettle, which grows widely throughout Europe and North America, you would have even more misgivings. Touching the tiny hairs on this plant can cause an impressive rash that can itch and sting for up to 12 hours. This herb is well known in Europe, where it is used primarily to relieve allergy symptoms and improve urinary flow in cases of benign prostate enlargement. The dose that has been used for treating nasal symptoms is 300 milligrams of freeze-dried Urtica dioica per day.
Side effects: This herb is usually well tolerated. Mild digestive upset has been reported, especially if it is taken on an empty stomach. Some people may experience an allergic. rash and should discontinue use immediately if this occurs. Downside: Large, well-controlled trials are lacking. Better research is needed before we can give this herb a ringing endorsement.
Cast: Approximately $5 to $10 for a month’s supply
In Europe, where Urtica dioica is quite popular, physicians have been prescribing it to treat allergies for a long time. One double-blind trial noted that 58 percent of the study participants had good relief of SyMptoMS.41 Almost half of the patients said that stinging nettle was just as effective, if not more so, than their standard allergy medicine. Why something that contains histamine might actually help to relieve allergic symptoms is somewhat mysterious. Investigators suspect that it may help to modulate the immune response.
Q. I feel like I am caught between a rock and a hard place. My allergies are awful, but most antihistamines and decongestants warn that they’re not to be used by men like me. I have an enlarged prostate, so Benadryl and Sudafed are off limits. Is there anything natural that would help my allergies and not aggravate my prostate problem?
A. Most over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines contain either an antihistamine or a decongestant that can make urination more difficult for a man with an enlarged prostate. An herbal remedy that might substitute is stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).
According to European research, extracts of this herb can do double duty to relieve allergy symptoms and help improve urine flow in men with benign prostate enlargement. Side effects are uncommon.
Now that the value of saw palmetto has been called into question for treating benign prostate enlargement (BPH) ‘42 some men may want to consider stinging nettle instead. Urtica dioica has been used to treat BPH in Europe for decades. There are good reasons why this herb might be effective. For one thing, stinging nettle root affects sex hormone–binding globulin and its ability to interact with hormones like testosterone. Another key player in prostate problems, epidermal growth factor, is inhibited by 53 percent by stinging nettle lectins. In addition, this herbal extract has anti-inflammatory activity that interferes with an enzyme (Na/K-ATPase) that is necessary for prostate cell growth.
Most important, human studies have shown that nettle root extract improves urine flow and decreases the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding. Many men with an enlarged prostate report that the herb reduces the number of times they have to get up at night to go to the bathroom. I read a letter in your column about a man with allergies. Because of an enlarged prostate, he couldn’t take the usual over-the-counter antihistamines.
You suggested the herb “stinging nettle’ as a substitute that might relieve allergy symptoms and improve the flow of urine. My husband looked these stinging nettles up and began taking them. He has improved 100 percent in both his allergy condition and his prostate symptom of frequent urination. In addition, his PSA number has come down! The urologist said, “Yes, I’ve heard of it and it helps some but not others.” We are so glad you mentioned this herbal medicine, and we have shared the information with others.