Sneezing, itchy or puffy eyes, watery nasal discharge and fatigue are symptoms of seasonal allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, allergic rhinitis--also known as hay fever--affects 10 to 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children. Allergic rhinitis may occur year-round, but for those with seasonal allergies, it's specific to certain times of the year. Symptoms occur due to the body's immune system reaction to pollen. Natural and alternative therapies focus on relieving symptoms, enhancing overall health and supporting the immune system so that it reacts appropriately to allergens.
Diet
An antigen is any substance that stimulates an immune response. In the case of seasonal allergies, pollen acts as an antigen. Certain foods may act as antigens, too. According to Dr. Rich Barrett, naturopathic physician and instructor at the National College of Natural Medicine, reducing food sensitivities is helpful for allergic rhinitis because it lowers the total antigen load. Food sensitivities may be identified through various testing procedures, or with an elimination diet. Consult a licensed naturopathic physician for guidance and safety. Also, Dr. Barrett states that antioxidants strengthen cell membranes and increase resistance to environmental allergens.
Nutritional Supplementation
Certain nutrients are helpful for seasonal allergies. They may function as antioxidants, block histamine--a substance released by the body's cells during an allergic response that causes allergy symptoms, moderate inflammation or promote a non-allergic-type immune response. Beneficial nutrients suggested by Dr. Barrett include vitamins C, E and A, selenium, N-acetyl cysteine, quercetin, essential fatty acids and probiotics. Many of these important nutrients may be derived from a whole-foods diet rich in fresh produce, and for some, additional supplementation may prove beneficial. Consult a nutritionally trained health-care provider for guidance on personalized treatment and dosages.
Botanical Medicine
A wide variety of botanicals may improve allergy symptoms. Their efficacy varies with the individual and with the allergen. Ed Smith, a renowned herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," lists several herbs that are commonly used for allergies, such as nettles, eyebright and horseradish. Other herbs to consider are butterbur, elder and schisandra. As with any natural remedy, consult a physician trained in botanical medicine to find the most individually appropriate herbal combination and dosage. Tell the doctor if you are taking other medications or are being treated for any condition.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a practice of using water in a variety of ways to elicit healing. For allergies, especially when associated with sinusitis, nasal irrigation may help to relieve acute symptoms. This may be performed with a neti pot or a hand-held bulb syringe. An additional option is constitutional hydrotherapy, which applies alternating hot and cold compresses to the chest and abdomen. This is said to help to restore overall nutrition while stimulating the body's natural ability to detoxify and heal. Either treatment is comfortable and relaxing, and may be performed in the office of a naturopathic physician or, with some instruction, may be self-administered at home.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that seeks to restore balance in the body and mind. It is a highly personalized approach that is based less on a diagnosed condition and more on an individual's unique experience of it. Therefore, there is no single homeopathic remedy specifically for seasonal allergies. However, a skilled homeopath can select an appropriate remedy based on a patient's unique symptoms, mental status and general tendencies. This being said, homeopathic remedies commonly prescribed for allergies, as described by Dr. Roger Morrison, a medical doctor, homeopath and author of "Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology," include allium cepa, aersenicum album, euphrasia, nux vomica and pulsatilla.
References
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: Allergy Statstics
- "Naturopathic EENT"; National College of Natural Medicine; Rich Barrett, N.D.; Fall 2007
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual: A Guide to the Safe and Effective Use of Liquid Herbal Extracts"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology"; Roger Morrison, M.D.; 1998
