For those with tree pollen allergies, an allergic response occurs when tree pollen enters the nose and throat. While tree pollen is normally not a harmful substance, when you are allergic to it your immune system reacts as if it were a toxin. The result is a reaction from the white blood cells to attack this toxin. This over-reaction from the white blood cells ends up causing more harm than good, in the form of allergy symptoms, such as itching, wheezing and runny nose. While treating these symptoms provides relief, preventing the recurrence of symptoms is also important.
The Process
Step 1
Reduce your exposure to tree pollen. Avoid being around trees to which you know you are allergic between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., which is when pollen counts are highest. Keep windows shut during these times and on windy days so that less pollen can enter your home. Reduce the amount of pollen in your home by purchasing an HEPA air filter.
Step 2
Strengthen your immune system. Since allergies are an immune system response, it is important to strengthen the immune system on an ongoing basis, even when symptoms are not present. A strong immune system can help you fight your symptoms when pollen counts are high. Probiotics support the immune system by increasing the amount of good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics can be taken daily in pill form or included in the diet through cultured foods such as yogurt. Herbs, such as Echinacea, can be taken to support the immune system as well. A multivitamin, especially one with Vitamins A, C and E may also prove useful in boosting the immune system, as these vitamins are all necessary for immune function.
Step 3
Treat symptoms as they arise. Supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies and acupuncture can all be used to treat symptoms during the allergy season. Quercitin is a flavonol in tea, buckwheat, onions and apple. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties because it inhibits the production of histimines. The recommended dose is typically 500 mg twice day. Nettle, in either tea or tincture form, can be used to reduce sinus inflammation and prevent attacks. There are also numerous homeopathic remedies that can address specific symptoms. Allium cepa, from the red onion, can be used if there is discharge from the eyes and nose. Euphrasia officinalis, from the eyebright plant, is used for watery eyes associated with allergies. Kali muriaticum may be helpful for runny nose and sneezing. Acute symptoms, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, may also be helped by acupuncture, which can also be used on a long-term basis to strengthen the immune system and help prevent further attacks.
References
- Sloan Kettering herb information
- Acupuncture and allergies
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C; 2006
