Allergies
Finding yourself sneezing and wheezing as the spring months begin to bud? Allergies can make what should be a new, fresh, happy time of year a miserable experience.
Allergies and the Immune System
Allergies are directly related to our immune system. When our immune system is over burdened with toxins it becomes suppressed. Many things can suppress the immune system including: processed foods, sugar, pesticides, all forms of stress, Candida and lack of nutrients. Different people are allergic to different things but the most common are molds, dusts, animal dander, and pollens. However, if the body is already overwhelmed by trying to detoxify itself, a person can become allergic to almost anything. This is the body’s way of saying "no more!". Therefore, anything that enhances the immune system and/or helps detoxify the body will help alleviate allergies. All the antioxidants (Vitamins A, E, C, Pycnogenol, etc.) are a boost to the immune system as well as the herbs Echinacea and Golden Seal.
The Colon/Lungs Link
Keeping a healthy colon is also an important part in keeping the respiratory system clear. As you know, our respiratory system is one of our elimination channels. When the colon isn’t eliminating properly, the respiratory system tries to take up some slack which creates coughing, runny nose, sneezing, etc..
What to avoid
Most of us know there are certain foods to avoid if we have allergies. Some of the biggest culprits are dairy products. Most dairy products cause excess mucus in the body. Sugar is also very bad for allergy sufferers and has the added detriment of lowering the immune system. Processed foods with chemical additives are extra toxins that the body has to attack and throw out, causing an overall weakening of the system. Fresh, organic fruits and veggies are always the best choices.
Emotional Healing
As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I always take into consideration the emotional issues of a client. A factor that can contribute to asthma in particular is suppressed grief. I suffered with asthma and allergies most of my life. I then had my iridologist work with me to put me on an herbal program and I cleaned up my diet. I have not used an inhaler in two years now. However, before I healed my emotional wounds from my shocking divorce, I had a short relapse. My breathing was shallow and congested and I came down with a case of bronchitis. I nursed myself with herbs and with lots of love around me I grieved and let it go. I am back on track now, but it proved my teacher’s point on where we hold grief in our bodies. So, my point being, if you’ve been suffering and your diet is okay and you’re on an herbal program, try asking yourself some questions about any grieving you may have not let go of yet. Also, asthma can signify a feeling of being "smothered" by a loved one, family, at work or??
Testimonials
Townsend, (names have been changed to protect the innocent) a client of mine, had severe allergies when I met him eight months ago. He was so bad, he was taking nasal steroids and allergy shots twice a week! I put him on a program that included, among other things, bowel cleansers, Lobelia and SN-X. Within a couple of weeks he had no more problems and continues to be allergy free!
Another client with severe hayfever was helped by using Bee Pollen with his herbal program. I had him take small doses (1-2 caps a day) in the very early spring and build his way up to 6-8/day during hayfever season. The first spring he did this he went from his usual three boxes of tissues a week to blowing his nose once or twice a day! On days he felt he was becoming a little sneezy -- he would add the homeopathic Hayfever remedy which helped keep his sneezing and runny nose at bay. Bee Pollen helps your immune system build up and become resistant to many allergy causing pollens. Most people also like to uplift this nourishing supplement gives them.
I am also blamed by my client’s wife that I helped to clear up his consistent sniffle but now he snores! Can’t win em’ all, but I’m thinking of sending her some earplugs so she’ll forgive me!
Other Helpers
Deep breathing exercises always help increase lung capacity and assist asthma sufferers. I personally like to sit in the steam room after my work out to not only eliminate toxins through the skin, but open sinus passageways.
Reflexology plays an important role in helping to relieve clogged sinuses. Squeezing the toes and fingertips can bring instant relief for clogged sinuses.
What to Expect
Sometimes using expectorant herbs (such as Lobelia or LH which contains ephedra) will tend to cause a discharge of mucus that has hardened and settled in the body. Don’t fear! When the body gets stronger by being fed the correct nutrients, it will "push out" this old material to cleanse itself. Sometimes symptoms may appear worse at first but by sticking with it you will be much stronger after.
The body will cleanse and then continue to build strength. Soon you will forget you ever considered buying stock in Kleenex!
Some of NSP’s respiratory herbs include:
AL-J and SN-X: Mixture of herbs and minerals specifically formulated for the sinuses, runny nose and general allergies.
LH: Most people use this combination that have asthma and other lung congestion. This herb mixture was instrumental in healing my asthma. Note: Includes natural ephedra and should be used with caution by people with high blood pressure.
Fenugreek & Thyme: Two herbs which work well together as an expectorant. For some, however, Lobelia is just as powerful used alone.
Homeopathic: Allergy remedy, Allergy for Animal Hair/Dander, Allergy for Hayfever/Pollen, Allergy for Food/Dairy, and Allergy for Mold/Dust/Yeast are all available to replace over the counter drugs and work well for quick relief.