Natural Ways to Lessen Hay Fever and Seasonal Allergies
Allergy season is quickly approaching. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, “Rhinitis may be caused by irritants or allergens (substances that provoke an allergic response). In response to these substances, the cells of the body release histamine and other chemical mediators. These are the substances that cause the symptoms of allergic rhinitis—sneezing, runny nose, and itching, watery eyes. In many people, rhinitis is a temporary condition that clears up on its own after a few days. In others, especially those with allergies, rhinitis is a chronic problem—one that is nearly always present or that recurs often.” When nasal passages swell, an infection called sinusitis may also develop.
Antihistamines are generally what people reach for to avoid becoming a stuffy, sniffling mess. However, antihistamines are not without side effects. Some of the more common ones include
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Restlessness or moodiness (in some children)
Trouble peeing or not being able to pee
Blurred vision
Confusion
As is usually the case, there are natural products that can offer allergy relief, but without such disruptive side effects.
In Chinese medicine, Ephedra (also known as ma huang) goes back 5,000 years, although it was also utilized in other countries, such as India. Traditionally, Zen monks used doses of the Ephedra plant to aid in their meditation practice.
Today, in China, Ephedra is a popular treatment for chills and fever, as well as coughing and wheezing. In the West, Ephedra is more commonly used for respiratory disorders, such as asthma, hay fever, and cold/flu. Although an alkaloid of ephedra, ephedrine, was popular for weight loss purposes, it has been heavily regulated since then because it can be formulated to act as a precursor to methamphetamines (speed). As Mother Earth Living says, “The medicinal effects of pure ephedrine and pseudoephedrine should not be confused with the effects of ma-huang, just as you wouldn’t confuse the effects of pure caffeine with the effects of a cup of coffee.”
Ephedra acts as a decongestant, aids in the proper elimination of fluids, and relieves bronchial spasms; these properties make it valuable to sufferers of allergies, asthma, colds, and other respiratory complaints. Ephedra “can shrink congested mucous membranes, helping to dry up the watery discharge and open the stuffed nasal passages which so often accompany the common cold or some flu. The alkaloid acts in similar ways to the body’s own stimulant, adrenaline, but is milder and longer-lasting and, unlike adrenaline, works orally.”
Using the whole Ephedra herb is ideal, as more benefits can be gained with lower dosages. Also, side effects are rare, unlike with ephedrine. Any risks of Ephedra/ephedrine supplementation could be lowered by also supplementing with the amino acid L-Tyrosine. An essential building block for the production of Ephedra in the body, L-Tyrosine has been shown to boost the effects of Ephedra as much as 50%. Following this logic, this enables the dosage of Ephedra to be reduced by half, greatly reducing potential risk for anyone susceptible to Central Nervous System stimulation. The herb Ephedra remains highly effective in the treatment of respiratory complaints, and is recommended for those with allergies, asthma, or colds and congestion.
I recommend Ephedra be taken with Colloidal Silver. Colloidal Silver, when inhaled, can help reduce inflammation in the sinuses.
Conclusion: It is a clever combination of a time-tested antiseptic and disinfectant with a homeopathic method of preparation, producing an excellent remedy to fight bacterial infection and boost immunity.
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