Antioxidants
Flavonoids are effective for all allergic and inflammatory conditions and immune processes and are best taken with vitamin C. A good formula will contain a combination of at least three of the following: mixed non-citrus bioflavonoids, quercitin (rutin), rose hips, catechin, pycnogenol (pine bark extract), proanthrocyanidins. Take as directed.
Bach Flower Remedies
Before you use Bach flower remedies, please read Bach Flower Remedies, Introduction -- Preparing a Treatment for general dosage information.
Beech should be used as a basic essence for treating all allergies and conditions related to intolerance. It may be used alone or in combination with other Bach Flower remedies.
Crab Apple is considered a cleansing remedy to purify the blood. Chronic infections play a role in many allergies. They can poison the body and make it overly sensitive. Crab apple is the most important detoxifying essence.
Holly has strong immune reaction. Use, for example, in severe fits of sneezing, clear cases of irritation, or allergic shock.
Foods
Drink at least eight large glasses of water daily to keep yourself hydrated and promote the flushing of toxins from the body. If you are not accustomed to drinking this quantity of water, start with four or five glasses and work your way up.
Consume a diet that consists of primarily whole, unprocessed foods (whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds). Many chemicals found in processed foods aggravate allergy conditions.
Lifestyle
Reduce your exposure to pesticides, which can cause allergic reactions. Long term exposure also leads to excess free radical damage in your body.
Avoid and eliminate all sources of chemical exposure to reduce the possibility of an allergic reaction. Common household cleaners containing poison symbols should be eliminated. If you cannot drink it, why would you expose yourself to it? Long term toxic exposure is a silent and potentially deadly threat. And viable alternatives are readily available. Natural alternatives are available in health food stores, while vinegar or baking soda and water clean just about anything. Companies such as Nature Clean, Simply Clean, and Ecover sell viable alternatives that work just as well, if not better, than their toxin equivalents.
Do not spray your lawn with toxic chemicals. Lawn spraying is an acutely North American habit whose consequences are far greater than the trivial, aesthetic gains. Think about it. You are poisoning your lawn, pets, children, and yourself to satisfy a social norm. Again, follow the above rule of if you cannot drink, why would you exposure yourself to it? Instead, welcome the diversity of life a natural lawn brings. Your children will be able to enjoy the outdoors while playing on the grass. You could even tear up the lawn and plant a natural garden with native plant species. This is a welcome trend in humanizing our urban areas. Butterflies, birds and beautiful planted bulbs make for a welcome replacement to a toxic expanse of empty space...
Minerals
Selenium is important for healthy immune system function and has antioxidant properties. It is best taken with vitamin E. Eat Brazil nuts or supplement with 200mcg daily.
Zinc is necessary for proper immune function. Take 50mg daily.
Miscellaneous
Apple pectin has an excellent cleansing effect on the body and helps eliminate toxins.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More
Allergy testing can be performed to more accurately determine the source of the irritant, if it is not known.
Vitamins
Vitamin A is necessary for proper immune function and has antioxidant properties. Take 10,000 to 25,000 IU daily.
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties and is also necessary for proper immune function. Take 400 to 800 IU daily.
