Allergies
This is the time of year when I get asked for advice on managing hay-fever or allergies to pollen.
More than 13 million people in the UK suffer from pollen allergies caused by the immune system “overreacting” to particles of pollen in the air. Hay fever symptoms are the result of the immune system triggering a cascade of reactions beginning with the release of histamine. Histamine produces inflammation and is released to help the body fight infection. In the case of hay fever, the immune system has confused pollen for something more harmful. The resulting inflammation in the nasal passages leads to streaming nose and eyes, sneezing and feelings of stuffiness.
For anyone wishing to avoid anti-histamine medication then Vitamin C is the first thing I’d turn to for natural support; it helps white bloods cells to function more effectively as well as supporting respiratory health and our immune system. In addition, the bioflavonoids quercetin and bromelain help to support a healthy inflammatory response; quercetin helps to support healthy histamine levels and bromelain has been shown to help break up and expel mucous to maintain healthy clear and airways.
A product that I’ve discovered more recently is Triease softgels by doTERRA – these are a blend of lemon oil, lavender and peppermint. Research suggests that limonene plays a role in supporting a healthy immune response. Lavender is well known for its calming effects and peppermint oils has been used for centuries to support clear airways.
Insects
I’m lucky enough not to suffer much from pollen but I’m allergic to horsefly bites and have been quite ill, in the past, after being bitten multiple times in one day. But still, I wish to avoid chemical insect repellents so I’ve been happy to find out how effective the essential oil blend, Terrazyme is at warding off all insects. I’ve also found Geranium to be effective against midges and horseflies.
Using essential oils to treat bites has been a gamechanger for me and I now won’t go anywhere in the summer without a Lavender touch roller-ball. I’ll even pop one into my evening purse on a night out. Lavender provides instant relief from itching and it reduces swelling too.
If you’d like to order any of the above products then let me know – I can set up a wholesale account with doTERRA and/or offer you my practitioner discount for supplements.
