By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
For many, seasonal allergies are at their peak at the beginning of the Spring season. It can be frustrating to have to depend on antihistamines every day and sometimes to find that the same antihistamine that worked last year, just is not providing the same benefit this year. Thankfully, there are some natural options that can be used in place of Orthodox antihistamine medications.
Seasonal allergies occur when one person’s immune system becomes sensitized and over-reacts to allergens in the environment that other people’s immune system do not react to. Because of this, a homeopathic remedy known as THYMULINE can be beneficial as its role is to help balance the immune system. (Note that it does not stimulate the immune system as echinacea would, nor does it suppress the immune system like corticosteroids might.) Taken just once weekly and alternating with a homeopathic form of pollen, it is a powerful combination to “train” your immune system not to be so overreactive.
Another option is NATURAL D-HIST™ from Ortho Molecular Products, a combination of quercetin, stinging nettles leaf extract, bromelain, n-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) and vitamin C that can calm the allergic response while reducing the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. QUERCETIN is included for its ability to stabilize mast cells, which results in a diminished release of histamine, which reduces the associated swelling of localized nasal passages, mucous formation, and itchy eyes and nose. Mucous formed can trickle down the throat and trigger coughing. STINGING NETTLES LEAF EXTRACT is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune balancing activities in the respiratory tract. BROMELAIN’s action in this formula is two-fold: it enhances the absorption of quercetin and as an enzyme degrades allergenic protein complexes that are associated with triggering of the immune response. NAC has many benefits in the body, including being a precursor to glutathione (known as a “master antioxidant”), but it helps reduce the viscosity of mucous allowing for relief of symptoms. VITAMIN C is included for its ability to deactivate histamine.
Consider using whichever option you choose at least two to three weeks prior to when your allergy symptoms typically start to get the most benefit. If you notice your efforts to prep your system to deal with environmental allergens has helped, but haven’t taken away your symptoms completely, then consider using ALLERGY TRYP acutely. Derived from organic quail eggs, Allergy Tryp blocks the “allergy cascade” one step earlier than quercetin and interferes with the binding of the antigen to our immune cells. It can work as quickly as 15 minutes and is indicated for occasional use. As always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any natural protocol.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Find them on Instagram and Facebook! Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
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