Sneeze wheeze, sniff snuff.drip drop, scritch scratch. If this sounds like spring time to you, consider one of the safer more effective natural allergy alternatives to the up-and-down side effects of over the counter antihistamine and decongestant allergy medicine.

   Aller-Herbs/8 is fast-acting all-herbal combination formula that provides effective relief of hayfever and allergy symptoms, usually within 20 to 30 minutes. Not only is it without side effects, but unlike allergy medicine, it leaves your respiratory and immune systems stronger, even reducing the chance of the winter time infections such as influenza bronchitis, pneumonia and sinus infection.

   Although the common over the counter allergy medicines do relieve symptoms by suppressing the immune system, they actually drive sinus congestion and mucous accumulation deeper into the bronchial lung tissue. So, even though it dries out the runny upper respiratory  faucet of spring, it sets the stage for the next winter’s deeper bronchial infections, including pneumonia.

Respir-all is a vitamin-mineral-herbal specialty formula containing natural and effective antihistamines such as Quercitin(a bioflavonoid) and Nettle. It also includes nutrient co-factor such as buffered (non-acid) vitamin C, magnesium, and bromclain (anti-inflamatory). Because of the role that the adrenal glands play in the allergic response, this formula includes the adrenal support nutrients pantothenic acid (a B vitamin) and licorice root.

Asthma sufferers also benefit from this profile of nutrient support.

   Quercitin is bright yellow flavanoid extracted from onion and other foods that is available by itself or in combination with Bromelain or in such formulas as Respir-All mentioned above. Quercitin has pronounced anti-histamine, anti-inflamatory,and antioxidant properties. I’ve observed that it  often provides my patients significant relief with or without other ingredients.

  Nettle leaf extract may reduce the symptoms of hayfever, including sneezing and itchy eyes.  A standardized extract is the preferred form and seems to work better for some individuals then others.

  Homeopathic and other more specific herbal remedies also are available. A cleansing and detoxification program is a great help in reducing allergic sensitivity, as a nutritional support for the liver and immune system. Spring cleaning is beneficial within your body as well as your house. A complete descriptive listing is available from Karl Mincin’s Nutrition Resource.

  Allergies are caused by minute protein particles entering the body through the mucous membranes of nasal and lung passages (pollens and dust), through the intestinal tract (food, bacteria molds, histamines and drugs), and from poisonous plants and poisonous plants and venom (poison ivy and oak, snakes). The uncomfortable results may be in the form of skin rashes, eczema, hives, hayfever, asthma headaches, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, sinus infections and digestive disorders

   Allergies can be the result of a number of factors including inadequate diet, eating the same foods frequently, excessively acidic diet, stress and emotional upsets, insufficient sleep, immune deficiency, infections, vitamin and mineral imbalances, synthetic or natural substances, drugs and vaccines, alcohol, coffee, sugar and other stimulants, accumulative toxic overload, sluggish liver, heavy metal poisoning, malabsorbtion/leaky gut syndrome, digestive enzyme deficiency, hypoglycemia, and adrenal exhaustion. These various stresses may contribute to the body reacting abnormally to any encountered substance.

    Aller-Herbs is based on profefssional herbalists combination formula of synergistically blended herbs, which aid in clearing up such stress-caused malfunctions. These herbs act  not only to clear up the sinuses, but also to expel mucous from the broncho-pulmonary passages. They also tonify and strengthen the entire respiratory system. Because these are mild acting and gently cleansing herbs there is little danger of drowsiness or unpleasant side effects.

     Aller-Herbs/8 is a special formula for allergies, sinus congestion, and hayfever. It is natural aid for clearing up these malfunctions. The herbs function as a decongestant and antihistamine to clear the sinuses and expel from the head and bronchi offending stoppage and mucous.  The  formula provides both fast–acting symptom relief (usually within 20-30 minutes) as well as the long-term tonic effects described. The formula contains Marshmallow root, Brigma tea, Burdock toot, Parsley Root, Chaparral, Lobelia Goldenseal Roof and Cayenne It contains eight synergistically blended herbs described below:

   Marshmallow root is especially helpful for allergies, coughs and bronchitis. Combined with Goldenseal. These two do an outstanding job of soothing in flamed respiratory tract and urinary passages. Again, this inflamed respiratory action not only relieves symptoms but being a rich source of vitamin A and zinc serves to heal the lining of irritated tissue. Goldenseal further removes chronic catarrh from all mucous membranes.

   Bringham Tea has traditionally been used as a cold remedy and, like Burdock. (A blood purifier (an essential pre-requisite for allergy relief). It is a quick-acting antihistamine, helps the immune system fight infections, and, like vitamin C-rich parsley and Juniper berry, has diuretic activity Burdock root is an excellent detoxifier, contributing to the clearing up of both allergy induced and toxin-induced skin condition.

…Parsley is a nutritional powerhouse. Generous is beta-carotene, vitamins B and C and minerals, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. Rich in chlorophyll, which uniquely nourishes and builds the blood, while simultaneously cleansing and detoxifying purging the tissue of allergens.

   Lobelia is a catalyst herb, enhancing the properties of the other ingredients to relieve lung and throat congestion so prominent in allergy sufferers.                                                                                                    

   Finally, cayenne stimulates circulation to all body parts hastening the healing process. It is specifically used to eliminate bronchial congestion by stimulating cilia to eliminate accumulate catarrh.

   Aller-Herbs are good to have in the medicine cabinet for preventive use or carry along to be use as needed basis for quick symptom relief. Modern medicine will have a difficult time topping a time tested natural alternative such as Aller-Herbs.

The Diet-Hayfever connection

Is a food allergy behind your hayfever? Undetected, hidden food allergies are very common underlying causes contributing to hayfever symptoms. In fact, nearly everyone with classic hayfever also has accompanying food allergies that they are probably unaware of.

While the scratch testing method is only  accurate for detecting inhalant allergies (such as pollen, grass, dust, mold, etc.) it is only 20% reliable for detecting food allergies.  Most food allergies tested by this method are missed.  When such food sensitivities are accurately uncovered by other testing methods (such as ELISA, RAST or the Pulse Test) individuals with hayfever consistently experience improvement across the board not only for food allergy symptoms but for hayfever symptoms as well. Some of the more common yet unrecognized food allergies include: milk and dairy products, wheat, corn, soybeans orange juice, beef and chocolate. When these food allergens are avoided and then rotated with different foods, hayfever symptoms also improve even when the person is again exposed to the offending pollen or grass trigger substance.

      Any of these safe, natural and effective approaches to hayfever relief and allergy management are good first line of defense for clear and smooth sailing though spring

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Karl J. Mincin is a clinical nutritionist who specializes in nutrition assessment, the process of evaluating individual nutrient needs. He operates Nutrition Resource, a specialty vitamin & herb store and professional consulting services. Karl may be reached at (360) 770-8486.