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The term “hay fever” is misleading because it is not caused by hay, and there is no fever involved. Hay fever is an allergy that is usually triggered by pollens and/or molds. Ragweed pollen accounts for about 75 percent of hay fever in the United States. If hay fever develops in the spring, it’s more than likely due to tree pollen. If it develops in the summer, weed and grass pollen are usually the cause. Some theories suggest that the reason Marylanders tend to have a higher incidence of hay fever, is because we are east (downwind) of the pollen-rich Allegheny mountains. An allergy is often an over-reaction by the immune system in response to a foreign substance that is interpreted as dangerous. This foreign substance is then known as an “allergen.” The allergic person forms antibodies against pollens and other allergens, and this process leads to the cellular release of the chemical histamine. When histamine is released in the body, it gives rise to itching, sneezing, congestion, and dripping….the hallmark symptoms of hay fever. While there is no definitive, proven “cure” for hay fever, there are many natural treatments that can offer significant relief. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can greatly help with the symptoms of hay fever. In one recent landmark study, 40 out of 72 people with hay fever had a complete elimination of symptoms after 2 acupuncture treatments, and another 25 people showed significant improvement. Of equal importance, however, is the ability of acupuncture to help with the prevention of hay fever, as well as other allergies. Over the last 11 years of practicing acupuncture, I have treated dozens of people who have reported significant reductions (and many times, elimination) of their allergic episodes. Because acupuncture helps to balance a person systemically, the immune system becomes strengthened, thus lessening one’s susceptibility to allergies. It is common that people who are allergic to one thing, like tree pollen, will be allergic to other things as well. Because multiple allergies are so common, many studies show that eating a diet low in pro-inflammatory and high-allergenic foods is beneficial in lessening hay fever episodes. These foods include: saturated fats (meats and dairy products), eggs, refined foods, bananas, chocolate, peanuts, wheat, shellfish, food coloring, caffeine, and sugar. In addition to minimizing these foods, eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and drinking plenty of water, is very important. As stated previously, it is the release of histamine in the body that gives rise to the symptoms of hay fever. This is why sales of antihistamine medications are at an all time high. Given their name, one might assume that antihistamines prevent or lower the production of histamine. Actually, they don’t --- antihistamines merely block the action of histamine at receptor sites. What this means is that the heightened histamine levels in the person having an allergic response actually stay high, even though they may be experiencing less of the classic hay fever symptoms. High histamine levels, however, can give rise to fatigue, irritability, and an even weaker immune system in the future! Antihistamines also often produce side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and even depression. Herbs and certain vitamins offer a very good alternative to antihistamine medications. Nettles, Eyebright, and Golden Rod are herbs that actually lower histamine levels, which helps with the tiredness and irritability associated with hay fever. All three of these herbs have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation of mucous membranes, thus reducing symptoms of eye tearing and itching, runny nose, sinus congestion, and cough. Vitamin C and quercetin (a flavonoid) also help to lower histamine levels, and quercetin in particular has been shown in numerous studies to be very helpful in reducing allergy symptoms. As always, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced herbalist to put together a customized and safe treatment plan. Other natural treatments for
hay fever include homeopathy, which has many safe and effective remedies
to treat allergic symptoms; and therapeutic massage, which can support the
immune system by assisting lymphatic drainage.
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