Friday, August 15, 2014

Natural Herbal Anti-histamines

HOW TO FIGHT THOSE SEASONAL ALLERGIES???

 allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, contact
 dermatitis, urticaria (hives), angioedema and 
pruritus (atopic dermatitis, insect bites)


Millions of people around the world suffer from allergies. Allergic reactions are as simple as the fact that if you find yourself sniffing in the summertime or sneezing while spring cleaning, it may be because you are allergic to something in the air. Many people never bother to seek a definite medical diagnosis for their allergies, because these may not be serious enough, and may not require medical treatment. As many allergic reactions can be fatal, it is a wonder why most people are not worried about what they could be allergic from. For most of us who sniffle and sneeze our way through life our symptoms just doesn't bother us much. Naturally such people usually want some form of treatment, perhaps an over-the-counter remedy, which might possibly help them lead a normal life. There are also a few people, for whom allergy is a serious, and a very dangerous condition that needs expert medical attention and constant vigilance in order to prevent a life threatening allergic reaction, due to some allergen. The diagnosis of allergies has however been very hard even though they are quite common and many people seem to be affected. Because allergies may often be mistaken for other chronic and debilitating conditions such as digestive and intestinal failures, a proper diagnosis must first take care of correctly pointing out the cause.

Histamine is a chemical, which is involved in our local immune response as well as regulating physiological function in the gut, acting as a neurotransmitter. During the time of seasonal allergies, the body's immune system sees pollen as an invader. In an allergic reaction, our body produces histamine, as a defense mechanism. This inflammatory chemical attaches the cells in our body and causes irritation. It is the deficiency of this enzyme that triggers an allergic reaction as histamines gathers in the synapses. 

An antihistamine serves to reduce or eliminate the effects brought on by histamine, a chemical mediator released during allergic reactions. Antihistamines are commonly used for allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, urticaria (hives), angioedema and pruritus (atopic dermatitis, insect bites). 

There are hundreds of plants used all over the world, which are used in herbal medicine as treatments for histamine attacks. Here are some of the most accessible and reliable. 
Basil (Ocimum sanctum): this great herb has a history in helping prevent stomach cramps, gas as well as constipation. A poultice of Basil leaves can can work as an antihistamine to draw out insect, bee wasp, or snake venom. It helps alleviate acne, heal abrasions and speeds healing when used on cuts. 




Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): is rich in anti-histamine properties. The flowers can be crushed and used as a poultice for inflammatory swelling. Make a tea and drink 2-3 times a day. Chamomile can cause histaminic allergic reactions in some very sensitive people. If this occurs, simply discontinue. 

Jewelweed (Impatiens aurea): contains a compound called "Lawsone" that treats uticaria. Jewelweed is used as a natural remedy for poison ivy, poison oak, okra spines, stinging nettle and acne treatment. Jewelweed is also used for heat rash, ringworm and many other skin disorders, as well as bug bites and razor burn. 

Papaya (Petroselinum crispum): inhibits the secretion of histamine. Papaya juice can be taken internally as well as applied topically to diffuse a histamine attack. 

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): The very same plant that will produce hives if its hairs inject their histamine into you can work to heal the problem. Some herbs whose pollen can cause symptoms of hay fever have been used as a way to reduce symptoms of hay fever, which is the homeopathic theory of "like cures like". The most important of these are Goldenrod and Ragweed (Ambrosia ambrosioides). Eyebright and Elder also have a reputation for use as hay fever remedies. However, an individual allergic to one of these plants should avoid them unless under the care of a doctor of natural medicine. Freeze-dried nettle leaf extract taken in capsule form will treat hives and allergies. The plant does not contain enough histamine to cause a problem when taken orally. Tea can be made from the leaves or cooked as greens. The stinging hairs lose their sting when the plant is cooked. 

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Echinacea is a widely used herbal remedy for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. This purple coneflower has shown to have antihistamine properties. 
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): In my Chinese herbal practice, fennel is used for indigestion, spasms in the digestive tract, as well as expelling phlegm from the lungs. Fennel is rich with the antioxidant flavonoid "Quercetin". Quercetin is a strong natural antihistamine shown to be very helpful for allergies and histamine-related inflammation. Make as a tea and drink 2-3 times per day. 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): another classic herb in the Chinese Materia Medica, ginger works well on allergic reactions such as hives and wheals. Slice up a ginger root boil it in eight cups of water for 30 minutes. Allow the herbs to steep for another 30 after you have boiled it. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day. You may add the tea to a hot bath and soak for 20 minutes. Dip a wash cloth in the tea once it is at room temperature and use as a compress. 

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Hailed the "mushroom of immortality", one of my favorite natural remedies is Reishi (Ling Zhi). Japanese researchers have found that reishi acts as an antihistamine, making it useful for treating allergies. "Lanostan", a compound found in reishi, appears to control the release of transmitting chemicals in the body, thereby inhibiting the release of histamine. Since reishi also promotes the adrenal function and immune reaction, it has added effectiveness in controlling the body's reaction to an allergen. 



Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): is a natural antihistamine, as well as having antiseptic properties to help purge infections. The essential oil has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a host of different bacteria and fungi. 

Vitamin C: is believed to be a natural antihistamine agent if used at high doses, around 3,000mg to 5,000mg a day. 

Wild Oregano (Origanum vulgare): aka Wild Marjoram, have at least seven different antihistaminic chemicals, therefore fights allergies as well as fungus and infection. 

Essential Oils As Antihistamines 

Essential oils should be used in a base oil (to avoid irritation) and massaged on the skin. NEVER use essential oils internally. 

Caraway Seed Oil: has antihistamine and antimicrobial properties and is very effective in treating mild allergic reactions. 

Clove Oil: has antihistamine properties. This essential oil is helpful in the treatment of dermatitis due to allergic reactions. 

Lemon balm (also known as melissa): has antihistamine action and is useful to treat eczema and headaches. This essential oil has antihistamine properties and helps with allergies. 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Update on my Book

Well, the book is coming along splendidly . . . <;o)) . . . I'm learning that there's sooooo much to do "IF YOU WANT TO BE A BEST SELLING AUTHOR" and if you want your success to be defined by more than just "selling a book."

There's soooo much to do to lay the ground work: marketing your book, getting publicity, seeking interviews, on tv, radio, magazines, etc.  Writing a press release, seeking publishing deals, finding the myriad ways to get your name out there, establish credibility, 
establish a following for your niche market, etc., etc., etc.

Well, I AM ON IT!!!!

Here's an updated version of my book - front and back.  Just a few more sentence/grammar tweaks.


WHAT DO YOU THINK?

I'd LOVE your comments / suggestions!



I'll post the table of contents next.

Thanks for you support - it's meant so much to this venture.
Namaste

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

In Memory of Robin Williams



Renowned for his otherworldly improvisational skills and Oscar-winning dramatic performances in films like Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams died yesterday at his home in Tiburon, Calif. from an apparent suicide, police said. He was 63.
While Williams’ passing may have come as a shock to fans, his publicist noted in a statement that “He has been battling severe depression of late.” Williams also notably struggled with drug and alcohol abuse throughout his career, having checked into rehab most recently earlier this year.
Even President Obama expressed his condolences. “He arrived in our lives as an alien -- but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry,” Obama said in astatement. “He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most -- from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets.”
In honor of Williams’ considerable impact on entertainment, his extensive charitable work and his incisive social commentary, here are 10 of his greatest quotes:
1. “You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.”
2. “What’s right is what’s left if you do everything else wrong.”
3. "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change this world." -Dead Poets Society
4. “Some are born great. Some achieve greatness. Some get it as a graduation gift.”
5. "[Mentor Jonathan Winters] taught me that the world is open for play, that everything and everybody is mockable in a wonderful way."
6. "You have this idea that you'd better keep working otherwise people will forget. And that was dangerous. And then you realize, no, actually if you take a break people might be more interested in you."
7. “I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel all alone.” -World’s Greatest Dad
8. “If women ran the world we wouldn't have wars, just intense negotiations every 28 days.”
9. “It's a wonderful feeling when your father becomes not a god but a man to you -- when he comes down from the mountain and you see he's this man with weaknesses. And you love him as this whole being, not as a figurehead.”
10. “But only in their dreams can men be truly free. It was always thus and always thus will be.” -Dead Poets Society

by GEOFF WEISS - ENTREPRENEUR STAFF/Staff Writer