Natural Allergy Remedies

Instead of attempting to treat the symptoms caused by the allergen’s attack on the body, like generic medications, many natural remedies are designed to prevent a reaction before it occurs.

Quercetin

This natural planet derived compound contributes to the stabilisation of mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin is a natural antioxidant and helps to rid the body of free radicals that cause cell damage, and promote cancer. Citrus fruits, onions, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, apples and wine are foods with a naturally high quercetin content. However, those with allergies will need to use supplements to build up enough quercetin in their system to prevent allergen attacks.
The recommended quercetin dosage is 1,000 milligrams daily, taken between meals. It is advised that treatment with quercetin is started six weeks before allergy season and throughout. Those with liver disease and complications should abstain from using quercetin; consult your doctor before taking quercetin supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Stinging Nettle

This natural substance behave similarly to an antihistamine medication, without the unfavourable side effects like dry mouth and drowsiness. Nettle inhibits the body’s ability to produce histamine; 300 milligrams daily will offer relief for most.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

This treatment is a gentle homeopathic approach. It acclimatises the body to pollen and other allergens to build up its resistance to them. Drops of a very small dose of the allergen is placed under the sufferer’s tongue for two minutes; they then swallow it. The therapy is daily and begins before peak pollen season, usually, but can also be used as year round treatment.

Brine

To flush your sinuses, and rinse away allergens with salt water, mix ½ teaspoon of non-iodised table salt into a cup of lukewarm water and pour it into a neti pot; cupped hands can be used. Lean over sink and tilt head to the side slightly, use half of the solution to flush one nostril, then use the remainder to flush the opposite side.

Lifestyle changes

A few lifestyle changes can also keep allergy related symptoms under control.

• Don’t use window fans to cool rooms; they can pull pollen indoors.
• Drive with windows up and use AC if necessary to avoid allergens.
• Limit outdoor exposure when ragweed pollen counts are high–that is, during mid-August until the first frost.

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2; Type 1 diabetes renders the body completely incapable of producing insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes can produce insulin, but their cells do not respond to it. Both Types result in the glucose being unable to move into the cells and blood glucose levels, as a result, become very high. With time, the resulting high glucose levels cause grave complications.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes

The nature of Type 1 diabetes does not leave much room for holistic treatment. If the body is not producing any insulin at all, then the most relevant treatment is an intake of insulin. For Type 2 diabetes, however, there are certain natural approaches that can be taken in controlling diabetes along with standard treatment. Ensure you use these natural remedies under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

1. Ginseng; the most promising studies on ginseng show that North American ginseng may effectively improve blood sugar control and glycosylated haemogobin–a form of haemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time–levels.
2. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It helps the body cells to respond adequately to insulin, and studies show that low levels of chromium exists in people with diabetes. Studies also, suggest that chromium supplements may be effective in controlling diabetes; however, these studies are inconclusive. One form of chromium that is not recommended is chromium picolinate–do research to learn more about chromium supplementation and diabetes.
3. Magnesium mineral, found naturally in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grain foods and nutritional supplements, is required for the effectiveness of more than 300 biochemical reactions. Magnesium helps in blood sugar level regulation and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure and bone health. Studies show that after 16 weeks, people who take magnesium have improved insulin sensitivity and lower fasting glucose levels. Despite all the positive functions of magnesium, high doses of the mineral may cause grave side effects.
4. Gymnema; several preliminary studies have suggested that the herb gymnema may have properties suited to lowering blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Because gymnema has the capacity to lower blood sugar levels, people taking medications for diabetes, or using insulin should not take gymnema simultaneously unless they are being closely monitored by their doctor.