Allergies – an unwelcome visitor. Many of us live with allergies of one kind or another. Before we know it, allergen season is here again. That is why it is lovely to think of it now, and not only once it is in full swing. Do you know what an allergy actually is? An allergy is an exaggerated response of the immune system to substances from the surrounding environment. But there is no need to give up hope – here are a few gentle ideas and tips on how to live with it more easily.
How to find relief from allergies
When our body is coping with allergies, it is very important to keep up a good drinking routine. Enough hydration keeps the kidneys in their rhythm, so the body more easily lets go of excess histamine and therefore of allergens too. Movement is probably the last thing on your mind with a blocked nose and red eyes, and yet gentle to more intense activity can bring relief. You may be wondering how that is possible? Movement creates anti-inflammatory substances in the body, and these naturally soften the signs of an allergy. And another wonderful thing is vitamin C. It supports immunity and, what is more, it is considered a natural antihistamine. From the point of view of natural medicine, we work with the idea that allergies begin in the gut and the liver. If we wish to care for allergies well, it helps to cleanse the body, support the liver and bring the gut back into balance.
Natural relief from allergies
Let us look together at what nature can offer us when allergies come. Few people know milk thistle, which is a real shame, because it is very helpful with allergies. It has traditionally been reached for with various kinds of allergies and is said to be of help during asthmatic episodes. The oil is the most effective form. Nettle is next in line among the herbs traditionally used with allergies. It cleanses the body beautifully, is an excellent natural antihistamine and helps the body let go of harmful substances.
Practical tips for those living with allergies
Great mullein also serves beautifully; it is a herb traditionally used to soothe an allergic cough, and so is thyme. Thyme has proved itself with a dry, irritating cough too. You can use it as aromatherapy, in an aroma lamp. Lavender oil has calming properties as well; it will help you settle your body and bring relief from allergic reactions. When you feel the signs of an allergy coming on, put a few drops of lavender oil on the skin between your fingers. Bring your hands closer to your face and breathe deeply. During pollen season, carry a few cotton wisps soaked with a few drops of lavender oil with you. Whenever you need to, breathe in their scent. Peppermint oil softens the signs of chronic inflammation, including allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Peppermint oil helps loosen mucus and also eases the signs of a runny nose, a cough and inflammation of the sinuses.
An allergy on the skin - choose the right ointment
As for the signs on the skin, a wonderful companion for itching and for the outward signs of allergic reactions is calendula or hemp ointment. Both have a calming, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. And of course we should also gently support the work of the gut. Leave white sugar and gluten out of your diet for a while, so that it can rest. Add good-quality probiotics over a longer period. Go gently ahead. You certainly will not do yourself any harm – quite the opposite. Wishing you plenty of health!