Archive for the ‘Allergies’ Category

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History. The Sting in Stinging Nettle

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

History. The Sting in Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has long been used by holistic doctors and traditional herbalists. It grows in North America, particularly in Oregon and other Northwestern states. It is also found throughout Europe. Its Latin name “Urtica,” meaning “to sting,” comes from its small spines that sting the skin. (These are removed for the supplement form.) The leaves are rich in minerals, especially potassium, along with anti-allergy compounds. The root contains unique substances that benefit the prostate.

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Testimonials. Jenny’s story about allergies and headaches before taking quercetin

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Testimonials. Jenny’s story about allergies and headaches before taking quercetin

Jenny, a 40-year-old teacher, suffered from allergies and sinus headaches on and off throughout the year. Dietary changes were of little benefit to her. After taking 500 mg three times daily of quercetin for two weeks, her allergies and headaches were greatly improved. She no longer requires pharmaceutical treatment for acute allergy-related headaches.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Quercetin

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Quercetin

This naturally occurring flavonoid, found in foods and available as a nutritional supplement, has anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary research shows that it reduces histamine release from mast cells While we are unaware of any studies, we find it to be helpful clinically for our patients.

DOSAGE

Take 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily.

SAFETY

Rare instances of headaches and tingling of the extremities have been reported.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Stinging Nettle

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Stinging Nettle

This plant has been used by naturopathic doctors in the United States over several decades for the treatment of allergies. A randomized, double-blind study at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine tested the benefit of freezedried nettles for the treatment of hay fever. In the study, 58 percent of participants given stinging nettle had a reduction in sneezing and itching.

DOSAGE

Take 300 mg three times daily.

SAFETY

No adverse effects are known for the aboveground parts of stinging nettle, the part of the plant used in the mentioned study.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Thymus Extract

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Thymus Extract

The thymus gland produces thymic hormones, which help to regulate immunity. Thymus extracts are used as nutritional support for those with allergies. Thymus extract has been shown in one study to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

DOSAGE

Take 750 mg of crude thymus polypeptide fraction or 120 mg of pure thymus polypeptides (thymomodulin) daily, or as directed on the label.

SAFETY

No adverse effects have been reported.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Tinospora Cordifolia

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Tinospora Cordifolia

An extract of this plant has been shown to significantly decrease sneezing and nasal itching, discharge, and obstruction. A randomized, double-blind placebocontrolled trial published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology involved 75 people with allergic rhinitis. They were given Tinospora cordifolia or a placebo for eight weeks. Those given Tinospora cordifolia had a significant decrease in all symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This included a 100 percent decrease in sneezing in 83 percent of participants, a 69 percent decrease in nasal discharge, a 61 percent decrease in nasal obstruction, and a 71 percent decrease in nasal pruritus (itching). Those given placebo had little improvement in the same symptoms that were monitored. (more…)

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Butterbur

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Butterbur

This plant extract is commonly used in Europe for the treatment of hay fever. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study compared butterbur to fexofenadine (Allegra) and placebo in 330 participants with allergies (allergic rhinitis). The butterbur group took one tablet (8 mg of the active ingredient petasine) three times daily. Both fexofenadine (Allegra) and butterbur were superior to placebo in relieving symptoms. Another study found butterbur extract to be effective in relieving nasal symptoms associated with allergies. It was also shown after five days of use to significantly reduce the allergenic substance histamine. In addition, a randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison found butterbur to be as effective as cetirizine (Zyrtec) in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

DOSAGE

For allergic rhinitis, use a standardized extract containing 8 to 16 mg of petasine taken three to four times daily. Also, a whole butterbur root extract at a dose of 50 mg twice daily has been studied and can be used as well.

SAFETY

Butterbur is well tolerated. It can cause digestive upset, headache, fatigue, and itchy eyes.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. Herbal teas such as ginger and peppermint are great to keep the sinuses clear. Avoid or reduce foods that commonly increase nasal congestion, such as cow’s milk and gluten.Warm sinus irrigation rinses are helpful in reducing allergen exposure and reaction.

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Allergy Drugs: Nasal Mast Cell Stabilizers

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Nasal Mast Cell Stabilizers

Cromolyn nasal spray (Nasalcrom)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

These medications stabilize mast cell membranes, which prevents the release of inflammatory and allergy-producing substances known as histamines and leukotrienes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

These drugs prevent allergy symptoms, although they can take up to four weeks to be fully effective.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Bad taste in the mouth
- Cough, dry throat
- Headache
- Nosebleeds or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Stinging, burning, or irritation inside the nose

MAJOR CAUTIONS

- Difficulty breathing

KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS

None known.

FOOD OR SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS

None known.

NUTRIENT DEPLETION/IMBALANCE

None known.

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Allergy Drugs: Nasal Decongestants

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Nasal Decongestants

Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
Phenylephrine nasal (4-Way Fast Acting, Afrin Children’s Pump Mist, Ah-chew D, Little Colds, Little Noses Gentle Formula, Infants & Children, Neo-Synephrine 4-Hour, Rhinall,Vicks Sinex Ultra Fine Mist)

Nasal Decongestants

Nasal Decongestants

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

Nasal decongestants are sprayed directly into the nose to constrict blood vessels. Therefore, when you use a nasal decongestant, the blood vessels in your nose tighten, causing the linings of your nose to be less swollen. This makes your nose feel less stuffy.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Decreased nasal congestion within a short period of time (a few minutes).

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

Burning, stinging, dryness, or irritation of the nose.

MAJOR CAUTIONS

- Dizziness
- Fainting spells
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the inside of the nose

KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS

- Atropine
- Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
- Linezolid (Zyvox)
- Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
- Antidepressants
- Migraine medications
- High blood pressure medications
- Oxytocin
- Vasopressin
- Diuretic medications

FOOD OR SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS

None known.

NUTRIENT DEPLETION/IMBALANCE

None known.

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