Spring is just around the corner, pollen allergies are lying in wait, and for many people the season of sniffles and sneezing can turn into a real nightmare.
It is estimated that four in ten Italians experience an allergic reaction when the first pollens appear. Symptoms can vary, from a dry, irritating cough to an unstoppable rhinitis characterised by a constant runny nose and severe congestion of the mucous membranes. In a great many cases there is itching of the eyes with watering and a burning sensation in the conjunctiva, along with fatigue and irritability. In more severe cases, asthma attacks can occur, with consequent breathing difficulties.
The most common allergies are those of spring and summer, and they appear with the flowering season from April to September. Grasses, pellitory-of-the-wall, composites, birch family plants and olive family plants are just some of the plants that trigger allergic reactions. It is therefore advisable to begin a preventive treatment as early as March, and there are many natural remedies we can consider that are certainly of great help. The key is consistency in taking them throughout the necessary period.
A mixture of trace elements comprising manganese, sulphur and phosphorus is fundamental. The first corrects the individual's biochemical terrain and controls and reduces all hyper-reactions; sulphur, with its detoxifying action, frees the body from toxins, while phosphorus is antispasmodic. Take one ampoule per day for a month, then continue with one ampoule on alternate days, always in the morning on an empty stomach, holding the liquid under the tongue for two minutes before swallowing.
Combine it with Rosa canina mg and blackcurrant mg — at least 50 drops of each in the morning on an empty stomach in a little water — while before dinner take 50 to 70 drops of blackcurrant mg alone. The dosage varies according to individual needs and body size. To this basic treatment for spring allergies, other remedies can be added, to be assessed when the flowering that is troubling us is at its peak.
Eyebright, helichrysum and mulberry can be combined during the acute phase in cases of heavy watering and congestion of the ocular mucous membranes. Plants with a marked antiallergic and decongestant action, they can be found in a single ready-to-use solution to be diluted in water and drunk at least three times a day.
Freeze-dried quail eggs — from a bird of the Phasianidae family — are an extremely effective remedy. They stimulate the production of antibodies and, thanks to the presence of a glycoprotein, are able to deactivate the allergen, thereby exerting an antihistamine action. To be taken in combination with the trace elements, they can be found in herbalist shops in vegetable capsules. The daily dose is 4 or 6 capsules, to be assessed according to individual needs.
Perilla oil is also an excellent remedy capable of countering the disorders associated with allergies, and its use — which boasts incredible results — is particularly indicated where there is an association with chronic inflammation.
Let us not forget liquorice, with its corticosteroid-like action: with the root we can prepare pleasant herbal teas, combined with marshmallow root, which has a soothing action on the mucous membranes, and nettle, considered a natural antihistamine. Those who suffer from high blood pressure will need to forgo liquorice, opting instead for helichrysum. In cases of allergic asthma, Viburnum mg can be of great help with its bronchodilating and antiallergic function. To be taken in combination with blackcurrant mg 2 or 3 times a day away from meals in a little water.
Specific lactic ferments combined with vitamin C and Polyporus squamosus can help us counter seasonal allergies and should always be included even during the prevention phase.
All the remedies listed are extremely effective also in situations of perennial allergic disorders (allergies to dust mites, animals, moulds, dust), provided they are always taken with great consistency and over long periods. Unfortunately, climate change, increased pollution and stress have caused a rise in cases of perennial allergy.
Naturally, we must pay attention to our diet and avoid all foods that contain histamine or that stimulate its production. Consume them in small quantities, infrequently and never in combination with one another.
Aged cheeses, crustaceans, seafood and certain types of fish (mackerel, sardines, tuna, anchovies), red wine, tomatoes, spinach, aubergines, cured meats and soy sauce are all foods with a high histamine content.
Chocolate, cocoa, strawberries, citrus fruits, pineapple, kiwi, banana, pear, mushrooms, peanuts, walnuts, egg white and coffee, on the other hand, are highly histamine-releasing foods.
Avoid heavy stress situations, which can influence the onset of allergic episodes or, if already present, can prevent improvement or even trigger a worsening.
Take care of your personal hygiene with more frequent washing of body and hair, where pollens can settle, as well as of the environment in which we live, especially where there are fitted carpets and rugs. Good practice includes giving up smoking, eating properly, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and maintaining a positive attitude in any case.
It is always recommended to consult good professionals, who will be able to indicate the most suitable remedy with the appropriate dosages.