Herbal programs for Allergies

Most holistic health practitioners and herbalists consider two major systems when dealing with allergies--the immune system and adrenal-stress handling system. We all recognize that these two systems are under greater pressure than ever before in this world. Environmental changes, as well as the pace of modern living and working seem to work these system to the maximum.

Although not the focus of this present article, I must mention that maintaining a strong immune system is very much interconnected with handling stress in a non-stressfull way. There are many ways to nourish the immune system and lessen the impact of stress on body systems, including meditation, walking, breathing exercises, a diet of whole, organic foods and a network of loving relationships. Herbal remedies have been used since the dawn of time to help us to be in a state of health. The following herbal programs are ones that I have personally had experience with as a practicing herbalist over the past 20 years. 

Herbal remedies

I usually approach food allergies from several directions. First, if there are digestive symptoms I recommend bowel-soothing products, such as the following tea:

1 part marshmallow root

1/4 part licorice root

1/2 part peppermint

1/2 part camomile flowers

1/4 part fennel

Simmer the roots and seeds for 30 minutes, add the peppermint and camomile, remove from the heat and let steep for another 15 minutes. Strain and store the tea in quart jars. Make a fresh batch every 5 days. Drink 3-4 cups of the tea a day. Herbs such as marshmallow and licorice are soothing to the mucous membranes. Peppermint can relieve gas and intestinal spasms, camomile is relaxing to the bowels and contains proven antiinflammatory substances. Fennel helps remove gas and stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. Together, the herbs can help relieve symptoms such as diarrhea, gas and painful digestion. There are also a variety of encapsulated or tableted products that contain these herbs. Take 2 capsules of one or more of these herbs several times daily. Tinctures or liquid extracts work especially well for digestive herbs, because they are quickly absorbed, fast-acting, and extra concentrated. The usual way to take a tincture of one or more of these herbs is to place one dropperful (45 drops) of the tincture in a little water, herb tea or juice, and drinking it 3 or 4 times during the day. In the liquid form, the herbs can be taken any time (I prefer morning, afternoon and evening before meals), but I often recommend that capsules and tablets be taken with meals, when the digestive powers are fully activated and assimilation good.

Second, helping the liver to work efficiently is important. For this reason liver and bile herbs are traditionally recommended for food allergies. Herbs such as dandelion and burdock root or artichoke leaf can be blended with a little licorice and ginger root (fresh or dried) to make a tea, or take the individual herbs in capsule or tablet form. When the liver is working optimumly, potentially allergenic substances are more likely to be eliminated before they can become a major problem. For more information on liver health and allergies, see my book, Natural Liver Therapy, available in many health food stores.

Third, I have found bitter tonic formulas to be extremely beneficial for all kinds of allergies, including food allergies. Bitter tonics or "bitters" as they are now called are easy to make, or one can purchase a wide variety of high-quality products from a local natural foods store or herb shop. The main herbs are gentian, artichoke leaves, orange peel, cardamon seed, ginger and fennel. One can easily make their own bitter tonic by blending up 1/4 part gentian, with 1 part of the other herbs in some brandy or vodka. Let the herbs soak or macerate for 2 weeks, then strain off the liquid, which is bottled for use. Take 1 tsp before meals. Bitter tonics work to improve the vigor and function of all the digestive organs, and even the part of our immune system associated with the digestive tract--an ideal combination for people with food allergies. In Europe, bitters have a long history of use, and are recommended for a wide range of ailments, including most digestive problems. For instance, in Germany, 20 million doses of bitters are taken every day! Americans like their sweets and salt, but Europeans go crazy for bitters. If I'm not mistaken, they wouldn't shun a good sweet treat either.

Although food allergies can be discouraging, especially when the suspected food is one we really like, a program of herbal remedies and a little common sense can often bring excellent results. In some cases one can moderately indulge in the problem food or foods once in a while. As in everything, moderation is one of the important keys to feeling good.

(Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac. from  www.healthy.com)