Allergies, etc.

Colds, Allergies, Asthma & Hay Fever -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Common Cold The common cold is a short-term viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that may be spread through the air, for example, by contact with contaminated objects. There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold. Well-known symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, headache, fever, watery eyes and general discomfort. Since the common cold is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective in treatment. RECOMMENDATIONS Herbal Formulas: Since there is no cure for the common cold, prevention and swift healing is best. At the first sign of a cold, ViraMune, BactaMune, or Echinacea & Thyme are excellent choices to help lessen the duration of the cold.When fever is present, Yummy Yarrow is helpful. For deeper stages of infection, Scout Out or Triple Echinacea & Goldenseal are beneficial. Add Wild Cherry Coffaway or Lungs Plus for coughs or congestion. See Product Order list for above in all sizes. Supplements: Ultimate Zinc-C, BetaGlucans, GR8-Dophilus, Triple Strength Garlic Oil, Super Odorless Garlic Caps, Oregano Oil. Essential Oils: External: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Tea Tree; Internal: Oregano, Thyme. When is a Cold, not a cold? Often allergies, asthma or sinusitis symptoms mimic those of a cold. But unlike a cold, the body's defense system fighting off harmful invaders, an allergy is an inappropriate response by the body's immune system to a substance that is not normally toxic. For various reasons, these substances are mistakenly targeted as foreign invaders and the white blood cells overreact, doing more damage to the body than the invader. In this way, the allergic response becomes a disease in itself. As the body fights off the invasion, symptoms may begin to appear throughout the body. The most common sites are the mouth (swelling of the lips or tongue, itching lips), digestive tract (stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea), the skin (hives, rashes or eczema), and the airways (wheezing or breathing problems). For persons who may have factors that predispose them to allergies (family history of allergies; environmental exposure; out of season symptoms; emotional factors involved), consider the following: Common inhaled allergens include pollen, dust, animal dander and house mites. Common food allergens include nuts, fish, wheat, corn and milk. Common allergic responses are coughing, wheezing, itching, swelling, rashes, headache, fatigue and nasal congestion. One key to distinguishing an allergy from a cold symptom is that allergies most often cause a distinctive clear, thin nasal discharge, whereas secretions caused by colds usually become thick and colored as the illness progresses. A chronic cough which may be secondary to postnasal drip, should not be mistaken for asthma. Sinus headaches and stopped up ears are also common in allergy related symptoms. The following descriptions may help to determine what condition allergic symptoms are expressing: HAY FEVER (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic condition triggered by the immune system's response to inhaled substances. Pollen is usually the agent and so symptoms are often seasonal. Those who suffer throughout the year, rather than seasonally, are said to have "perennial rhinitis". These symptoms may be a response to mold, dust, animal dander, feathers, or some other environmental agent. Symptoms include sneezing, often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose, inflammation of the nose and mucous membranes (conjunctivitis) of the eyes. These result in "allergic shiners" (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses), or the "allergic salute" (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose). The nose, roof of the mouth, eyes and throat begin to itch gradually or abruptly after the onset of the pollen season. Tearing, sneezing, and clear, watery nasal discharge soon follows the itching. Headaches and nervous irritability may also occur. People who suffer from hay fever often suffer from other disorders such as asthma and dermatitis. RECOMMENDATIONS Herbal Formulas: Master Herbalist and former director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Hospital #1 in Shanghai, China, Dr. Ping Qi Kang has formulated Authentic Asian AL-R-G specifically to help address hay fever-related allergies. This formula, which has an ephedra-free adapted version for children, helps support the lungs and reduces swelling in all affected tissues. It also helps expel mucous from the nose and lungs. Safe enough to use daily as a preventative during the allergy season as well and more often during allergic episodes. Supplements: Omega 3-6-9, CoQ-10, Vitamin B Complex (B-50 with C), C-1000 with Bioflavonoids, Ultimate Zinc-C Essential Oils: Chamomile. Asthma is a lung disease that causes obstruction of the airways. Typical symptoms include a feeling of tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, coughing , and wheezing. The acute attacks that may occur are not the cause but the result of chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity in the bronchial area to allergens. These may include environmental toxins and pollutants, molds, animal dander, dust mites, tobacco smoke and food additives. Other factors that may influence an asthmatic attack include adrenal disorders, low blood sugar, emotional stress, temperature or climate changes and even exercise. Asthma can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms resemble other diseases, including emphysema, bronchitis and lower respiratory infections. A physician may recommend chest x-rays, blood tests or a procedure called "spirometry" that measures air taken into and out of the lungs. RECOMMENDATIONS Herbal Formulas:Master Herbalist and former director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Hospital #1 in Shanghai, China, Dr. Ping Qi Kang has formulated Authentic Asian AS-MA. This formula supports the body during asthmatic spasms in the bronchial area, promoting free breathing and aiding relief of asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing or tightness of chest. Lungs Plus may be used to strengthen and soothe the lungs and throat, also to reduce inflammation and mucus discharge. (Lung Tonic is a pregnancy safe version of Lungs Plus.) Supplements: Omega 3-6-9, Flax Oil, CoQ-10, Vitamin B Complex (B-50 with C), C-1000 with Bioflavonoids, Antioxidant Caps, Triple Strength Garlic Oil, Super Odorless Garlic Caps. Essential Oils: External: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Lemon. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus passages. The common cold is the most prevalent predisposing factor to sinusitis, but hay fever, other environmental triggers, food allergens, and dental infections can also lead to sinusitis. Symptoms include nasal congestion and a thick yellow or green discharge, tenderness and pain over the sinuses, frontal headaches, and sometimes chills, fever, and pressure in the area of the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis differs slightly, in that symptoms can be milder and may only include postnasal drip, bad breath, and an irritating dry cough. RECOMMENDATIONS Herbal Formulas: As a preventative, the NR Glow formula boosts immune function. Sinus Minus has been specifically formulated to support healthy sinuses. It supports lung and immune function during times of bronchial or sinus infection and congestion. Use in combination with our Dr Kang Nose Drops, a nose drop formula used to cleanse and relieve congested nasal passages during sinus infection. Supplements: Gr8-Dophilus, Flax Oil, Omega 3-6-9, Vitamin B Complex (B-50 with C), C-1000 with Bioflavonoids, Liquid Multi-Vitamins, CoQ10, Triple Strength Garlic, Ultimate Zinc-C, Super Odorless Garlic. Essential Oils: External: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Thyme, Rosemary, Cajeput, Cedarwood, Lemon, Basil, Marjoram; Internal: Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, Pine Needle. Allergic or Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin which may be caused by contact with perfumes, cosmetics, rubber, plants such as poison ivy or poison oak, medicated creams and ointments, metals or metal alloys found in jewelry or zippers. Symptoms include red, itchy inflamed skin, welts, blisters or hives. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a very itchy inflammation associated with intestinal or immune disorders. The symptoms can be triggered by consumption of dairy products or gluten. RECOMMENDATIONS Herbal Formulas:For skin inflammation, LivCare supports the liver and detoxification process; NR Glow formula can be used to support and boost immune system response. Supplements: Vitamin B Complex (B-50 with C), Ultimate Zinc-C Essential Oils: Soothing Salve (essential oil combination), Tea Tree Children and Allergies If your child has an immediate or serious reaction to a particular food or medicine, the cause should be obvious. But keep in mind, allergies are sometimes difficult to pinpoint and often take time to develop. If a child's symptoms occur seasonally in the spring and fall, the trigger is most likely pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. Watch for timing, noticing that in the early spring, the source of discomfort is probably trees; if symptoms occur in the late spring, the allergen is most likely grass; and if sneezing and rubbing of the eyes occurs in the fall, it is probably a weed allergy. If the problem lasts all year long, it is most likely an environmental allergen in your house. Dust, mites, cat or dog dander on carpets, and molds are all common triggers. Mild allergies to foods such as milk, corn and wheat may also show up as hay fever-like symptoms not limited to the warmer months of the year. How To Determine Allergens Here is a simple Self-Test to determine an allergy to a specific food: Using a watch with a second hand, have the person being tested sit down and relax a few minutes. Take the pulse at the wrist. Count the number of beats in a 60 second period. (A normal pulse reading is between 52 and 70 beats per minute.) Have them consume the suspected food in its purest form. (For example, if you were testing for a wheat allergy, use a form of pure wheat rather than bread which is wheat combined with other ingredients.) After taking the pulse, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then measure the pulse again. If the pulse rate has increased more than ten beats per minute, have the person omit this food from their diet for one month, then retest. Particular allergens to which a person is sensitive can also be determined through allergy testing. Allergy tests may be performed on the skin or using blood serum in a test tube. During skin tests, potential allergens are placed on the skin and the reaction is observed. In radio-allergosorbent allergy testing (RAST), a patient's blood serum is combined with allergen in a test tube to determine if serum antibodies react with the allergen. Provocation testing involves direct exposure to a possible allergen, either through inhalation or ingestion. Positive reactions from any of these tests may be used to narrow the candidates for the actual allergen causing the allergy. Identification of the allergenic substance may allow the patient to avoid the substance and reduce allergic reactions. In addition, allergy testing may be done in those with asthma that is difficult to manage, eczema, or skin rashes to determine if an allergy is causing the condition or making it worse. Allergy tests may also be done before allergen desensitization to ensure the safety of more extensive exposure. For children, since this allergy testing process can be painful, it's a good idea to see if removing possible allergen sources like pets or dusty carpets will take care of the problem before resorting to tests.If your child seems to be allergic to animal dander, consult your allergist for advice. Meanwhile, keep the pets outside or at least out of the room. Keeping the pet washed regularly also helps. For allergic reactions to pollen, dust, and other airborne irritants, try clearing the air by keeping the windows closed, installing special filters on your air-conditioning system, and vacuuming regularly. Remove any major dust collectors from your child's room, including plants, stuffed animals, rugs or carpeting. Guard against reactions to dust mites by fitting your child's mattress and pillowcase with airtight plastic or polyurethane covers and by washing sheets and blankets in hot water (over 130 degrees F.) every two weeks. When allergens are unavoidable, medications or herbal formulations can bring quick relief. Over-the-counter antihistamines ease most symptoms, but they can also cause drowsiness. Decon-gestants can clear up stuffy noses, but they also make some children irritable. If your child has severe reactions to a single allergen such as bee venom, a doctor might recommend a series of allergy shots that contain small amounts of the troublemaking substance. After enough injections, her immune system may eventually stop overreacting to the agent. Unfortunately, shots don't work for food allergies. Do allergies Go Away? Children usually outgrow food allergies, particularly if the offending food is removed from their diet for a few years. Hay fever and other respiratory allergies often subside or even disappear when a child reaches the teen years, but can return in adulthood. The best and safest way to control allergies is the natural way- to avoid allergens, strengthen the liver and normalize the immune system. This includes a willingness to make changes in lifestyle, diet, and mental/emotional states if necessary. Disclaimer: The recommendations are for educational purposes only and do not imply that similar results will happen with the use of our products. The products and information discussed are not intended as a drug, or intended to diagnose for specific illnesses or conditions, nor as products to eliminate diseases or other medical conditions or complications. The FDA has not evaluated the information on this website. Copyright 2003 Trilight Herbs