Your health: Terrible allergies every season change

The physiology of allergy is a normal response to an invader, a defense mechanism to a harmful substance.

Hi Sandra, since having kids I have varicose veins, they don't hurt but they are so ugly, what can I do?

It is great that you want to do something about your veins now, as varicose veins are only a superficial sign of what is a wider venous insufficiency. When they have been established for a long time there are fewer prospects for changing them cosmetically, especially if the veins and their valve have been permanently damaged. Yet if they are only a recent occurrence, or if the valves are only weakened but undamaged then it is possible to improve the tone of the veins and capillaries. As a result, your varicose veins will reduce and even disappear completely.

Regardless of recent or past appearance, the long term goal of a natural treatment is to maintain good venous and connective tissue tone, especially when you know you have a hereditary weakness in your connective tissue or have a profession where you stand on your feet all day. The aim is to prevent further trouble and improve venous blood return from the lower body. This is especially important in order to prevent a worsening of varicose veins as well as haemorrhoids, heavy swollen legs or more serious risks like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Taking specific plant medicine to strengthen veins internally, alongside topical treatment where the veins are engorged, can help to treat your current varicose veins, and also prevent new ones from developing. Weak veins require ongoing and long term treatment over many months, followed by a maintenance treatment once a day. For my clients I have found a formulation of Horsechestnut, Witchhazel, Butcher's Broom and Arnica successful in improving vein conditions. These plants are listed in international pharmacopoeias based on clinical and scientific evidence.

I get terrible allergies every time we have a season change but it seems particularly worse at the beginning of summer. What can I do about it?

Inhalant allergies such as hayfever are common at the beginning of summer, when plants, shrubs and trees release their pollen. The physiology of allergy is a normal response to an invader, a defense mechanism to a harmful substance. The issue with many modern allergies is that some people react now to substances that are not harmful per se. They may have a genetic predisposition, but more often than not the allergy relates to the overall state of health of the person experiencing these health challenges. Looking at allergy statistics, their prevalence has got significantly worse over the past decades and point to an unprecedented allergy epidemic in Western countries. Not just allergies in the form of runny noses, red eyes and sneezing as in hayfever, but also atopic allergies such as eczema, asthma, food sensitivities and autoimmune conditions. These allergies are a symptom linked to systemic inflammation and deeper, chronic immune system problems.

The conventional approach is to switch the immune system response off with drugs such as antihistamines, cromoglycate or adrenaline and try to desensitise the body to the offending substance. The natural approach is to relieve the symptoms with plant medicines and nutritional intervention whilst addressing the underlying state that produces the allergy. Avoiding the offending allergen may still be necessary, until the health of the immune system has improved.

Most common allergic and autoimmune conditions are almost entirely preventable and are often reversible, too. Hayfever is commonly linked with a deeper food allergy, the most widespread culprits are dairy and wheat. This can be diagnosed by blood or skin IgE testing or an oral challenge. Treating hayfever as well as removing the food allergy and addressing other contributing factors such as leaky gut and lifestyle factors can lessen or resolve the annoying symptoms and rebalances the overactive immune system.

Plant medicines that directly lessen hayfever symptoms are nettle (Urtica dioica), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and eyebright (Euphrasia spp.). They can be taken as medicinal teas or oral liquids. They are best taken a few weeks ahead of the pollen season and throughout. Plant remedies that support the clearance of irritants via the liver and kidney contribute to a lessening of toxic load and enable the body to put resources into healing the allergy. Pure, medicinal grade St. John's Wort oil applied directly onto the mucosa of the nose (most people apply it with their clean little finger) creates a mechanical barrier between pollen and mast cells. Plants that help to rebalance an overactive immune system are also called for.

Another contributing factor to allergies is the overconsumption of Omega 6 oils in relation to Omega 3 oils. This can be re-balanced by eating several serves of local fish per week, grass fed organic meat or the regular intake of fish oil capsules. Make sure you seek out those that are purified as you don't want to accidently increase your mercury load.

If your symptoms are not shifting, then you best consult an expert to help you work through your specific triggers for your allergies. It can be tempting to try to self-diagnose or self-prescribe, but when it comes to one's health, consulting those who know more can help you to get well quicker. Registered medical herbalists are trained in treating allergies and can tailor the treatment to your individual needs. See www.nzamh.org.nz

Bhavisha, P and Volcheck, G. Food Allergy: Common Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Volume 90, Issue 10, October 2015, Pages 1411-1419.

Sicherer SH and HA Sampson. Food allergy: epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 33 (2); 2014):291-307.

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