It's Allergy Time, Again

Sabadilla– This plant was first discovered in the 16^th century and was first used as a treatment for lice and internal parasites.  It was not until much later that this herb was used for hay-fever and allergies.  Sabadilla is thought to work similar to allergy shots.  By using a diluted version it has the potential of slowly helping your body to become sensitized to the allergen. Being sensitized means you may stop having the allergic reaction in the amount that you had before starting the Sabadilla. The cost for this remedy is approximately $6.00 for a tube of 75 small tablets. Allium Cepa– This is better known as the onion. Yes, you read that right, it’s an onion. The onion, itself, predates written word, though the usage as an allergen reducer has been dated back to the 6^th century. Red and Yellow onions are known to be great antioxidants. Onions are often ingested to help act as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.  The onion contains vitamin C and sulphur, which help to ease cold and flu type allergies.  You can find Allium Cepa in vitamin stores, starting at $4.99 for 250 tablets.  Of course, there is also the grocery store. It’s always better to add the “real thing.” Butterbur– Butterbur has been used for centuries.  It was thought that when mixed with wine it could be used as prevention for plagues.  Later it was discovered to have many other medicinal properties. If you have a myriad of problems, you may benefit from Butterbur. If it is taken 4 times a day (pricing range from $3 to $20) it can work as effectively as common antihistamines. So, if you normally suffer from watery eyes, itchy throat, runny nose, sneezing, and other irritating symptoms of seasonal allergies, try Butterbur. It may be just what your body needs to allow you to enjoy Mississippi outdoors again. Goldenseal– At least as far back as the 19^th century, Goldenseal root was harvested for its many properties of anti-inflammatory uses. Goldenseal can be used to ease and stop the progression of inflammation caused by respiratory issues, including respiratory allergies.  It helps in cases of severe hay fever, earaches and other maladies. Goldenseal capsules can be found in vitamin stores.  Echinacea and Goldenseal are often encapsulated together because they complement each other as an immune booster. Capsules costs approximately $11.00 for 100 count bottles. Goldenseal should not be taken by pregnant women, people that are hypoglycemic, or for long term use. Daily Tip: Honey can be used to soothe a sore and scratchy throat, and help dry skin and burns. As with any new remedy, you should discuss adding any of these to your daily regime with your physician or care provider. Pregnant or breastfeeding women need to ask their care provider about the safety of any homeopathic remedy or over the counter medicine. Never seek out a remedy without checking with your physician to ensure that it will not conflict with other medications that you may be taking. Do not stop taking your regular medicines in order to take an herbal remedy, as this can cause negative reactions and even withdrawals. As with any medicine, or advice, research it for yourself. You can be your own advocate when it comes to your health. I am not a physician; I am a home birth midwife, serving the women of Mississippi offering maternity/prenatal care as a holistic and natural care provider. Each week I will attempt to discuss natural remedies that are related to your questions. If you want to see a specific ailment or problem covered in the next article, please feel free to email your question or suggestion, to me at velma@vicksburgdailynews.com]]]]> ]]>