Herbs

Causes and Types Allergic Reactions

Allergies, Thier Causes & Relief

An allergy is a disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur to normally harmless environmental substances known as allergens. An allergic reaction is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is known that white blood cells (also known as lymphocytes) are a fundamental component of the immune system that protects our bodies from invaders. When they make a mistake, an allergic response can occur. When a lymphocyte encounters a particle or cell and identifies it as a foreign invader, it produces antibodies specifically engineered to fight that particular threat. There are five basic types of antibodies, called immunoglobulins, or Igs. Each is classified by type with a letter suffix: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. The Ig known to be responsible for most allergic reactions to food is IgE, although IgG is also commonly mentioned.
An allergic reaction is predictable and rapid. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever and asthma. Mild allergies like hay fever are highly prevalent and cause symptoms such as itchiness, and runny nose. Allergies can complicate other issues in an asthmatic person. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death. Most allergic reactions are mild and are resolved by simply eliminating the particular allergen that is causing the reaction.
IgE allergies occur when the immune system, in an effort to reject a certain food or other substance, creates an antibody to that food, immunoglobulin E. In other words, the blood cells of an allergic person are "misinformed' at the genetic level and cause the production of large quantities of IgE antibodies. The antibody becomes attached on one side to the food/substance molecule and on the other side to a mast cell (mast cells are a type of cell containing histamine and other allergy mediators instrumental in the allergic response). When this happens, histamines and other chemicals are released from the mast cells, causing such immediate responses as runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes and indigestion. IgE can cause anaphylaxis, an extreme, sometimes even life-threatening response in which the airways swell, sometimes to the point where the person cannot breathe.
The keys are that an allergy is an immune system reaction and that the reaction generally includes inflammation of soft tissues and excessive production of mucus. Our research and development team wanted to address these issues without using drugs, chemicals, steroids or other products that would produce unwanted side effects. We found herbs that aid in minimizing the allergic reactions so that they are manageable and comfortable. Herbs that are beneficial for allergies (if you are not allergic to them) are Burdock Root, Dandelion, and Echinacea. These herbs help to purify the blood, boost the immune system and improve organ function. In traditional medicine, some herbs whose pollen can cause symptoms of hay fever have been used as a way to reduce symptoms of hay fever, which is the homeopathic theory of "like cures like". The most important of these are Goldenrod and Ragweed (Ambrosia ambrosioides). Eyebright and Elder also have a reputation for use as hay fever remedies. However, an individual allergic to one of these plants should avoid them unless under the care of a doctor of natural medicine.
Burdock Root - Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of burdock to improve digestion. It also contains polyacetylenes that have been shown to have antimicrobial activity.
Dandelion - Dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. Dandelion may be used for a wide range of conditions requiring mild diuretic treatment such as poor digestion, liver disorders, and high blood pressure.
Echinacea - Echinacea is another herb useful for the relief of allergy symptoms. With a rich history of use in Native American traditions, echinacea possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea also helps relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and is useful for sore throats and even acne.
Spirulina, wheat and barley grasses are filled with antioxidants and other nutrients, which help to detox the body. Detoxification can calm allergy symptoms by helping to flush out toxic build up in the system. These herbs are some of the best allergy medicines.
Nettle Leaf - Nettle leaf can help in the reduction in symptoms of hay fever, including sneezing and itchy eyes. For help with hay fever symptoms, consider taking 450 mg of Nettle Leaf capsules or tablets two to three times per day, or a 2–4 ml tincture, three times per day. Do not take this herb if you have high blood pressure.
Horseradish - The “heating” qualities of horseradish are a clue to its most popular therapeutic use: clearing up nasal and chest congestion. As well as helping to clear the respiratory passages and eliminate excess mucus, this herb is effective for the relief of cough symptoms and sinusitis.
Garlic - One of the oldest recorded culinary spices, garlic (Allium sativum) is mentioned as a food in the Bible, and is known to have been part of the diet of Egyptian workers as long ago as 2600 BC. It is the dominant flavour in much of Mediterranean cuisine, but is also a more subtle addition to many Asian dishes. But alongside its popularity in food, garlic has a long history of medicinal use – a traditional history that has gained increasing recognition from science. Garlic preparations have long been used to relieve the congestion of colds and hayfever.
Reishi Mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum, (Ling Zhi) is documented to have great medicinal value. The reishi extract has been shown to be effective in clearing up a large variety of skin allergic conditions either due to food or airborne allergens. Ganoderma extract has been found to be useful in detoxifying the kidneys and improving its overall function.
The herbal combination in Grandma’s Herbs Allergy Defense supports your immune system, diminishes some of the mucous production and soothes and relaxes the inflamed soft tissues that are affected by a typical allergic reaction. This product is a preventative product and needs to be taken before and during seasons that symptoms normally occur. The herbs that are used in this formula are common with homeopathic remedies for allergies.

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