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Natural Relief for Allergies
Herbs for Easing Winter Ailments
Guidelines for Healthy Living
Kid's Health
Natural Relief for Allergies
Itchy eyes, runny nose, stuffy head... for so many Americans, these are the hallmarks of allergy season. But spring and fall don’t have to be seasons that you dread. YOU DON’T NEED TO SUFFER. Once you understand why your body reacts the way it does to pollen, the sooner you can make some simple and positive changes that will put the brakes on those unpleasant symptoms.
The most important thing to know about allergies is this: allergies are the result of an immune system that is weakened and confused. Pollen is not innately dangerous to the human body.... yet in an allergy sufferer, the body is perceiving it as harmful, and sending up the defenses. This resulting histamine reaction is what brings a host of uncomfortable symptoms. The immune system is out of balance, in overdrive, hyper-vigilant, and wearing itself out.
If you’re reaching for over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications, you may get temporary relief, but you are masking the symptoms and doing nothing to treat the underlying cause. In fact, you risk the rebound effect, which means that the more you use these drugs -- the more you need them. And, over time, you will actually be causing further damage to your immune system. This is why millions of Americans are reaching instead for nature’s gentle cures.
Natural remedies work to reinforce and stimulate the body’s own defenses, and as they clear up your symptoms, they are building resistance to further attacks. Natural remedies are compatible with the body, and help to bring about balance. Natural remedies not only treat the symptoms, they also support immune function, helping to bring it back into balance. putting seasonal suffering behind them forever.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a unique bioflavonoid, extensively researched since its discovery in the 1930’s. Found concentrated in onions and garlic,
quercetin keeps histamines in check, and inhibits the release of leukotrienes into the bloodstream. It has been found to reduce histamine reaction
by a whopping 96%. It’s not easily soluble, so quercetin is “activated” by combining it with bromelain --which has its own leukotriene inhibiting
properties -- for maximum absorbability. Start it early and keep with it, following label instructions. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Nettle Leaf Urtica dioica
Also an all-star, nettle has long been used as an anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory. It is very effective at relieving sinus pressure and headache, as well as drying up mucus. Nettle is also nutritious and detoxifying to the body. Choose a tincture form for faster relief, or take 1 capsule 3 times daily as well as at bedtime, if desired.
Homeopathics
Allergies respond exceedingly well to homeopathic preparations, which work by stimulating your body’s own healing process. There’s never any risk of interaction or side effects, making them a good choice for children and pregnant women. There are a number of blends on the market, and they are widely available. I particularly like a product by Boiron, called Sabadil - especially for those itchy eyes - and one by Source naturals, called Allercetin. You can also choose single remedies for a specific symptom; allium cepa for watery nose and eyes, Sabadilla for itchy nose and throat. Follow label instructions.
Nasal Sprays
Cleansing the sinuses is much more important than you might think. Sticky, spiky, pollen particles irritate tender membranes in your nose and throat. Keep a bottle of nasal spray near at hand to flush the pollen away and ease irritation. There are a number of homeopathics sprays which flush the sinuses while at the same time delivering remedies for symptomatic relief. Plain saline solution is also helpful.
Vitamin C
Don’t forget good old vitamin C. It is a wonderful natural anti-histamine, plus it supports immune function, which is very important in people with allergies. Remember, allergies are a symptom of an immune system that’s confused and needs support and nourishment. Vitamin C is a famous antioxidant which supports a healthy immune system and has a lot of other wonderful things going for it, so don’t hesitate to reach for high doses. Take 3 to 5,000 milligrams in divided doses daily.
Kola Nut Cola acuminata
If you’ve ever had a cola beverage you’ve tasted kola nut. It was the main ingredient in the original Coca Cola, and is still used to flavor many sodas. But before becoming popular in the soft-drink industry, people in Africa used kola nut as an aphrodisiac, digestive aid, stimulant, and antidepressant. It also has a wonderful ability to relieve those horrible frontal headaches, and dry the sinuses. It does contain caffeine and is stimulating, so kola nut is not a good choice if you have high blood pressure. Avoid it altogether if you’re pregnant or nursing, and avoid taking it too late in the day. It also has a diuretic quality, so be sure to stay well-hydrated if you use this herb.
In a Pinch
If you have a sudden attack of sneezing, try this old folk remedy. Put a pinch of salt on your tongue, followed by a very large glass of water. Stops that histamine attack in its tracks!
And don’t forget...
• Stay hydrated. This will keep secretions thin and reduce the risk of a secondary infection. Adequate hydration is also vital to the absorption of nutrients and the health of every cell in your body.
• Make a long term commitment to boosting immune function. Take a good quality multi vitamin/mineral, and add antioxidants like grapeseed extract and 25,000 iu’s of vitamin A daily.
• Reduce or eliminate your intake of sugar. Sugar damages the immune system, and if you have an infection, it’s like pouring kerosene on a fire.
• If you smoke - stop.
• Reduce mucus-forming foods such as dairy, peanut butter, pasteurized juices and caffeine.
• Include probiotics in your daily regime. The majority of allergy sufferers lack beneficial bacteria in the gut and suffer from yeast over-growth.
• Alkalize your body by taking a high quality mineral supplement, and eliminating alcohol, red meat, and high-carb foods like pasta and bread from your diet. Pathogen and bacteria cannot thrive in an alkaline environment.
One Last Word
I believe that every one of us has a built-in sense of what’s good for our body, and what is not. I encourage you to pay attention to your instincts and to what your body is saying to you. Pay attention to what you’re putting into it. Treat it well, and it will do the same for you!
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Herbs for Easing Winter Ailments
The best way to deal with cold & flu viruses is to avoid them altogether! Getting plenty of rest, sticking with a whole foods diet, staying well hydrated with plenty of pure water, reducing sugar, caffeine & alcohol, frequent hand washing, and big doses of good old vitamin C..... these are all keys to staying healthy year round! But lets face it... most of us will get at least one cold or flu virus during the winter months. The goal then is to reduce the duration and severity, and prevent secondary infection. Nature’s pharmacy offers a multitude of safe, gentle, and effective remedies to help us accomplish these goals. Here are a few of my favorites.
ELDERBERRY (sambucus nigra) Valued since Roman times for it’s wide ranging power to heal, elderberries have been the subject of many a modern scientific study. Powerfully antioxidant, elderberry extract has been found to interrupt the replication process of viruses, including influenza type A & B. It also soothes coughs, congestion, and sore throats.
Soothing Elderberry Syrup
Add 1/4 cup of dried elderberries to 2 cups boiling water. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, or until mixture reduces by a third.
Remove from heat and cool slightly, strain. Add raw honey to desired taste, bottle and store in fridge for up to a week. To dose, take 2 tablespoons straight or add it to a cup of hot water and take 3 times daily at first sign of cold or flu.
Kick it up a notch:
Add 1 tsp. of any or all of the following herbal tinctures to your elderberry
syrup: echinacea, astragalus, mullein, cherry bark, marshmallow root, or slippery elm.
ECHINACEA (Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia) Echinacea has been in the spotlight for many years, and is one of the most well-researched herbs in the world. It helps to boost immune function, fight infection, and reduce the frequency and severity of colds and flu.
Calming Cold Tea
½ cup echinacea root
½ cup elder flower
¼ cup eucalyptus leaf
½ cup peppermint (or spearmint) leaf
1 cup mullein leaf
Blend all ingredients and store in airtight glass container.
To make tea: place one heaping tablespoon in a teapot or pyrex glass measuring cup. Add 1 cup boiling water, steep 7-10 minutes.
Strain and enjoy 3 cups daily.
Remember, whether you choose capsules, teas, or tinctures, do not take echinacea for more than 10 days, and avoid it altogether if you have an autoimmune disorder or a degenerative neuromuscular disease.
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus) Throughout history and across continents, Eucalyptus has been used for teas, chest rubs, and inhalations. One whiff and you feel it working to clear congestion, kill bacteria and speed relief. Here’s a recipe for an outstanding essential oil blend that can be used many different ways:
Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend
1 ml (approx 30 drops) each eucalyptus, peppermint
½ ml (approx 15 drops) each rosemary and geranium.
Combine oils and store in amber bottle w/ plastic dropper insert.
Add 2 drops per tablespoon of base oil for chest rub, or to massage across sinuses and under nose. Add a few drops to a small pan of very hot water for tent steam inhalation, or a few drops to a humidifier reservoir to help keep breathing clear during the night.
All of the ingredients mentioned here are available at Bailey’s Naturals, located at 470 2nd Street North in beautiful downtown Safety Harbor. (view map) You can reach us at 727-725-1617.
Other stores around the Bay area that carry these items include:
Whole Foods
1548 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa
813-874-9435
Great American Naturals
4121 16th St. North, St. Petersburg
727-521-4372
Wright’s Nutrients
6630 US 19, New Port Richey
727-848-5140
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I don’t think there are any great secrets when it comes to making healthy lifestyle choices. Deep down inside most of us already know what is good for us – and what is not. It’s paying attention to that voice of higher reason where we so often fall short.
Here are a few simple guidelines for healthy living.
 Food should not come in a can, bag, or box. Processed food is dead food; it’s sorely lacking in nutrients, with an unhealthy abundance of additives, preservatives, bad fats and usually way too much sodium. Reduce your intake of sugar… it depletes our bodies store of minerals and B-vitamins. Choose a natural sweetener like stevia.
Stick with living food. Choose fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, & legumes. Organic, wherever possible. If you choose to eat red meat or chicken, select brands that are free of hormones and nitrates. There are plenty available. Healthy fresh food does not have to be boring… there are scores of fabulous cookbooks out there if you need a little direction. |
We’re here to help you learn about nature’s pharmacy! |
| Exercise. You gotta move it or lose it. Simple as that. Go outside… take a nice brisk walk. Take yoga, Thai chi, or pilates. Get an exercise ball (they’re great!) or join the health club. There are dozens of ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Besides keeping your waistline where you want it, exercise lowers blood pressure, eases depression, and strengthens your heart… do I need to go on? Oh, and don’t forget. The single best way to prevent osteoporosis is by participating in mild to moderate weight-bearing exercise a minimum of 3 times a week.
Water, water, water. Think about it. If you were stranded on a desert island without food you could survive up to 30 days. If you were stranded without water… you’re dead in 3. That’s how important water is to the human body. If we all had an adequate intake of water daily, there would be a lot less disease in the world. It flushes toxins from the system, helps cells to better do their job, prevents constipation, and in general keeps everything running smoothly. We are fans of distilled water, but whatever type you choose, make sure it’s pure and clean. Tea doesn’t count. Beer doesn’t count. Soda doesn’t count. We’re talking…. water. To help you figure out how much water your body needs, use this simple formula:
Your body weight divided by 2 = the number of ounces you need daily… minimum. For example, a man weighing 180 pounds needs a minimum of 90 ounces of pure water daily.
Love, laugh, and play. Make sure you take time to lighten up. As far as we can tell, no one on his or her deathbed ever said… “Gee, I wish I’d spent more time at the office.”
Kid's Health
Here you’ll find some great tips, information, and resources for living healthy and living well. I even add some of my favorite original recipes from time to time.
I’m particularly concerned with the state of children’s health today. Even if you don’t have children of your own, chances are you have a brother or sister, cousin or friend who does. Please share the following information with as many parents as possible!
Every parent wants to raise a healthy child. A child, who doesn’t suffer illness, is able to fulfill their potential, and take on the world. But the sad truth is that we’ve forgotten that healthy minds and healthy bodies begin with healthy food. And most of what we feed our children today undermines the hopes and dreams we have for these leaders of tomorrow.
Childhood obesity has become a national health crisis, with some 60% of all American children tipping the scales as clinically obese. Aside from the obvious emotional injury this can cause, obesity is a direct threat to health, leading to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and a significantly shortened life span. The major culprit in the obesity scenario -in unhealthy children in general - are fast foods and processed, packaged foods.
These foods are full of all the things that attack a childs health: chemical preservatives --shown to damage the body’s ability to absorb certain minerals and cause cancer in lab animals ; artificial colors – a proven link to ADD and ADH; pesticides – associated with learning disabilities, cancer and decreased fertility; and hydrogenated fats -- which are found in virtually all fried and commercially processed foods and snacks. Hydrogenation kills the essential fatty acids found in otherwise healthy oils and creates free radicals that damage immune cells.
There are a lot of hidden dangers in our food as well. High concentrations of sugar are found in kids breakfast cereals, soft drinks, peanut butter, catsup and even lunch meats. These things - sugar, fats and chemical additives contain no nutrients, are the major causes of obesity, and actually increase the body’s need for nutrients to help undo the damage.
Feed the Body & The Mind
Breakfast
Don’t EVER skip it! Breakfast should be high in protein - not carbohydrates - so children will stay alert. Choose yogurt with fruit, eggs (boiled or poached, NOT fried) tofu or homemade cereals (not instant) like oatmeal or granola. Add raw nuts and seeds to increase the protein and nutrient content. Add fresh fruit or orange or grapefruit juice. Toast is okay - but only if it’s whole grain... stone ground is best. Don’t use jam or jelly... there’s way too much sugar. Try unsweetened apple butter, egg, or scrambled tofu. Butter is okay - margarine is not. It’s pure hydrogenated fat. Avoid bacon, ham or sausage. They contain too much salt, fat, and nitrates - which are cancer causing chemical preservatives.
Lunch
Rule number 1: forget the lunch meats. They’re full of sugar, hydrogenated fats, and cancer-causing nitrates. Try a pita pocket stuffed with chicken salad, shredded carrots and chopped celery. Use your imagination.. the sky is the limit! For the sandwich-a-holic, choose unsweetened apple butter instead of sugar-laden jam.
Snacks
A power-packed snack for kids on the go would include raw nuts and seeds, along with dried fruits. Homemade granola bars are a great idea, or try yogurt with fruit, refried beans on tortilla chips, or a handful of grapes and a chunk of real cheese. Also try raw broccoli florets, carrots and raw red pepper.
Dinner
The rules for dinner: make it carbs, make it light, and make it together. Soup, salad and whole grain bread. Pasta with beans and steamed veggies. Another good choice would be homemade whole grain pancakes served with yogurt, fruit, nut butters or applesauce instead of syrup.
These are just a few ideas to help get you back on the track to healthy eating. Here are a few more rules to live by.
Remember, food should not come in a box, jar or can.
Shop the outside aisles at the grocery. That’s where you find fresh, whole food.
Children learn by example. They will adopt your healthy - or unhealthy eating habits.
Processed, packaged foods usually take as long to prepare as fresh wholesome meals.
Mealtime should always be family time, no matter what kind of family you have. This is where we spend time teaching, communicating, and making memories.
Here are a few great titles for tips on raising healthy, happy, smart kids.
“Healthy Cooking For Kids”, by Shelly Null
“Healthy Kids”, by Marilu Henner
“Sugar Free Toddler” by Susan Watson
“SuperImmunity for Kids” by Leo Galland, MD
Julie Brannon is a health and herbal educator, as well as owner of Bailey’s Naturals in Safety Harbor, Florida.
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