By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist,
the Herbarium
I hope you folks with allergies are doing all right so far. It has been a rough spring season for many of you, but fortunately some have been able to weather the storm using good natural products.
Below are just a couple of suggestions for those who haven’t graduated from pharmaceuticals to natural approaches:
Quercetin, Bromelain, and vitamin C are great anti-inflammatories, help cut down on mucous production, and strengthen the nasal passages to tolerate allergens.
Nettle leaves have been used for generations to help combat allergy symptoms, along with eyebright to help with the (obviously) weepy eyes caused by pollen irritation.
There are several herbal formulas in liquid and capsule form that can really help during these stressful times. The best part of using the herbs and supplements is they help build up your tolerance to the pollen and get your immune system out of overdrive. I have found the longer you use natural products, the less you need them over time.
Essential Oils Update
For those of you who still think it’s safe to use essential oils without dilution, please go to the Herbarium’s Facebook page. My wife, Kathy, posted some pictures and a story from one poor woman. You’ll find the information online at: https://www.facebook.com/graetel.anderson/posts/10100850320518299
MORE READER’S QUESTIONS
This month, we continue answering questions our readers have posed to the Herbarium:
Dear Jonathan,
My child gets earaches and infections constantly. Her ears are always plugged up and so are her sinuses. The doctor is recommending putting in tubes in her ears. Are there any ideas you may have? I am not thrilled with surgery for her.
— Ann-Marie
Dear Ann-Marie,
We have had this issue come up many times over the years at the Herbarium. First things first, clean up the diet. I am betting your child is fair haired and fair skinned, blue eyes, that sort of thing. For these people, dairy products are a major problem. Did you know over 70 percent of Americans have sensitivity to dairy? Not a full allergy, but sensitivity.
Here is a simple test. Eliminate all dairy and white food from your child’s diet for one week. No white bread, pasta, sugars, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and increase her vitamin C. I am willing to bet you see an improvement in her “snorkiness.” Then, give her a glass of milk. What usually happens is the person gets clogged up in a few minutes.
I have done this myself. I hadn’t had any dairy or white bread in a long time, and then stopped at a street vendor and had a hot dog, in a white bun and washed it down with a cola …
Big mistake! My sinuses filled up, my ears and face flushed bright red in about ten minutes. This reminded me why I avoid those things.
Lots of children can avoid getting the tubes put in their ears with some simple adjustments to diet and some supplements.
— Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
We live in an area that is loaded with ticks. We usually like to walk our dogs in the woods, but when we did they were covered in ticks. I don’t want to put the regular repellant on them. Are there any herbs or foods to give them that would keep ticks away?
— Margery
Dear Margery,
There are foods to feed the dogs that can help repel mosquitoes and fleas but ticks are just nasty. There are some essential oils that are recommended and have shown good results in repelling ticks. True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) are the main four people use. It is important to dilute the oils with a carrier oil of some type, such as grapeseed, sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil.
We have a blend of oils called “BugZaway” which contains these and several other oils to battle fleas, mosquitoes and ticks along with just about any other biting, sucking insect. For the past two years we have added special oils for added protection against the tick infestation.
Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
I have been having anxiety attacks for some time. The doctor gave me several prescriptions but they make me feel worse, and I am afraid of getting hooked. Are there any natural remedies for anxiety?
— Betty
Dear Betty,
There are many things available. From reading your email I can see why you are in this situation, just know there are many ways to get through this. A good counselor is a good start. There are breathing exercises that can help staying in the present. One of the best herbal supplements is Kava Kava. The vitamin B complex and mineral magnesium are also helpful. And there are homeopathic remedies that are safe to use during your detoxing of the prescriptions. We also have a line of flower essences that can help with the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of your issue.
Jonathan
Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for reply.
