Allergies: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Allergies are the result of your immune system making a mistake. The basic role of the immune system is to tell “self” from “not self” and destroy anything that might be harmful, such as bacteria or viruses, while leaving our own tissues alone. However, sometimes our immune system overreacts, and goes into a red alert state over something that is not really dangerous. This is why some people can safely eat peanuts, while others experience dangerous allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, and can even die from eating just a tiny bit of peanut butter.

Fortunately, most allergic reactions are not as severe as anaphylactic shock. For most people, exposure to allergy triggers such as dust, pollen, mold, and animal dander results in annoying, but not life-threatening, symptoms. Allergy sufferers most commonly experience red, itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, rashes, or even wheezing or shortness of breath (asthma).

Avoiding exposure to known allergy triggers will prevent an allergic reaction. Using air purifiers, removing carpets and heavy curtains, closing windows during high allergy trigger seasons, and choosing pets with low allergenicity can make a big difference. In severe cases, some people even decide to relocate to an area with fewer allergy issues. However, this is not always practical. Natural options to reduce the immune system’s overreaction to allergies can effectively reduce symptoms without the side effects of conventional drugs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Western medicine, the system of medicine with which you are probably most familiar, considers health and disease two different states. The emphasis is on control, and on changing the environment, to protect the body. To treat illnesses, doctors prescribe synthetic drugs, use disinfectants, monitor temperature and humidity, and attempt to stop the disease by changing what is happening to the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is over 3,000 years old, looks at health and wellness differently. The primary goal of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to create wholeness and harmony within a person, allowing the mind/body/spirit to  heal itself. In TCM, health and illness are in a balancing act—the internal systems of the body have to overcome outside challenges. As long as that is accomplished, you will stay healthy.

The following is a list of herbs used in aiding the immune system and respiratory function in TCM, and to treat allergies and respiratory problems. These herbs have been used for thousands of years in a very precise medical system. Each addresses one or more of the negative influences:

• Chinese Peony root (Paeonia lactiflora)

• Siler (Saposhnikovia divaricata)

• Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua)

• Summer Cypress Fruit (Kochia scoparia)

• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

• Chinese Peony (Paeonia veitchii)

• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, inflata, and  glabra)

When East Meets West

These same herbs have also been studied in the Western model of medicine, and there has been research to reveal how they work to stop allergy symptoms. For example, licorice and summer cypress stop production of inflammatory compounds in the body (IgE, nitric oxide and prostaglandins). Peony helps relax tight or spasming airways, and has been shown to reduce allergic reactions. Siler is an antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation. Sweet wormwood and dong quai have benefits for balancing the immune system, reducing the mechanisms that result in overreactions common in allergies.

Allergy Formula Clinical Study Results

Practitioners of TCM in China tested these herbs in a formula on 205 people suffering from allergic rhinitis or hives (itchy red welts on the skin). [Zhen JA, Chen D.Y. Evaluation of an anti-allergic natural formula based on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Results of a clinical trial. Luzhou Medical College. China.] The participants took the herbal combination TCM formula three times a day, and healthcare practitioners examined them and evaluated their symptoms. At the end of the study, the researchers reported over 85% effectiveness in reducing allergy symptoms in the participants. Additionally, there were no significant adverse effects, and no drowsiness, dry mouth or dizziness as is commonly experienced when using typical allergy medicines.

Conclusion

It makes sense to try a natural formula validated by both Eastern  and Western schools of medicine for allergy symptoms. However, if you have seasonal issues, make sure you start using this herbal combination a few weeks BEFORE the onset of problems. It will still work if you wait, but you will greatly reduce symptoms and your immune system’s reaction to the allergen if you are prepared in advance.

For example, if you live in northern areas and tree pollen is a trigger, start using the formula when the days start to get longer in February so you are ready when spring arrives. If you have year round allergies, start supplementing anytime, and within a few weeks (or sooner) you will notice definite improvements. If you have serious, life-threatening allergies (bee stings, peanuts, etc) please do not forgo your emergency medication (like EpiPens). Keeping rescue medication handy at all times protects you and those you love. However, for daily use to help keep your immune system from overreacting, this modern herbal formula based on ancient Chinese wisdom will make a meaningful difference in your life. You won’t believe how good you can feel. You might even want to pick a bunch of wildflowers to celebrate!