Seasonal allergies: complimentary care

“It's bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children's health than the pediatrician.” ~Meryl Streep

Aromatherapy

Essential oils are the extracted aromatic essence of common and rare plants, namely trees, fruits, flowers, and herbs. More than 150 essential oils are known to have been extracted, each with its own unique scent and healing property.

Essential oils act within the body pharmacologically (like drugs but safer), physiologically (benefit, stimulate, or adapt to specific systems), and psychologically (triggering a brain response). 

Although essential oils are generally considered safe for home treatment, you should consult a qualified health practitioner if you are pregnant, use homeopathic remedies, have a chronic illness like high blood pressure or a serious health problem like epilepsy, are undergoing psychiatric treatment, or plan to use with babies or young children.

The aromatherapy benefits of essential oils are easy to obtain at home in a variety of ways. Oils can be added to baths, massage oils, steam inhalation, body and skin care products, mouthwashes, and compresses. Sometimes essential oils are enjoyed simply for their fragrance.

Essential oils that are helpful with hay fever include:

• Cypress is an antispasmodic that is often used as a throat gargle. Several drops added to a vaporizer relaxes tense muscles and prevents coughing spasms.

• Eucalyptus’ reputation as a powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and decongestant, accounts for its use in the treatment of colds, coughs, sinusitis and infections. It has a calming effect and ability to open aid breathing.

• Lavender, well known for its calming and relaxing properties, can be massaged into the chest to reduce spasms. Some hay fever or asthma sufferers may be allergic to lavender.

• Peppermint’s uplifting and invigorating characteristics open up passages that ease breathing.

• Roman Chamomile is calming and soothing to the nervous system, helps prevent spasms, and induces sleep. A few drops in a vaporizer or sprinkled on a light bulb is even gentle enough for children. Should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Tip: Drinking a glass of lemon water (juice of ½ a lemon or a few drops of lemon oil in a glass of warm water) first thing in the morning can regulate blood pressure, reduce phlegm, relieve indigestion, purify the blood and flush toxins from the body. Drink up!

Homeopathy
Contrary to allopathic medicine, homeopathy is based on the philosophy that minute doses of a substance that produces symptoms similar to the illness, triggers the body’s immune defenses. This is poplary known as the principle of “like cures like”. Although Samuel Hahnemann, an 18th century German physician, is credited with developing homeopathy as we know it today, it was Hippocrates (“the father of medicine”) who initially understood the philosophy.

Homeopathy follows a methodology that considers the individual’s (a) specific symptoms, (b) reaction to sickness, and (c) ability to heal for determining diagnosis and treatment.

An unusual aspect of homeopathy is that many of the substances used in remedies would be harmful if taken in their basic form. Remedies are diluted, however, and developed from plant, animal, and mineral origins and include snake venom, homey bees, coffee, and copper.

Although many doctors remain skeptical about its effectiveness, the value of homeopathy is proven by its worldwide popularity as a safe and effective treatment for many problems.

Euphrasia, the homeopathic version of eyebright, has been used since 1305 as a treatment for sore, watery, irritated eyes associated with hay fever sufferers.

Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine based on the philosophy that each person is uniquely individual, and that illness impacts the body and mind collectively. As the traditional medicine of Indian for more than 5000 years, Ayurveda is the oldest recorded medicine known to mankind.

Ayurvedic healing may incorporate the use of herbs, nutrition, cleansing, acupressure massage, breathing, yoga, Sanskrit and astrology. According to ayurvedic practitioner, Rose Parsad, “In Ayurveda, we usually start looking to why the allergy has occurred rather than at the symptom by itself!”

Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
If you would like to go deeper than treating the symptoms, acupuncture or Oriental Medicine (OM) may be a great place to start.

Acupuncture looks at the flow of energy or “qi” through the body’s pathways. From this view, blockages in the body’s energy stream result in disease. Tiny needles are placed along the pathways to balance qi.

Oriental Medicine is concerned with the internal and external causes of disease rather than the symptoms. An emphasis is placed on rebalancing qi using any number of treatments including the use of herbs, moxibustion, breathing, cupping and nutrition.

Neti Pot
The neti pot, the cousin of the old-time nasal syringe, is a form of nasal irrigation that has gained tremendous popularity over the past few yours. Neti pots are fabulous for clearing and soothing clogged and irritated nasal passages. 

Rather than trying to explain how to use a neti pot, here's a video ...

Seasonal allergies: the honeybee connection

"If bees were to disappear, [we] would only have a few years to live." ~ Albert Einstein

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / rssfhs

For centuries, humans have believed that there are health benefits in bee nectar. This unique substance is mentioned extensively in the Bible and the Quran as both precious and powerful. Honey's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties found favor in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations as a home remedy for wounds and ulcers. Native Americans used honey to heal bee stings and cuts, as a facial, and to soothe burns and sore throats. In clinical studies, honey has shown promise in treating the prostate in Western Europe, and has been found to promote healing of other ailments when conventional treatments have failed.

Many swear by honey and other bee products as a natural remedy for pollen allergies. The belief is based on the theory that bees collect pollen from local flowers that cause allergies, so small amounts of the pollen, ingested regularly from honey, bee pollen, propolis or royal jelly, helps the body build up a tolerance to those local pollens.

Honey

According to the National Honey Board (NHB), honey “contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants”. Regarding free radicals, the NHB says, "In general, darker honey varietals have been shown to be higher in antioxidant content than lighter honeys. Additionally, honey has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health."

Honey colors and flavors vary depending on the flowers visited. Colors run the gamut and it's not uncommon to find amber, red, brown and even black honeys on the market. Clover and alfalfa are most commonly sold yet many flavors, even specialty ones like lavender, exist. Darker colored honeys typically have a deeper flavor.

Additionally, honey is sold in several forms, including:

• Comb - the original form with the edible honeycomb intact

• Liquid - extracted from the honeycomb using centrifuge and filters to remove comb and pollen particles, resulting in a transluscent

• Natural crystallized - a semi-solid or granulated suspension

• Creamed - a spreadable combination of liquid and crystallized honeys, also called, 'whipped' and 'cremed'

• Raw - unheated, unpasteurized, unclarified, and unfiltered

Whatever form you choose, be sure to obtain honey from hives in your local vicinity - within 30 miles of where you live is good - for the best allergy relief results. Swallow a spoonful of honey as is or to mix with warm water or tea to soothe the throat, cough or inflammation. 

Bee pollen

Bee pollen is the male reproductive seed of the flower that is gathered, mixed with the bees digestive enzymes, and stored on the hind legs of the honeybee. Later, the pollen is collected in traps at the entrance to the hive.

Bee pollen is low in calories but rich in proteins, amino acids, essential fats, oils and sugars and contains some trace minerals and enzymes. Although pollen is consumed in small quantities that do not meet the daily requirements, it is beneficial for adding essential nutrients to an insufficient diet.

Like other protein rich foods, fresh pollen loses its nutritional value within a few days when stored at room temperature, so it is usually dried. Even though dried pollen is sensitive to sunlight, its shelf life can be extended for several months by storing at room temperature in a dark glass container or cool dark place. When stored properly, bee pollen obtained at the end of the farmer's market season (usually October) may last through the winter.

Bee pollen is antibacterial, antiviral, and rejuvenating. The pellets have a slightly nutty flavor and can easily be chewed as is or added to smoothies, applesauce, or yogurt. Start with a small amount and increase gradually as desired. It's advised to begin eating bee pollen in the fall or at least several weeks prior to allergy season for the best results.

Propolis

Propolis is a "sticky glue" formed from tree resins that are chewed and mixed with bee saliva. Propolis has so many benefits for health that it is considered a natural cure by the World Health Organization (WHO). Propolis actually protects bees from disease and climatic stresses. It is primarily used in healing ointments for its antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral applications. 

It is often used as a sore throat gargle or a rinse for irritated eyes.

Royal jelly extract

Royal jelly (referred to as "bee's milk") is the partially fermented pollen-honey mixture produced by the salivary glands of worker bees (nurses). This pale, creamy substance is fed to young bee larvae and to the queen bee who lives off of it exclusively throughout her adult life. Quite naturally, this rare product is highly sought after for inclusion in beauty and reproductive health products and can be rather expensive.

Royal jelly contains vitamins B5, B6, and fatty acids in high concentrations along with water, sugars, amino acids, minerals, enzymes, and 10-HDA which is reported to be useful in treating problems resulting from tissue deficiency and frailty, as well as menopause, high cholesterol, colds, allergies, poor digestion and stress. 

Things to know

• Bee pollen and royal jelly have mistakenly been called "the perfect food" by product marketers. It is important to remember that bees have very different nutritional needs from humans. Also no one food is 'perfect' for everyone, nor does any one food source contain 100% of the nutrients needed by the human body.

• Bee pollen can be contaminated by mold, cleaning of hive debris, collections from chemically treated flowers, and colony disease treatments which decrease its nutritional importance. Likewise, since its high water content (67%) poses a contamination risk for royal jelly, some companies use chemical preservatives to ensure safety. Therefore, it is important to know the source of your product is both reputable and chemical free.

• Larger retail markets often carry bee products from outside the local or regional area. These are fine for sweetening, poultices, etc but for seasonal allergy purposes, local pollen is recommended.

• Farms and farmer's markets are an excellent source as you can ask farmers directly about their methods and quality. Food coops are another option as they access and support mostly local beekeepers.

Did you know?

The bee population is decreasing rapidly. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) the declining bee populations pose threat to global food security and nutrition! Aside from the potential extinction of yet another species, bees play a critical role in the human food supply. Nearly 1/3 of our foods rely on honeybees for pollination. The threat of extinction, therefore, places our food supply at risk. In the earlier mentioned survey, Bernard Vallat, the Director General for the World Organization for Animal Health stated, "Bees contribute to global food security, and their extinction would represent a terrible biological disaster." The US Dept of Agriculture has updates on Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and honeybee survival. 

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CAUTION: This content is provided for informational purposes only. Be sure to consult with a physician or primary health practitioner before adding any supplements to your normal diet. Anyone with a known allergy to bees stings and honey should avoid use of bee products in general as there is a possibility of producing an anaphylactic response which could have serious consequences.

10 Tips for Supporting Caregivers

We all know a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor, who is a caregiver of an aging, ill or disabled parent, spouse, sibling or child. Unless you’ve done this work of caregiving, there’s no real understanding of the limitations, the complexity of difficulty, or the toll it takes on the physical, emotional, spiritual and financial well-being of the caregiver. And although it’s extremely rewarding, it’s a very tough, never-ending job. 

It’s not uncommon for caregivers to give and give and give with little in return. Oftentimes the person being cared for is unable to reciprocate appreciation or affection, especially over time. As a result, many caregivers feel isolated, and for a number of reasons, are unable to ask for help. An elderly woman caring for a sick husband may fear losing her independence, the mother of a disabled child may worry about how she is viewed as a mother, a man caring for his demented mother may feel he’s not living up to his role as a son. There is an entire range of unspoken emotions and thoughts to deal with, none of them easy.

So, supportive interaction becomes critical to the stability and stamina of caregivers. Support must come from the heart, clothed in genuine love and compassion. There is no room for criticism or controlling gestures. Here’s how you can help:

1. Pick up the phone and call. Caregivers need human connection. More importantly, make the call about THEM. Ask how they are doing. Bring them some good news. Make them laugh. Do it often.

2. Give ample notice when extending an invitation. Attending something as simple as a lunch date or holiday party often requires advance arrangements to have someone ‘stand in’ to provide care. 

3. Learn about dementia, Aspergers, autism, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson’s, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask/talk about these conditions in an appropriate setting. Pretending nothing is wrong is isolating. 

4. Be aware that caregiving is very different from (and often more challenging than) raising children. With childrearing there is an end goal in sight. Your children are growing UP and, at some point, moving on to their own lives. Even as our children lose their innocence, there is a lasting sense of pride and joy that comes from raising a child into adulthood. With caregiving, temporary illness care aside, the opposite is usually true. There is a deep sense of loss (of that person, of one’s personal life, of one’s freedom from the situation, etc) that accompanies caring for someone who will never be independent or who is slowly moving toward the end of their life. 

5. Be sensitive.  Some caregivers are on limited or fixed incomes, sometimes having had to give up their job/career to care for someone else or living on part time employment wages. Something to consider when asking them to go out or travel. 

6. Visit. Traveling with a sick or disabled person is disruptive, often requiring both the caregiver and the one being cared for to go without resources they rely upon for activities of daily living. Traveling without one’s charge means finding someone trustworthy or paying HIGH fees for their care in your absence. So if there’s a family gathering or special occasion in the works, consider bringing it to the caregiver’s home! Since those being cared for usually respond best to routine schedules, be sure to include the caregiver in all the plans … and be prepared to lend a hand when you arrive.

7. Help them locate community resources - home care aides, physical or occupational therapists, chaplains, social workers, hospice. See if they are interested in attending a caregiver’s support group. If so, locate one (or several) and perhaps offer to go with them. This can be especially helpful for long time caregivers who’ve never sought help but are exhibiting signs of caregiver stress.

8. Ask how you can help. The caregiver knows what they need but may need a little coaxing. Be prepared for anything from ‘would you sit with him/her while I take a bath?’ to ‘can you recommend a ____?’. 

9. Know the signs of caregiver stress (denial, frustration, anger, guilt, social withdrawal, depression, lack of concentration, loneliness, exhaustion, unchecked health problems) and how it affects health. Encourage and do what you can to make it possible for them to take better care of themselves, to get out of the house, and to enjoy life.

10. Reassure them know you are there for them. And really, really be there when they need you.

9 natural UTI prevention tips

A urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection occurs when harmful bacteria take up residence in the bladder or ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder where it is stored until emptied via the urethra). Urination is a natural process that flushes bacteria from the body.

Although infection can be caused by many things, women are at greater risk for UTIs than men. A shorter urethra and closer proximity to the anus, making them more likely to develop infection following sexual activity. Women who use a diaphragm, are pregnant, or have entered menopause seem to be more susceptible as well.

Other risk factors include diabetes, loose stools, extended periods of immobility, bowel and urine incontinence, surgery, having a catheter, advanced age, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, problems emptying the bladder, or anything blocking the flow of urine.

The most common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning when urinating 
• Foul smelling urine 
• Cloudy urine or traces of blood in urine 
• Frequent urination or inability to hold small amounts of urine 
• Weakness 
• Excessive tiredness 
• Back pain or pain below the rib cage 
• Pain or pressure in the rectum (men) 
• Pain or pressure near the pubic bone (women) 
• Mental confusion, refusal to drink water, or loss of appetite (elderly) 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Fever or bleeding, if the infection has moved into the kidneys or bloodstream 

Image: lllu Urinary System by Arcadian is used here with permissions granted under the U.S. Public Domain (original works of the Federal Government)

Sadly, I've been down this road enough times with folks to know that the healing modality depends on the particular bacteria strain. A urine culture will reveal the strain of bacteria you are dealing with, and most doctors will tell you if a UTI can be managed without antibiotics. Something like ecoli (yes, you read that right) requires a remedy more powerful than what's discussed here. If you cannot take antibiotics or prefer not to, consult a qualified herbalist.

As for prevention or early first sign of UTIs, consider the following ...

1. Practice good genital hygiene. Avoid unclean public toilets. Keep a squeeze (perineal) bottle with warm water by toilet and use to wash front and back after eliminating, and be sure to ALWAYS wipe front to back. 
2. Always practice safe sex, exercise caution during sexual activities, and bathe afterwards. Be sure to properly clean intrauterine devices (IUDs). 
3. Cranberries contain hippuric acid which create an acidic environment, making the urinary tract unattractive to bacteria, and helps to inhibit their growth. Use a pure cranberry juice or tablet. For recurring UTIs (aka RUTIs), select a high dosage cranberry tablet with a non-acidic vitamin C (I favor Ester-C with Cranberry by American Health). 
4. A probiotic designed to reach maximum effectiveness in the lower intestine. (I highly recommend Ultra Flora Plus by Metagenics). 
5. Drink LOTS of fresh water. 
6. Avoid cheeses, carbonated and caffeinated beverages, chocolate, alcohol, yeast, and cigarettes to inhibit bacterial growth. 
7. Increase garlic, tumeric, clove and other spices with antibacterial properties, prunes and plums (for their hip pubic acid), plus grains, corn, beans, lentils, walnuts, and peanuts for their acidic value. 
8. Mix equal parts of tea tree, frankincense, bergamot, and juniper essential oils with EVOO or fractionated coconut oil and massage over bladder. Can also diffuse the essential oils into the air. 
9. Eat foods high in Vitamin C. A list of the best choices can be found at World's Healthiest Foods. 

Note: A bladder infection is a serious condition that left untreated or improperly treated can lead to severe complications, kidney damage, and even blood poisoning. Please consult a medical or naturopathic doctor if you suspect or develop an infection.

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Image: Pyuria by Bobjgalindo is used here with permissions granted under the GNU Free Documentation License