| Summertime, and The Living is...Sneezy |
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Along with sun, warmth, and relaxation, summer for many means hay fever. Not only does hay fever have annoying symptoms--sinus congestion and pain, sneezing, itching eyes and nose, runny eyes and nose--but it can also turn into a sinus infection and cause headaches.
Allergic reactions are caused by the immune system responding inappropriately. Over-the-counter allergy medications can have unwanted side effects, most notably drowsiness. Herbal remedies and acupuncture can help, without the side effects.
There are many herbal and dietary approaches to treating and preventing hay fever symptoms. A few examples:
- A cup of peppermint tea can help to calm sneezing and itching.
- Probiotics are helpful if taken for a couple of months before and during hay fever season. Probiotics can take the form of supplements, yogurt (make sure it contains active cultures), and pickled vegetables.
- Avoid inflammatory foods, such as sugar and dairy. Some people find it helpful to avoid gluten as well.
- Use a neti pot to rinse the sinuses with a saline solution. This can help to relieve congestion and pressure.
Acupuncture is an effective way to deal with hay fever, because it modulates the immune system. Acupuncture has an accumulative effect. It can break up sinus congestion and soothe an itchy, drippy nose and itchy eyes. With multiple treatments, allergy symptoms can be greatly diminished or avoided completely. To ensure a good result, plan on approximately 6 weeks of treatment (typically once per week), and begin treatment 3 to 4 weeks before the allergy season begins.
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Wildcrafter's Corner: Mid-Summer Herbs
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Yarrow
Yarrow is one of my favorite plants, because of its strong herbaceous smell. I also find it to be miraculous in that it stops bleeding caused by wayward kitchen knives.
St. Johnʼs Wort
St. Johnʼs Wort is a powerful soother of sharp, shooting nerve pain and pain associated with sores, boils and burns. The oil or ointment is very handy to have around!
Elderflower
Elderflower tea makes a tasty treatment for aches and fevers due to colds and flus. It is also useful for opening up the chest, when breathing is restricted. |
| Red Clover Clinic News |
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You have probably noticed the lovely aromatherapy mist wafting through the clinic. You can bring some of the benefits home with you through the Plant Extracts International (located in Hopkins, MN) line of inhalers available at the clinic. They are small enough to tuck in a pocket or purse.
For the hay fever season, BREATHE INHALER (Niaouli Melablend) is ideal. Niaouli Melablend is a nature-fresh formulation containing Melablend®--a combination that provides the antimicrobial and antifungal benefits of the melaleuca genus of trees and shrubs. The addition of niaouli enhances upper respiratory benefits.
Inhale these soothing essential oils to minimize the onset of coughing, congestion, breathing difficulty, and sleeping issues. The active ingredients break up congestion and facilitate oxygen flow into the capillaries. The BREATHE INHALER is excellent as a gently invigorating daytime inhalation to support respiratory wellness, in particular the sinuses.
July/August Special
BREATHE INHALERS
$1.00 off (reg. $5.95)
limit 1 per person.
Did You Know?
- Keep in mind, acupuncture is a reimbursable expense for those with flexible medical spending accounts. We also take personal injury insurance for those who have suffered a motor vehicle accident.
- Red Clover Clinic offers acupuncture, botanical medicine, and bodywork Tuesday through Saturday. Evening appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays. Make an online appointment or call 612-308-3597.
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