Symptoms

Watery, itchy eyes; headache; skin rash; coughs; sneezing; asthma; hay fever; eczema; nausea; diarrhoea; migraine. Milk protein is responsible for the allergies some babies suffer - resulting in wind and diarrhoea, and sometimes constipation.

Cause

An allergy may take many forms, but essentially it is the reaction of the body to something it is particularly sensitive to. The 'allergen' may be dust mite, or an orange, or shellfish, or fur, or any number of other substances. The body need only touch, or taste, or breathe in, the tiniest amount of whatever it is abnormally sensitive to, and antibodies will be released to deal with 'the enemy'. The release of antibodies to deal with the allergens will in turn release various particles including histamine which will produce the allergic symptoms.

Naturopathic Approach

Any naturopathic approach suggests that an allergic response will be minimised if a person is in good health. Good nutrition is essential, as is adequate rest and time for play.

Herbal Therapy:

To help reduce allergic conditions such as hay fever, give garlic, horseradish, liquorice, echinacea, marshmallow and elder. Give 10 drops of single herbal tincture or 25 drops of a combination of herbal tinctures three times a day. Or make a tea using half to one teaspoon of dry herb in a cup of hot water and give one cup two to three times a day.

Homoeopathic:

Silicea 6Cfor itching nose and sneezing

Nat. mur. 6C for hay fever symptoms after being in the sun

Consult a practitioner for remedy to boost resilience to allergens and improve general health.

Nutritional Therapy:

Breastfeed an infant for as long as possible to help boost the baby's immune system.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are considered essential for a healthy immune system and protection against allergic response.

Provide a diet rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs): fish, raw nuts and seeds, cold pressed vegetable oils and dried pulses. Give a multi-vitamin supplement and 500mg of vitamin C each day.

 

Reviewed and Edited by Di Strang and Fran Music. Di has over 10 years of experience in the natural health industry. She lectures on children's health at one of Sydney's Naturopathic Colleges and has a busy practice which is focused on children's and women's health. Fran Music is a well known Sydney naturopath who has been in practice for over 18 years. She lectures in a variety of subjects at one of Sydney's Naturopathic Colleges.