Seasonal Remedies

Alex Shalet, nutritionist with Nutri Centre advises on herbal remedies for seasonal ailments

Every Spring about nine million people in the UK struggle to cope with blocked noses, constant tickly sneezing, watery itchy eyes, headaches, disturbed sleep, listlessness and depression - all symptoms of hay fever, a condition that can last for months. Fortunately, there’s help at hand with effective anti-allergy products from the Nutri Centre, a leading UK resource for natural health.

According to Nutri Centre nutritionist Alex Shalet, a number of potent supplements and natural herbal remedies can prevent or alleviate seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.

Alex advises that keeping an eye on the pollen count and minimising exposure to pollen where practical, are essential parts of the battle against hay fever. He says : “Tree pollen is released earliest in February - with birch and oak particular culprits – followed by grass pollen from May and weed pollen and fungal spores in the Autumn. So it’s worth noting what time of year your symptoms are bad as it will help you identify the worst triggers.”

Quercitin-C by Cardiovascular Research Ltd is a powerful antioxidant formula with antihistamine properties; it contains a Quercitin – Catechin complex derived from blue green algae and vitamin C. Histamine is a substance that contributes to allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling of soft tissue including the face and lips. Quercitin inhibits the production and release of histamine and other allergic/inflammatory substances and also works as an antioxidant by scavenging damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Quercitin, says Alex, is an abundant, naturally occurring flavonoid found in apples, onions, green leafy vegetables, beans and citrus fruits – so your diet should include plenty of these.

A traditional Chinese medical remedy for seasonal allergies is Reishi mushroom, renowned for its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit histamine release. Planetary Formulas Reishi Mushroom Supreme contains a blend of Chinese herbs for supporting immune defences. The addition of adaptagen or immune boosting ingredients, such as Astragalus and the tonic Eleutherococcus senticosus, makes Reishi Mushroom Supreme an ancient treasure for modern health.

When the surface of the eyes is exposed to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or even pet allergens, an allergic reaction can occur releasing histamines that causes characteristic red, itchy and watery eyes. Try a couple of drops of Potters Allerclear Eye Drops in each eye one or more times daily. Allerclear drops contain the herb Eyebright and are suitable for contact lens wearers, those with sensitive eyes and children.

For sufferers whose allergic symptoms include mild to moderate asthma, research has shown that Pycnogenol by Viridian, a grape seed extract, may provide natural relief from symptoms by improving pulmonary functions.

Three drops of Oralmat, three times a day taken sublingually (under the tongue) will bypass digestive acids to ensure that the therapeutic ingredients remain intact. Oralmat is a natural, herbal remedy that contains rye grass extract to help modulate the immune system and fight the allergens and irritants that trigger inflammatory and respiratory problems. Oralmat drops are rapidly absorbed into the mucous membranes of the mouth, giving fast relief from asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and other inflammatory problems.

Call 0207 436 5122 for free nutritional advice or to order from the Nutri Centre or shop on-line at www.nutricentre.com.

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