An allergy or an allergic reaction is an abnormal immune system response to certain stimuli, like food ingredients or dust. Our immune system normally functions to protect the body against infections and any other threats, but under certain circumstances our immune system can malfunction. Individuals who suffer from allergies have certain abnormalities in their immune system response, causing it to mistakenly react to certain substances as if they were harmful to you. This defensive reaction that is triggered by exposure is known as an allergic reaction, and the substance that triggers the immune response is known as an allergen. There are various allergens that could produce such reactions and they could include certain ingredients in your diet, dust or smoke, pollen, chemicals in certain drugs or certain resins, oils and cosmetics. Before turning to any natural allergy remedies it should be kept in mind that the most important step would be to eliminate or minimize any exposure to the allergen before attempting to use any home remedies for an allergic reaction.
Types of Allergies:
Respiratory Allergies:
Spring allergies with sore throats or other seasonal allergy symptoms are generally caused by airborne allergens in the environment like pollen. The process of pollination is naturally seasonal, which is why allergies of this nature are referred to as seasonal allergies. While pollen may the biggest cause of respiratory allergies in some parts, dander from animals, certain moulds and dust mites also act as allergens that are often responsible for allergic reactions that could involve sneezing, coughing, watering of the eyes and nose, or more severe asthma like symptoms.
Insect Bite or Sting Allergies:
Allergic reactions to insect bites and stings are also not uncommon and this is particularly problematic during the summer months when most of us spend a lot of time in the outdoors. Insect sting allergies can produce very severe reactions in some individuals and the symptoms could vary from exhaustion, local swelling, dizziness, hypo tension, and in severe cases anaphylaxis. When considering allergic reactions of this nature, wasps and bees pose the biggest threat.
Food Allergies:
Food allergies are among the most common of all allergies and the reactions to food allergens could vary greatly, with some individuals experiencing severe diarrhea or flatulence, while others may experience eczema and skin rashes or swelling of the throat and hypo tension. In severe cases the condition can even be life threatening with anaphylaxis. The most common food allergies are caused by exposure to peanuts, milk, egg proteins and various types of sea food. Seafood allergies are the most common type of food allergy and affect almost 2% people in the general population. The incidence of cases of seafood allergies is higher in countries like Spain, Japan and Scandinavian countries where seafood is a major part of their daily diet.
Contact Allergies:
Contact allergies or contact dermatitis can be caused by exposure involving direct contact with certain substances that could act as an allergen like some metals, fragrances, or latex. Nickel allergy is probably the most common type of contact allergy. Symptoms of allergies caused by direct skin contact could include itching, inflammation and burning, or the formation of blisters on the affected area.
Allergies Causes:
Allergies occur when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the allergen as an invader and produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to combat these substances. These antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals such as histamine into the bloodstream.
These chemicals affect your eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin or gastrointestinal tract and produces allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Every time that you are exposed to that same allergen, an allergic reaction will be triggered.
A food allergy is often an indication of an unhealthy and imbalanced diet plan as well as an unhealthy lifestyle.
An allergy can also be caused by the excessive and regular consumption of processed and refined foods. This is because these foods invariably contain chemical additives and flavoring agents which can trigger a severe allergic reaction. Stress and emotional upheaval can also aggravate an allergic reaction.
The exact reasons for the development of allergies are not clearly understood, but some individuals may have a predisposition to developing allergies because of genetic factors. Although there are lots of theories and debate over the possible causes it is understood that certain factors do increase the risk of developing allergies other than heredity. Environmental factors such as the sudden increase in the presence of certain pollutants or even natural allergens could cause a person to develop allergies. Changing patterns of natural vegetation and climatic changes, as a result of global warming could also contribute to the increasing incidence of allergies. Researchers also indicate that increased levels of personal hygiene and the reduced levels of exposure to infection and disease could account for immune system malfunctions, as the traditional function of our immunity would then be reduced. This trend is believed to account for the higher incidence of allergies in more developed parts of the world, as compared to in developing nations.
Allergies Symptoms:
The most common symptoms and signs associated with allergies include:
Tips related to seasonal allergies:
- Try to limit time outdoors when it is very windy (as pollen is flying in the air). Rather venture out after the rain
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eye with your fingers (try using cucumber slices to lessen itchiness)
- Flush your eyes out with clean cold water when they start to feel bothered and sore
- If you venture out during spring and fall, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and wind
- Use artificial tear eye drops if you suffer from inadequate tears
- Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, or environmental toxins
- Increase your intake of Vitamin A and B supplements
- Keep windows closed and, if possible, use air conditioning when necessary
- Don’t hang clothing outdoors to dry (they may collect Pollen)
- Keep your car windows closed during allergy season
- Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens
- Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest
- Run the air conditioning in your house and car
- Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers
- Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 F (54 C)
- Vacuum carpets weekly
- Replace carpeting with laminate flooring or another hard material that won’t collect dust mites and other allergens, especially in your bedroom
Allergies Home Remedies:
- Chandan (Sandalwood): 1 tbsp mixture of lime juice in sandalwood paste could be applied.
- Five drops of Castor oil in half a cup of any fruit or vegetable juice, or plain water, and taken on an empty stomach in the morning, is beneficial for allergies of the intestinal tract, skin, and nasal passages.
- Half a lime may be squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water and sweetened with a teaspoon of honey. It not only flushes the system of toxins but also acts as an anti-toxic and anti-allergic agent.
- One or two bananas a day are useful for those who are allergic to certain foods and who consequently suffer from skin rashes, digestive disorders, or asthma, The fruit does, however, cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive persons and they should avoid it.
- A quantity of 500 ml carrot juice or a combination of carrot juice with beet and cucumber juices, has been found beneficial in the treatment of allergies.
- Butter bur is another name for petasites, it is proved that butter bur is effective in treating allergy symptoms.
- Application of mashed almond leaves to the affected area is highly beneficial. This is one of the useful skin allergy cure.
- Make a paste from five grams of garden mint in water. Sieve the water now add 12 grams of sugar, drink this syrup twice a day for immediate relief. This is a good home remedy for skin allergy.
- Application of lemon juice mixed with coconut oil is also beneficial for skin allergy.
- Drink a glass of water with two tablespoons of cider vinegar. This is a good natural remedy for skin allergy.
- Make a paste from sandalwood and lime juice, apply on the affected area it will provide relief from itching.
- Grind 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds with 1-teaspoon water and add 1-teaspoon lime juice. Apply to affected area for relief from itching and redness.It is proven effective.
- Try to avoid the use of cosmetics.
- Every part of neem can bee used for any skin allergies. Mostly leaves of Neem are made into paste to treat skin disorders and allergies.
