Stimulate Immunity Against Hayfever

Summer is a time when we experience warmer weather and plenty of outdoor activities, but for over 20 percent of Americans summer means runny noses, sneezing, watery, itchy eyes, and fatigue. For many, this season means dealing with an increase in immune sensitivity to pollen, fungi, and other respiratory irritants.

Current research from the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit suggests a significant increase in incidence of seasonal allergies over the last 20 years. Researchers suggest that urbanization as well as increasing environmental pollution can increase susceptibility to hayfever, or environmental sensitivity. In addition, overall shifts in global weather patterns negatively affect urban areas because consistently high humidity levels causes pollens to remain low to the ground, which causes further respiratory aggravation for allergy sufferers.

Other shifts in weather include milder winters, which trick plants into early pollination thus increasing the duration of the hayfever season. A longer allergy season coupled with increasing levels of airborne pollution can exacerbate the symptoms of hayfever due to the cumulative effect on the respiratory tract. Professor Jean Emberlin of the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit in London suggests that the increased exposure to air pollution -- such as ozone and nitrous oxides—provides poor environmental conditions for hayfever suffers. In addition, the biological stress from global warming on plants may intensify the release of allergenic proteins and pollen.

What’s the solution?
Current Western medical treatment for seasonal rhinitis, or hayfever, includes anti-histamines, steroids, and immunotherapy, which are desensitizing injections designed to attempt to reduce the allergic over-reaction and protect the body from itself. These short-term solutions address the symptoms, but fail to understand the imbalanced relationship between the environment and the patient. The effectiveness of these treatments often comes with notable side effects such as drowsiness, overstimulation, and some heart irregularities. A research study published in Phytotherapy Research (2005) suggests that at least 11 percent of people taking “non-drowsy” formulas still experience some level of discomfort and sedation.

Ecologically Sustainable Medicines represent health care options that are renewable, nontoxic and adapt to the diverse health needs of the people and the planet. Some of these treatments provide effective alternatives to conventional treatments for hayfever sufferers. One example is Butterbur, or Petasites hybridus, a plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Butterbur has the ability to inhibit leukotrienes, which are associated with antispasmodic activity. (Note: The butterbur used in this research followed a particular extraction process, and should not be substituted with the over-the-counter Butterbur found in the United States).

Another great example of a treatment that addresses the relationship between the patient and their environment is homeopathy. Homeopathy follows an oral desensitization (neutralization) principle, not to be confused with desensitization by injection, which works by gently stimulating the body to develop a natural immunity to the substances that previously irritated one’s immune system. Research by Reilly et al (1986) showed that patients taking a homeopathic remedy for rhinitis experienced reduced symptoms and decreased patients overall need for antihistamines and other conventional treatments. The principles of homeopathy allow the body to build immunity against these environmental irritants while providing a non-toxic, safe, and effective therapy against hayfever. Homeopathy is an example of an ecologically sustainable medicine that works to create a balance between the patient and their environment.

Phytotherapy Research (vol 19; Issue 6, p. 530-537).
National Pollen Research Institute – London, England http://www.pollenuk.co.uk/