Allergy and Flu Season Fighters
Tips and Advice on how to beat the sniffles this spring
Besides the warmer weather, spring brings with it a fresh bout of flu season and allergies galore for a host of people; a combination made in sniffle hell for some. A Georgetown University study, conducted in 2001 by physiology professor Harry Preuss shows that oregano oil, the natural remedy of choice for Greeks of yesteryear and today, kills numerous strains of bacteria and fungi. A recent Toronto Star article states, “Oil of oregano hit the mainstream about six years ago and was sold as a potential treatment during the SARS outbreak, the Walkerton E. coli crisis and the anthrax scares after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But many people use it for a gamut of more common complaints, including seasonal allergies, athlete’s foot, infected splinters and toothache.”
Many swear by the oil, choosing to take the amber-coloured tincture by dropping three drops under the tongue before feeling a cold coming on. Described as hot and spicy, the searing sensation is said to pass in thirty seconds or so. Most conventional medical professionals doubt or deny the benefits of oregano oil, while naturopaths swear by its effectiveness. Either way, if you’re feeling ill, check with your doctor first before self-prescribing; the concern here is that people who are really sick will post-pone seeking treatment when perhaps their illness is beyond any curative help from the oil.
Cordelia Coyle, Registered Nutritionist and holistic therapist offers a few choice tips for seasonal allergy sufferers, particularly to help support the body and reduce symptoms once allergy season hits full force.
The following tips and simple recipe are courtesy of Cordelia Coyle, RNCP:
1. Drink water – when your body is dehydrated, production of histamine increases. By simply drinking water regularly throughout the day (suggested daily intake is approximately 8 – 8oz glasses) you can minimize the effects of excess histamine in the body, which can lead to watery eyes, a runny nose and difficulty breathing. Don’t rely on thirst - follow a regular schedule of drinking water.
2. Eat more natural whole foods – avoiding additives like MSG, artificial food colouring, and preservatives will help your body to cope with the additional stress of seasonal pollen. All unnatural substances put a burden on the system, so by reducing your dietary intake of these substances, you give your body a better chance of being able to cope with things you cannot control in the environment.
3. Avoid histamine-producing foods – certain foods trigger histamine release or naturally contain histamine. Some foods to avoid or reduce during seasonal allergy time are: shellfish, eggs, nuts, chocolate, berries, tomatoes, cheese, milk, wheat, and alcohol.
Cordelia suggests trying some homemade unsweetened/low-sugar lemonade or iced green tea to get antioxidants to reduce stress and histamine levels. Avoid white/refined sugar, choosing instead to sweeten your green tea or lemonade with organic wildflower honey, agave syrup or stevia.
Warm-weather Perfect Iced Green Tea:
1. Fill a container with 2 cups of room temperature water.
2. Add your favourite green tea teabag. Move it back and forth slowly
several times.
3. After 15 seconds or so of moving the teabag back and forth place the
container in the refrigerator. Leave the teabag inside.
4. Chill for one hour. Take the container out of the refrigerator,
remove the teabag and serve. Add lemon and sweetener to taste.
(Recipe adapted from japanesegreenteaonline.com)
By brewing the tea in cool water, you keep the aroma, the natural color
and the medicinal health benefits of the green tea. You also avoid
oxidation that can occur if the tea is left open to the air in an
attempt to cool it after hot brewing. Breathe easy and happy summer!
