COMMON GROUND Summer ‘95

Lately, there has been a spate of articles, commercials and references to the seasonal malady we euphemistically call ‘hay fever’. Somewhat of a catchall term, it serves to conjure up in the mind’s eye images of red and swollen noses, itchy teary eyes, congested sinuses, and a general run-down feeling and demeanour.

While I acknowledge the very real need to deal with the surface symptoms, ¬especially in the case of pronounced congestion and pain, it is short-sighted to deal with this type of condition strictly on a seasonal basis, year after year. Many try to overcome allergies through immunization and incremental dosages of various allergens. This too has been unsuccessful in the long run. Typically there are failures, in the sense that where one allergen has been overcome, another pops elsewhere. So…what next?

It must be realized, from the start, that the time to deal with this ailment is not when it manifests the surface symptoms. Other than relief from congestion, pain, etc., the focus should be on devoting anywhere from six months to one year to renew key internal organs and glands - the liver, kidneys, adrenals, etc.

While I don’t disagree with those who focus on the presence of the allergen (or its metabolite) in the blood stream, the release of histamine from the mast cells, and the ensuing exudation of mucus that goes with it…we still need to ask some questions. Why is this matter there in the first place? What has happened to the filtering aspects of the body?

If there is one organ that is of paramount importance today, it is the liver. Called upon to perform upwards of 400 different functions, the strain on this silent guardian of the body is incredible. Today’s diet, complete with chemical, bacterial, fungal and other contaminants, overloads the filtering (sinus cavities) and neutralizing (kupffer cells which recycle old red blood cells that are no longer are functional) properties of this major organ. When this overload occurs, a host of metabolic waste, acids, partially digested foods, etc., clutter the bloodstream. When the blood is thus contaminated, it will tend to irritate the very delicate nerve fibres, indirectly affecting the autonomic nerve wreath and the gut. Iridological examination reveals and corroborates this pattern in the body, and will equally demonstrate renewal, when it takes place.

The induced hypersensitivity then needs only a trigger to set things off. The change of seasons, i.e. pollen in the Spring, and moulds and fungi in the Fall, serve as this trigger, upsetting the homeostasis achieved months earlier. In order to prevent this from happening, one must faithfully and consistently take herbs that have a cleansing and restorative effect on the liver -St. John’s Wort, Blue Vervain, and Barberry. Dandelion Root or Chicory Root, in particular, should be used for cases characterized by inflammation; whereas Spikenard Root, Nettles, and Red Clover neutralize excess acids and restore depleted blood. When the gut is inflamed and irritated, soothing demulcent herbs such as Slippery Elm Bark are indicated. Irritation and sensitivity of the adrenal glands can be dealt with by taking Siberian Ginseng, Borage or Licorice Root.

However, this approach cannot be haphazard. As with most cases, please see a qualified herbalist who can give the appropriate advice in dealing with this condition. Also, for the stuffed-up feeling, take a tea made from Mullein Leaves, Comfrey Leaves, Fenugreek Seeds, a touch Anise Seed and a light dusting of Cayenne Powder. Drink a cup of this tea at least 3-4 times per day. You will find that the sinuses start draining, so keep that box of Kleenex handy.