Allergy and Asthma Maintenance the Natural Way

Unlike some people's allergies that are just minor nuisances, mine can lead to asthma attacks. Generally, physicians prescribe inhalers that deliver medications like albuterol to open airways quickly and efficiently. These can have side effects with overuse that can range from continued airway inflammation to liver damage. Even if this wasn't the case, I tend to try to do everything with safe natural alternatives rather then prescription medications. However, with asthma, a potentially deadly disease, it's important to keep an inhaler with you even as you try to reduce the usage of it.

The first thing one must do is to be aware of the triggers. Mine happen in mid July and late August. Are they grasses? Are they pollens? Do I care? Not really. I am aware though that at certain times of the year I will need to boost my immune system and begin my allergy maintenance system. There are a variety of natural treatments that can help increase lung capacity and reduce sensitivity to allergens.

Magnesium

Magnesium is sometimes administered intravenously to stop an asthma attack. Magnesium improves lung functioning and can be taken as a supplement prior to the period when you are most allergic. Dosages can range from 200 to 600 mg of magnesium a day, but should be checked with a Naturopath. Foods that are high in magnesium are nuts and dark green vegetables.

Stinging Nettles

This little herb has been a blessing to me. It is a natural antihistamine and clears up my allergy symptoms promptly after taking it. It only lasts about three hours, and does make me sleepy, but it's natural and has few known side effects. The brand I use is called Allertonic and can be bought at any health food store. One caution in using this herb is that it might cause miscarriages in pregnant women and it is advised for lactating women to avoid excessive use of it.

Peppermint