The current estimates are that 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and 10 million people also have asthma. Every spring, summer and fall nearly all of these 50 million sufferers begin sneezing, sniffing, and wheezing their way through a world filled with trillions of airborne pollen, dust, smoke, and other non-food allergens that diminish health and generally make life miserable. The asthma-allergy link is well documented. Ninety percent of children with asthma and fifty percent of asthmatic adults have allergies.

Although I see a myriad of allergies at my practice, the number of people affected by food allergies and non-food (environmental) allergies is extensive. Allergy symptoms may be the single most common complaint among people who seek medical and/or natural approaches to treatment and therapy. Some of the most common types of non-food allergens are: ragweed pollens, other plant components, insect bites/stings, dust, animal dander, smoke, fabrics, pesticides, mold, nitrites, MSG, dyes, penicillin and sulfa.

Seasonal Allergies

Most seasonal allergies are caused by the body's immune response to allergens, such as pollen, mold, and ragweed that occur during certain times of the year. For millions of Americans spring's pollen and hay fever, summer's dust, dryness and insects, and fall's rotting leaves, molds, and ragweed bring on a myriad of allergy symptoms (i.e., rhinitis and runny nose, itchy, red and watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, congestion, sneezing, etc).

Heredity does play a part in seasonal allergies. This involves the formation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against these types of substances that result in the initial step of the allergic cascade. Keep in mind there are only three ways in which an allergen can get into the body- either by ingestion, inhalation, or through the skin. The allergens are irritants that affect the release of histamine from our mast cells and may be mild, moderate or severe in nature. Histamine release degranulates to a leukotriene response, which ultimately elicits allergic-type symptoms as previously mentioned. Leukotrienes, a group of fatty acids, and histamine are the two main inflammatory mediators of allergic symptoms. One of the worst exacerbations of allergic symptoms is asthma, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Common Prescription and OTC Treatment

Most people take prescription medicines such as Claritin (Loratadine), Allegra (Fexofenadine), and Zyrtec (Cetirizine) for allergic symptoms, whether they are environmental or food allergies. The most common over-the-counter allergy medications include Chlor-trimeton (Chlorpheniramine), and Benadryl (Diphenhydramine). Although these drugs are effective in relieving the bothersome symptoms associated with the leukotriene release, they unfortunately only mask the underlying problem (which is exposure to an allergen) and do little to harbor long-term relief. In addition, these drugs frequently have side effects including drowsiness, dry mouth, impaired mental clarity and urinary retention.

Blocking leukotrienes and histamine does not totally relieve symptoms, because there are many other mediators involved in the allergy cascade. Are there any natural products or remedies that not only relieve some of the leukotrienes symptoms but also block histamine release from the mast cells to some degree? Yes, there are a few popular natural therapies for treating allergy problems (whether seasonal, animal, environmental, chemical or food allergies). These naturally-occurring substances actually play a "preventative" role in allergy relief and asthma, although moderate to severe asthma should always be monitored by a physician.

VITAMIN C:

If there is one supplement above all others that I would insist that everyone with allergies and/or asthma ingest, it is vitamin C. The usefulness of vitamin C in the treatment of allergies has been well-documented in the medical literature. Vitamin C blocks the enzymes that lead to histamine formation. Doses should average about 2-3 grams a day during the worst part of the allergy season- half dose for children. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids is the best absorbed form and is a powerful antihistamine. For acute attacks, the buffered form of vitamin C may be the most helpful.

QUERCETIN:

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in pigments of leaves, seeds, fruits, rind and bark in plants. A powerful antioxidant, quercetin limits histamine release, suppresses allergic inflammatory mediators, and enhances the absorption of vitamin C. It can be found in onions, blue-green algae, grapefruit, apples, broccoli, cherries, grapes, cranberries, squash, lettuce, and tomato. Dosage is 250mg 2-3 times a day.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT:

Grape seed extract contains a pycnogenol-like substance not found in pine bark. Like pycnogenol, grape seed extract is an OPC (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin) which is a rich source of antioxidants that increases the antioxidant power of vitamin C, blocks histamine release from mast cells, and boosts immunity. Doses can range from 50-150 mg per day.

VITAMIN E:

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is an essential fat-soluble vitamin found in vegetables, soybeans, nuts, wheat germ, and whole grains. Vitamin E is essential for normal functioning of the immune system. Immune cells are highly responsive to the harmful effects of free-radical reactions (i.e., many types of environmental allergens). Doses of 400 to 800 IU of Vitamin E daily have been shown to maintain immune response, prevent lung damage, and even block histamines.

OMEGA 3, 6 FATTY ACIDS:

Omega-3 and omega-6 oils are the two principle types of essential fatty acids. The primary omega-3 oils are called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and are found in flaxseed (58%) and canola oils, pumpkin, soybeans and walnuts. Fish oils, such as mackerel, salmon, and cod contain the other important omega-3 oils, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Omega-6 oils are found in most plants and vegetable oils, including sesame, safflower, corn, evening primrose and borage.

Research has shown that a combination of omega oils reduces the incidence of respiratory infections and decreases inflammation, which is always efficacious to asthma and allergy sufferers. Suggest a combination of fish, flaxseed, and borage oil 3-6 times a day.

GINKGO BILOBA:

This ancient extract has been used for thousands of years to treat allergies, asthma, and coughs. Ginkgo has an ability to block free radical damage that may prolong the effects of asthma or allergies. Ginkgo stimulates relaxation of contracted blood vessels, which is common in asthma attacks. Several of the unique substances contained in ginkgo (ginkgolides) interfere with the action of a chemical that the body produces-- platelet-activating factor or PAF. PAF plays a key role in triggering allergies, asthma and inflammation. Dosages can range from 60-240 mg daily. Individuals who are taking medications for blood-clotting disorders (i.e., warfarin, heparin) should be advised to consult their physician before taking this herb.

GARLIC:

Garlic may be beneficial because of high concentrations of compounds such as quercetin found in these plants. These compounds retard inflammatory reactions. Dr. James A. Duke, author of the national best-seller The Green Pharmacy, suggests that if you have allergies add generous amounts of garlic to your menu.

PERILLA:

The Perilla leaf has long been used as an herbal medicine in China. It has a pungent flavor and warming properties. It enters the lungs and is suitable and effective for treating cough, allergic activities, asthma, excessive phlegm and inflammation. Today, in the West, it is receiving special attention because of its favorable evidence and beneficial effects in the treatment of some kinds of allergic reactions without the side effects associated with most anti-allergy medications, including antihistamines.

Perilla has been confirmed in limited trials to have beneficial effects in the treatment of some allergy-related diseases including hay fever, dermatitis, non-food and food allergies, and other hypersensitivity reactions, apparently without side effects.

Recommended dosage is 1 or 2 capsules (one capsule is equivalent to 8 grams of fresh leaves of Perilla frutescens) twice a day for adults, half dosage in children. Perilla is manufactured by Sisu Natural Products, USA, under the name Allermin.

References

Duke, JA. Green Pharmacy. Ist edition. Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. 1997.

Gormley, JJ, Scheer, JF. Fats- A Rational Approach. Better Nutrition. March, 1998. Pp. 52-58.

Gaby, AR. Fatty Acids Prevent Respiratory Infections. Nutrition & Healing. May, 1997. P. 8.

Chen, YP. Applications and Prescriptions of Perilla in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Perilla, the genus, Perilla, (1086). Harvard Academies Publishers, Australia.

Allermin Information brochure from Sisu Natural Products, USA and Canada.

Dan Wagner is a natural pharmacist and herbalist from Gibsonia. He is owner of NutriFARMACY, Western Pennsylvania's only all natural pharmacy located in the North Hills on Wildwood Road. Dan has done extensive research on botanical medicines in the rainforests of Belize, Costa Rica, the Amazon, and Africa. He is president of The Student Rainforest Fund, a non-profit educational organization that takes college students studying the health sciences to Belize each year. As pharmacy specialist he is a board member of Global Links and The World Health Mission, two international voluntary organizations that send medicine, medical supplies, and equipment to hospital in the Third World. He has volunteered his services in Nigeria, Cuba, Ecuador, and Kenya. In April of 2000 he was awarded the American Pharmaceutical Association "Merit 2000 Award." Their highest award to an American pharmacist working freely on behalf of the profession and the world's needy. Visit Nutri-farmacy's website at www.nutrifarmacy.com for more articles and information, or call toll-free 1-877-289-7478.

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