So why do we get allergies? Well first, let's distinguish between two types of allergies. The first is what I call a "genetic allergy" or true allergy to a plant, food, pet, etc. They are born with it and any contact with that trigger, can cause major reaction such as anaphylactic shock, rash, breathing issues or more serious. The second I call "self-induced allergy". This means that your gut has issues and the immune system cannot function optimally to combat the "foreign invaders" and a mucolytic or allergy response occurs. Remember, 80% of your immune system is in your gut. This is the place where we absorb and assimilate the nutrients, wring out the waste and excrete them. If there is any congestion, poor or empty nutrients, sluggish elimination and/or germ exposure, the gut can't do it's job, and triggers an inflammatory response. The response occurs when too many mast cells are released resulting in an allergic response. When you get your gut healthy (requires several tools), allergies dissipate.
When I was sick many years ago with severe Crohn's, Colitis, leaky gut and IBS, I completed allergy testing. I was allergic to every single thing in the list except 7 things. That means that anytime I had any of those foods on the "allergic list", I would have an inflammatory response. When I did allergy testing a couple years ago, I wasn't allergic to anything. I was amazed.
So what can you do if you have an allergy experience? There are some essential oils that I keep in my arsenal of remedies along with a few important herbs.
- Frankincense - my #1 essential oil for any and all kinds of allergies. Diffuse a couple drops in an ultrasonic diffuser; add 20 drops to 2oz. liquid enzymes and spray around you as needed; 10 drops in a .33oz. carrier oil and put into a roll-on; add 5 drops to 4oz. Epsom or sea salt.
- Lavender - my "jack of all trades, master of all" oil. Great to calm any skin allergy (rash, hives, etc.), nasal congestion, sneezing, water or itchy eyes (just smell it) or coughing.
- Eucalyptus - Great to open up sinus congestion, combat a cough, wheezing or muscle aches.
- And my favorite - the JennScents Allergy Relief Spray which is already blended for you containing these three essential oils.
- I use a blend by Solle Naturals called Balance. It contains frankincense, lavender, geranium, palmarosa and Litsea cubeba. All of these assist with allergy issues, adjusting to changing seasons, situations and diets.
- Histablock - this is an herbal combination that I call my "Herbal Benedryl". It contains nettle, quercetin, bitter orange and bromelain.
- Enzymes - I found a specific enzymes that is a 3-in-1 formula called Verdezymes. it has a complete profile of digestive enzymes, protease and an intestinal soothing blend (peppermint, marshmallow root, wood betony, passion flower and fiber). It helps with stomach pH, gut inflammation, digestion and enhances a great night's sleep (not to mention calming your spouse's loud snoring).
- Probiotics - there are tons of probiotics in the marketplace, and it can be confusing which one is best for you. I found one that I love that is multi-purposed called ProbioIQ. It contains 5 specific strains of probiotics that are particular to gut-brain health, as well as bacopa for the "head brain" as well as red reishi for immunity. It also contains a little fiber to help with digestion. So this for me, helps me multi-task with my herbal regimen by combining 3 herbals in one for me.
- Silver Shield - this comes in a liquid to boost our immune response and fight off germs; and it comes in gel which is a topical form of the liquid for skin issues such as rash, hives, itching, burns, etc.
