Natural Approach to Allergies for You & Your Family – Plus Info on What Testing to Ask For
24 Aug 2011 5 Comments
in Allergies and Asthma, Baby & Child Health Tags: allergies, allergy, Celiac Disease, gluten testing, Immune system, Immunoglobulin E
Are you suffering from allergies right now. Then this article is for you. So many of us have allergies yet we go undiagnosed and suffer from all kinds of ailments and have no idea that they are being caused by allergies.
For instance, did you know that allergies can trigger, mimic and contribute to the following problems?
Chronic ear infections
Diabetes
Eczema and psoriasis
Fibromyalgia
Sinusitis
IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Headaches
Pain on the body
Heartburn
Allergies can make many existing problems worse, start or trigger several disorders and create symptoms that mimic many common symptoms present in a long list of disorders.
If you suspect you may have allergies because you suffer from any of the above issues you may want to consider specific testing that can be done in a private lab.
There are simple tests you can request to determine if you have food sensitivities, allergies and or intolerances.
IgE allergy testing looks at foods that cause an immediate allergy, these are usually the reactions that most doctors recognize. They are reactions to foods or inhalants that involve the immune systems IgE antibodies.
IgG sensitivities test looks at many foods to determine delayed sensitivities. Symptoms usually don’t appear for several hours. These symptoms can be present for months or years until the reactive food has been removed from the diet for several months or longer.
Testing for Gluten intolerance and Celiac disease is also VERY important because a lot of issues like IBS, crohns, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and many other ailments can be caused because of a gluten allergy. Learning to check for food allergies and in tolerances has been very important for us, since my firsborn had many allergies as a young child that went undiagnosed. After careful observation I started to see that certain foods would trigger his asthma. So for the past 11 years we have been on a journey with him to get him healthier. I did case studies on my son and wrote down everything for weeks and weeks at a time. I would compare his symptoms and research ways to help him. He was on over 6 meds a day before his 2 birthday and the pediatrician we had, believed in prescribing an antibiotic for every little thing, completely destroying his immune system and digestive function. I am so thankful that I know what I know now, even though we had very rough months in and out of ER’s and many sleepless nights. But you would never get this info from me had I not been allowed to live through those perils, so for that I am blessed.
You can also test for intolerances which are generally chemical reactions to foods that do not involve the immune system. Most allergists completely overlook intolerances because they are not considered to be classic allergies. However food intolerances can wreak havoc by causing migraines, headaches, diarrhea and many other things.
Whether you suffer from allergies or food sensitivities I have found that taking herbs that have high anti fungal properties can help along with a good probiotic like the one from Garden of Life.
Once you know what allergies and or food sensitivities you have it’s easier to devise a plan to first detox and then remove foods that may trigger an allergic reaction. After diagnosing, cleansing and removing triggers, you can focus on supplementation and herbal remedies to aid the body’s immune response.
For natural approaches to allergies, consider the following:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: According to Mother Earth News, a German study published in the journal Allergy found people who have diets rich in of omega-3 fatty acids suffer from fewer allergy symptoms. A second study in Sweden found that children who regularly ate fish prior to age one had much lower allergies by age four. My favorite sources of omega-3 fatty acids are grass fed meat and eggs, and krill oil. (Fish has become too contaminated to rely on as a staple.)
- Probiotics: In a 2008 study, researchers discovered that people who took probiotics throughout allergy season had lower levels of an antibody that triggered allergy symptoms. They also had higher levels of a different antibody (IgG), thought to play a protective role against allergic reactions. Other researchers found evidence that giving probiotics to newborns and mothers-to-be may help prevent childhood allergies.
- Vitamin D: Insufficient vitamin D levels have been linked to more severe asthma and allergies in children. Vitamin D has also been found to reduce allergic responses to mold.
- Hot peppers: Hot chili peppers, horseradish, and hot mustards work as natural decongestants. In fact, a nasal spray containing capsaicin (derived from hot peppers) significantly reduced nasal allergy symptoms in a 2009 study.
- Locally produced honey: Many believe that consuming locally produced honey, which contains pollen spores picked up by the bees from your local plants, can act as a natural “allergy vaccine.” By introducing a small amount of allergen into your system (from eating the honey), your immune system is activated and over time can build up your natural immunity against it. Just be careful to consume honey moderately as it’s high in fructose.
Below are several other foods and herbs you might want to try:
- Quercetin: Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids. Although research is sketchy, many believe quercetin-rich foods (such as apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea) prevent histamine release—so they are “natural antihistamines.” Quercetin is also available in supplement form—a typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 mg per day.
- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): Another natural antihistamine, this herb has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of conditions, including migraines. In a German study, 40 percent of patients taking butterbur root extract were able to reduce their intake of traditional asthma medications. A British study found butterbur as effective as the drug Zyrtec.A word of caution is needed, however. Butterbur is a member of the ragweed family, so if you are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisy, or chrysanthemum, you should not use butterbur. Also, the RAW herb should not be used because it contains substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer. Commercial butterbur products have had a lot of these alkaloids removed.
- Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): Another natural antihistamine, stinging nettle has a long history of use for seasonal allergies, without the drowsiness and dry mouth associated with many pharmacological antihistamines. Nettle inhibits your body’s ability to produce histamines. The recommended dose is about 300 mg freeze-dried nettle extract daily.
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Goldenseal may be helpful for seasonal allergies. Laboratory studies suggest that berberine, the active ingredient in goldenseal, has antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties.
- Eucalyptus oil: This pure essential oil can be healing to mucus membranes. You can apply a drop on a cotton ball and sniff it several times a day, add a few drops to water (or to a nebulizer, if you own one) for a steam treatment, or use a few drops in your bathwater.
Sources:
LCO Herbal Medicine Class
Mercola.com
Another Great Green Smoothie Recipe that Supports the Immune System & Digestion
26 Jan 2011 8 Comments
in Baby & Child Health, Diet & Weight loss, God's Green Herbs, organic food, Preggo Mama, recipes, Smoothies & Juices Tags: Digestion, green smoothie, Immune system, Recipe, Smoothie
Smoothies and me go together like hot chocolate and whipped cream. I can’t live without them, especially since I am always on the run.
These past few years (during the week) we have opted for nutritious herbal, green and fruit smoothies instead of breakfast. This is the very opposite of what most people do today. It’s unfortunate that for decades people have thought that eating a large breakfast full of refined carbs and sugars was a good thing. But it’s not correct for a few reasons. The most important reason is that when you get up in the morning your body should begin the purging process to get rid of all the food you ate the day before. Your digestive system wants to evacuate but you just shove more processed food into it which is like putting your finger over the end of a hose that is turned on. The only thing you’re accomplishing is a lethal buildup of toxins that will be reabsorbed internally and begin to make you sick over time.
So make a choice to drink at least 3 smoothies a week and work your way to one a day and then 2 a day if possible. My family and I enjoy smoothies 1 to 3 times a day and here is one of my favorite recipes I hope you will enjoy.
Ingredients
2 cups of organic coconut milk or organic almond, rice, raw milk
4 organic pitted dates
1 banana
1 cup chopped dandelion or kale leaves
1 cup organic spinach leaves
2/3 cup fresh or frozen organic strawberries or berry blend
Optional – 1 Teaspoon of organic raw honey if you like it really sweet (But don’t make this a habit)
Blend it all together and enjoy with a straw.
If you want to add in protein and fiber then you can use 2 teaspoons of organic chia seeds but you will have to add in one more cup of liquid which will turn this into a large smoothie for 2. Drink immediately and freeze any portion you did not drink to use as smoothie ice cubes the next time your up for a blended breakfast!
Blessings!
May The Green be with You™
LCO
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Best Blood Purifier, Congestion breaker and Migraine Relief
28 Oct 2010 2 Comments
in Flu & Cold, God's Green Herbs, Health News, tea Tags: blood, Blood cell, blood cleanser, butterbur for migraines, clean your blood, congestion, dandelion, health, Herb, Immune system, migraine, Red blood cell
Best Blood Purifier, Congestion breaker and Migraine Relief
No, these 3 are not necessarily related but they are in the sense that herbs have been used for centuries to deal with all 3 of these conditions.
Let’s start with our blood. Did you know that a typical human red blood cell only survives about 4-5 months in your body? God created us in such a complex way that our bodies are constantly producing new blood and releasing it into the bloodstream to do important work for our overall health – this work can be described as: carrying nutrients, hormones, water, chemical messages and even information throughout our bodies.
Our blood is primarily made of three things: white blood cells (immune function), red blood cells (oxygen carriers), and blood plasma (a liquid solution that carries everything else).
When our bodies need more red blood cells, our body automatically generates new ones. How amazing is that. Another amazing thing is that our body must create those needed red blood cells using the materials that are available: These are materials that are circulating in our blood at the time.
So if you have not been diligent and have not really taken care of yourself these past 5 months and you have been eating processed fast foods, Trans fats, and nutrient deficient cooked foods your body will only be able to make new red blood cells with the bad material you have going on inside of you. So say during that time you are diagnosed with cancer or a serious illness, the blood running through your veins will not be composed of healthy red blood cells. This creates a problem because just one red blood cell circulates around your body in about 20 seconds. The same red blood cell makes tens of thousands of trips around your body, transporting oxygen to cells, before it is recycled by your own immune system.
Do you want unhealthy morphed cells circulating through your body?
I know I don’t.
So how can you effectively clean your blood? Well some of this work is preformed by our kidneys but if they are not functioning properly then you have another problem. We can also make clean blood by drinking lots of water and eating higher amounts of green foods (raw is preferred).
On another note, I have found that Organic dandelion tea is one of the best blood purifiers around and costs virtually nothing for a months supply. We have it available at just $6.99 per 2 ounce bag and its Organic so you’re not breaking the bank.
To read more on Organic Dandelion Tea click here and look at Augusts’ Herb of the Month.
What about congestion. Can’t get rid of the phlegm? Or do you have a cold with really bad congestion?
Growing up we would drink herbal teas with ginger and garlic a splash of lime juice and honey. It almost always took care of our congestion. Today herbalists and alternative med doctors have studied the effects of herbs for congestion but there is one in particular that has worked for us all the time and that herb is Fenugreek. Its one of my treasured herbs as it doubles as a milk producing herb for nursing moms. It is part of my Breast is best Tea.
Fenugreek works because it relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, and loosens & removes excess mucus and phlegm. Congested, just pass the fenugreek!
Migraines anyone? My husband was suffering from terrible bouts due to a black mold problem we had unknowingly; but during the time of his terrible migraines and neck and back spasms I did not know what was going on. he would without warning get excruciating amounts of pain from his brain all the way down his spine. It completely crippled him and we had many hospital visits during this time.
So I began to do some investigative work and came to the conclusion that he was having really bad migraines and some sort of inflammation in the neck and spine triggered by the brain.
With that hypothesis I starting trying certain herbs on him that would reduce the inflammation of the blood vessels going to his brain. I figured that if I treated the inflammation it would stop the migraines temporarily while we figured out what was triggering them.
And so we became best friends with Purple Butterbur. Butterbur has also been given for inflammation of the urinary tract and cramps. There is compelling initial evidence from human trials to suggest benefits in prevention and treatment of migraine headaches.
Now, Butterbur contains a high amount of toxic alkaloids so I had to order a premade herbal pill from a well-known supplement maker. After all I don’t have equipment or a lab able to extract toxic alkaloids from herbs although some herbs can be boiled to accomplish this but Butterbur is not one of them. I can’t tell you how this herb helped my husband, it was amazing. You can read about it here.
Now you know a few things you can look into for your self. Like I said in an audio post I did recently: If you want to become healthier you must become a researcher. If you want to know what to take and how much to take you must become a researcher. Conventional doctors are not going to give you this information let alone know how to use it. I can only share my experiences with you and prompt you to do your own research and come up with your own formulations. I am not a doctor and cannot prescribe anything for you nor can I prescribe doses but I can share my wisdom and that’s what this site is all about.
May you be blessed
LCO
Cold and Flu Cocktails/Remedies – What you Should Have on Hand!
06 Oct 2010 6 Comments
in Allergies and Asthma, Baby & Child Health, Flu & Cold, God's Green Herbs, Green Living, organic food, Preggo Mama, Stress, tea, vitamin d, Vitamins & Supplements Tags: balm, cold, Colostrum, Echinacea., flu, garlic, green, health, Herb, homeopathic, Immune system, immunity, immunity boosting herbs, Influenza, Joe Shmoe, Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, natural cures, olive, organic herbs, Oscillo, Oscillococcinum, Smoothie, thyme, tincture, Vodka, winter
Is there a cold or flu virus lurking around the corner? Did you just go to the store and open up the refrigerated section then a few minutes later rub your eyes?
It’s amazing how easily we are exposed to nasty viruses and bacteria. All it takes is for Joe Shmoe to sneeze and cough right on the handles of the store refrigerators and then you come strolling along completely unaware that the door handles are covered in yuck. You open them, get your goods and go on your merry way. A few minutes later you robotically rub your eyes or nose and whala – the connection is made. Those nasty germs are on their way into your body.
First let me lovingly say that if you are a Joe Shmoe, please do us all a favor and COVER YOUR MOUTH when you cough or sneeze. Carry a pack of tissues with you so you can use and discard as needed. Also be sure to cleanse hands after each explosion of germs. It’s very irresponsible and inconsiderate to know that you’re sick and sneeze and cough all over the place without covering up and washing your hands afterward. You are promoting sickness in the community of pregnant moms, babies, young adults, parents, the elderly and even pets.
So what are some things you can do to reduce your chance of getting sick and or help you if you do get sick? What I am going to say might shock you but it’s often overlooked.
SLEEP.
Yes, if and when your body is under attack you must sleep. Make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of un-interrupted sleep at night although 9 hours is ideal especially when the body is under stress. Your body can survive for days and days without food but your organs can start to shut down after just 5 days without sleep. So please get your rest if you can, it’s very important. Another important factor is water intake. Your body needs water at least 8 to 10 glasses a day in order to function properly. Your brain alone is composed of over 75% water. Not to mention the rest of your body consists of about 60% water.
Just think of a raisin all shriveled up. That could be your brain or your lungs you know. It’s actually been studied that people with asthma that drink more water and stay hydrated were found to have less attacks. So hydration with good old water is very important at all times.
Now to the other stuff.
Before I start giving you what I use let me make it clear that if you want to be healthy you have to act like your trying to get healthy. Yes, organic herbs and supplements can help a body under attack but you must deal with the problem from the inside out and not simply treat a symptom. If you eat a diet mainly of cooked foods and do not take additional enzymes, probiotics and minerals you are going to run your body down and in turn have a weakened immune system that will fall prey to any and every viral or bacterial infection floating in the air. A healthy diet is the key to maintaining a strong immune system.
OK, now that I got that out of the way, lets talk about my health cocktails. I have all kinds of cocktails: bath cocktails, breakfast cocktails, immunity cocktails, you name it I’ve got it.
- Some of the foods, ingredients & herbs I use in my emergency cold and flu cocktails are: Organic Olive Leaf , Organic Lemon Balm, Organic Ginger, Organic Garlic, Organic Thyme, Greens and Grasses in smoothies, Colostrum, Organic Herbal Baths, Organic Powdered Rose hips (Vitamin C), vitamin D3, herbal salts, Organic Cayenne Powder, Organic herbal antiviral antibacterial tinctures & glycerites.
- Want to boost immunity then do a smoothie with Organic Greens. We drink one every morning for breakfast and add in powdered Colostrum and powdered Rose hips. La Chica Organica has a fantastic blend of Greens/Grasses available, please email me for product information and pricing.
- Making pasta be sure to crush lots of fresh garlic. If you have a mortar and pestle make a paste with a pinch of Cayenne and toss it over your cooked pasta with some olive oil. Garlic is a fantastic antiviral and anti-inflammatory herb. Cayenne has been used for years as a nasal decongestant and has been used for centuries to treat asthma, fevers, sore throats, respiratory infections, and digestive problems.
- Take a bath in Thyme or Mama’s Cold & Flu Rescue bath that helps when the body is fighting a cold or flu. Be sure to check out a 2 part audio teaching I did on bathing with Thyme, here.
- Got the stuffy’s and congested? I enjoy using an awesome Organic balm that I make called Mariana’s Winter Balm. It’s gentle but effective for rubbing on a congested chest and feet. I have 3 samples to give away for anyone interested. Please post a comment below by 8pm Friday October 8th 2010. The first 3 comments will be contacted via email and will be mailed a sample within the next 2 weeks. I just ask that you cover $3.99 for packaging and shipping costs. This balm will be available for purchase soon.
- Another fantastic food to keep on hand is Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil. Coconut Oil does not contain Trans-Fats, is Gluten-Free, Non-Toxic, Hypoallergenic, and contains Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, and Anti-parasitic healing properties. Coconut oil is a fantastic way to aid and support your overall Immune System functions.
If you would like a 10 ounce container of La Chica Organica’s Coconut Oil you can order by emailing me at LaChicaOrganica@gmail.com. Each container is at an affordable price of just $4. I add a teaspoon to my smoothies 2 times a day. It’s so yummy.
- I also have found that drinking a tea several times a day with 1 or more of my immunity boosting herbs is a wonderful way to stay healthy and aid the body during sickness. But if teas are not your thing or you simply don’t have time you might consider making a tincture like the one in the picture below. A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb. It is made by soaking herbs in a drinkable alcohol. Tinctures are super concentrated herbal concoctions. You only need a few drops several times a day. Tinctures work because they are made in a base of alcohol like Vodka or Brandy which breaks down the herbs and pulls out the medicinal qualities.
You can make these with little to no difficulty and have enough bottles on hand to last you all year for just a fraction of the cost for what you pay for just one 2 ounce bottle at the health food store.
I have created a step by step instructional guide with this kit that comes with 2 bags of organic herbs, 2 glass tincture bottles, labels and two organic cotton muslin bags for straining. The only thing you will have to purchase is your vodka or Brandy. You will also need a jar with a lid for steeping the herbs and a jar with lid to store any extra tincture. I find that re-cycling pasta sauce jars works wonderfully.
Grab this kit while it lasts as it is specially priced for winter and will go quickly. Click here to order
Choose from:
Immunity Rescue – Intense immunity booster with over 8 organic herbs possessing anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.$25
Help my Tummy – fantastic blend or organic herbs that help with stomach upset, gas and indigestion. $25
Nighty Night – A mixture of organic herbs to help you unwind and relax. $25
AstraE (Astragalus & Echinacea) – Immunity booster and viral infection fighter. $25
Fever Assist – made with herbs that promote perspiration which in turn cools the body down resulting in a lowering of fever. $25
**You can also purchase additional tincture bottles for $3 each or four tincture bottles for $11** Click here to order
- If you are really miserable with a flu you can take homeopathic meds which are a fabulous alternative to pharmacy drugs. We love Oscillococcinum. Oscillococcinum (Oscillo®), one of the world’s most popular natural flu medicines, it can reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms when taken at the onset of symptoms. Oscillo works without causing side effects, does not interfere with other medications, and is safe for both children (older than 2 years of age) and adults. For $2 coupons you can use at your pharmacy or grocery store click here
- Clinical studies show that Oscillo reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms
- Great taste and convenient to take
- No side effects or interactions with other medications
- Good for everyone 2 years of age and older
- Weekly consumption of Vitamin D3 is very important during cold a flu season. You can read about which vitamin D3 to take by clicking here.
- One last thing to remember is that green is good. The more green you consume the better your overall health will be.
That’s all for now.
Signing Off! La Chica Organica
May the Green be with You™
Immunity Boosting Secrets for Tea Making
30 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in Baby & Child Health, God's Green Herbs, Green Living, organic food, recipes, tea Tags: cough, Coughs, echinacea tea, Elderberries, Herb, Honey, Immune system, immunity, Runny Noses, Sambucus, Sneezes, tea
Coughs, Sneezes, Runny Noses Anyone?
Our kids are back in school and stress seems to be creeping up on me not just because of homework and traffic but germy wormies!
My little girl came home Thursday with a fever, coughing, sneezing and saying “mommyyyyyy I don’t feel so good, can you make me some tea?”
So super Herbal Mama to the rescue. I made her a strong herbal bath Thursday night and again on Saturday night. I also had her drink organic herbal immunity boosting teas all weekend and doubled her op on super smoothies with whole oranges and lemons (peeled), zucchini, cucumber, wheat grass and greens from Amazing Grass and a spoon of raw organic honey.
Her fever was gone by Friday morning and she was on the road to recovery but then she had a cough which I immediately treated with homemade organic elderberry syrup (Sambucus berries). I also gave her oil of oregano several times a day which is a phenomenal infection & inflammation fighter.
here’s what you need to make a great immunity boosting tea (I recommend all organic):
2 Tbls Elderberries
2 Tbls Rosehips
3 Tbls Lemon Balm ot 2 Tbls Thyme
1 Tsp shredded Ginger
1 Tsp dried Lemon peels
1 Tbls Echinacea
2 Tbls Olive Leaf
Optional A dash of Peppermint or Lemongrass for flavor
Boil two 10 ounce cups of water, once water is boiling add in everything except optional ingredients. Boil for 2 minutes and then add in optional ingredients, cover for 10 to 15 minutes strain off herbs (be sure to squeeze/crush juice out of elderberries then sweeten with honey.
If your throat hurts crush a garlic and add it in while steeping.
We enjoy this tea 1 to 3 times a day for up to a week when viruses and bacteria are roaming the airways.
For help finding loose organic herbs be sure to visit my herbal store.
Blessings!
La Chica Organica
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