Hay fever and asthma are both imbalances that manifest in the respiratory system. While some causes or triggers may be similar, the symptoms and seriousness vary greatly. Hay fever can be annoying but asthma can be deadly. Yet, despite these differences, there are effective natural therapies for both.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction usually triggered by inhaled substances such as pollens. Since most plants bloom in the spring or early summer, this is usually considered "hay fever season." In warm climates, however, there is something blooming almost year-round and therefore allergy symptoms can occur at almost any time of the year. Common symptoms include any combination of sneezing, running nose, congestion, inflamed nose and eye membranes and watery or itchy eyes.

While many people inhale pollens, only some will develop hay fever symptoms. In these individuals, the immune system is overreacting. This is often due to the immune system being already stressed by poor digestion. Poorly digested foods can trigger an immune response in the body just as a foreign substance like pollen can. Introducing solid foods too early to infants, aging and use of antacids are just a few ways that poor digestion can begin. When the immune system must deal with foreign substances every day as part of digestion, pollens in the air can be just too much for an overworked immune system. Then, it overreacts. It triggers the creation of an abundance of respiratory secretions in an attempt to wash out the new offender and cool down inflamed membranes. Allergy medications can suppress such symptoms but at the cost of damaging an immune system that is already out of balance.

The first step in natural allergy prevention is to balance the digestive system. Add enzymes like Proactazyme to aid digestion, Digestive Bitters Tonic to stimulate digestion or some other digestive aid to alleviate stress on the immune system. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids found in Citrus Bioflavonoids act as natural antihistamines to calm the body's overreaction but usually must be taken before hay fever season begins in order to be effective.

Bee Pollen can also sometimes help if taken prior to pollen outbreaks, although there is some debate on whether the pollen must be locally collected in order to be most effective. The nutrients in any of these supplements are beneficial for basic respiratory system support and therefore are probably a good idea for those prone to seasonal allergies. Also, at least temporarily, not consuming dairy products will help to decrease mucus production.

For those who have procrastinated or have been taken by surprise by hay fever, a homeopathic remedy is the perfect answer since it works quickly. Homeopathic remedies can also be a wonderful addition to an herbal regimen. Homeopathic medicines work to balance the body's own natural processes. This is definitely what is needed in the case of hay fever. Allergies: Hayfever/Pollen is a natural homeopathic medicine for the relief of minor hayfever/pollen allergy symptoms of running nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes and respiratory congestion. Symptoms are usually greatly improved in just a few doses.

Asthma is a serious condition in which air passages are narrowed and breathing is compromised. This narrowing can be caused by constriction or tightening of airway walls or blockage from excessive mucus. Symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, audible wheezing and anxiety. Triggers for an asthma attack can include stress of almost any kind such as allergies, exercise, cold air, emotional conflict and pollutants in food, air and water.

While allopathic medicines such as inhalers or adrenaline injections can be helpful in preventing death during an acute attack, they damage the immune system and thereby weaken the body over time. Natural remedies can lessen the severity of symptoms and decrease the amount of acute attacks while supporting and balancing body energies.

Those with asthma have exhausted adrenal glands. This is evident by the need for an adrenaline injection during an acute attack. The shot supplies what the body cannot. (Constantly dilated pupils are an indicator of adrenal exhaustion.) Supplements such as Licorice Root, Pantothenic Acid, NBS-AV, or B Complex to support the adrenal glands are essential.

Children receiving Vitamin B6 supplementation have fewer symptoms and less asthma attacks. The highest concentration of Vitamin C in the body is in the adrenal glands. Research has shown a correlation between Vitamin C and asthma. When populations have low Vitamin C levels in the diet, and therefore the blood, asthma cases are more prevalent. Conversely, Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to decrease asthma symptoms.

Cigarette smoke or other unpleasant odors can often trigger an asthma attack. Diffusing essential oils can help to neutralize offensive odors and other airborne pollutants while supporting healthy respiration. Many single essential oils and essential oil blends are useful for easing stress and can be chosen based on individual preference. Breathe Free is one blend that is specifically formulated to ease labored breathing.

For quick relief of asthma symptoms or during periods of heightened symptoms such as hay fever season or colder weather, a homeopathic remedy is a good choice. Asthma is a natural homeopathic medicine for control of the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, including difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, tightening of chest, wheezing or coughing. A quick squirt of Lobelia Essence under the tongue can also help to alleviate acute asthma symptoms.

References: Hatch, G.E.: "Asthma, inhaled oxidants, and dietary antioxidants." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 61 (supplement): 625S-30S, 1995.

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult with a qualified health practitioner for all serious or persistent illness. Copyright © 2001 Tree of Light Publishing, P.O. Box 911239, St. George, UT 84791. - 800-416-2887. This material may be printed from this database (in single copies only) for educational purposes only (not for resale ) provided it is not altered in any way.