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Allergy Relief / Allergy Remedies / Earthly remedies: Turning to Mother Nature for allergy relief
Earthly remedies: Turning to Mother Nature for allergy relief
S. Derrickson Moore/Sun-News r
Sun-News reporter
LAS CRUCES — Spring is here. Hooray! Or ... cough, cough, sneeze, sneeze, if you have allergies.
Full-blown reactions to the things that bloom in the spring seem like an inevitable part of life for many, but luckily there are some helpful remedies that are just as natural as the clouds of pollen that envelop sufferers this time of year, according to Katherine Teksten of Mountain View Market in Las Cruces.
Teksten, who moved here from Minnesota, said she was surprised to find that so many people suffer from allergies here.
"I guess I just didn't expect this in the desert, but there were a lot of things I didn't figure on, including the amount of dust. I've learned a lot from people who work here at the market and people who come and tell us about what has worked for them. This is a good time of the year to think about detoxification and doing whatever you can to avoid exciting the central nervous system," Teksten said.
The Organ Mountain Cooperative, which runs the natural foods market, has had so many inquiries about natural approaches to coping with allergies that they decided to sponsor an Allergy Symposium from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday in the community room at Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo.
Speakers will talk about sources of help that range from herbs and supplements and homeopathic therapies to bee products and neti pots.
Neti pots are an ancient nasal cleansing process that are attracting a lot of attention after a demonstration on the Oprah Winfrey Show by physician and television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, coauthor of bestseller "YOU On A Diet" and "YOU Staying Young."
A small pot that looks kind of like a miniature Aladdin's lamp is filled with warm water mixed with a small amount of dissolved salt, and used to irrigate and clean the nasal passages.
"I use a neti pot all the time and have for about three years. It really helps," Teksten said.
Follow directions that come with your neti pot or search online with keywords "neti pot."
Kathy Johnson-Stott of Mountan View Market will discuss herbs and supplements, and ways good digestion and detoxification measures can fortify your system against allergens. Among remedies to be discussed are nettle leaf and quercetin enzymes. Also featured will be naturopath Delia Z. Gaskins and homeopathic consultant Katherine Hannan will discuss "how natural substances can stimulate the body to adjust and cure some conditions like allergies."
A basic homeopathic theory is that the introduction of small amounts of substances to which you may be allergic can actually lessen the impact of allergens. In line with that theory, Las Cruces beekeeper Laura Solberg will talk about ways that substances such as honey and bee pollen can help relieve allergy symptoms.
Many Las Cruces allergy sufferers swear by bee-related remedies, seeking out honey that incorporates substances they are most allergic to, said Solberg, who has a booth at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market Saturday mornings on the Downtown Mall.
"We have a valley blend with a lot of alfalfa and a mixed wildflower honey that really seems to work for a lot of people, and helps them build up a tolerance to things that bother them," said Solberg, whose offerings also include mesquite, orange blossom and red chile honeys.
Common sense solutions may help many allergy sufferers during times of year when they are most sensitive, Teksten believes.
"Shake the rugs, keep things clean and don't buy fabric softeners that have a smell. Choose unscented detergents and products. Avoid pesticides if you can. A lot of this is obvious and no budget is required: another thing about natural remedies is that most of them are very affordable," Teksten said.
At the symposium, in addition to talks by experts, free samples and refreshments will be offered.
Natural remedies have few side effects, proponents say, but those who suffer from severe allergies, are taking other medications or have chronic health problems are advised to consult their physicians before starting new regimes or products.
From http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_8452782
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
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