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Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.
Auto-immune disorders happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks part of your body. Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to a harmless foreign body (such as dust).
The protocol for allergies is similar to the protocol for autoimmune disorders - as both involve the same immune system cascade (IgE antibody).
Causes & Pathogenesis
Allergies and autoimmune conditions may be a sign of general immune system overstimulation. The precise cause of autoimmune conditions is still unknown. Practitioners use the term "atopic" as in atopic eczema to describe the condition of immune system hypersensitivity. Some risk factors for immune oversensitivity include:
Chronic viral or fungal infection - Epstein Barr, Herpes, toenail fungus, and other chronic infections may put the immune system on high alert, triggering immune hypersensitivity.
The immune system may be triggered into high alert by toxins in the blood caused by fermentation, infection, inflammation, preservatives, pollution, etc.
Allergies may be a consequence of chronic underlying inflammation (of the skin, lungs, or digestive tract) that exposes the immune system to allergens. This "overexposure" to allergens provokes the immune system to hypersensitivity.
Allergies may be a sign of poor connective tissue barriers (i.e. permeable membranes), as in eczema and leaky gut.
For example, acute inflammation of the lungs can cause increased sensitivity to dust particles being inhaled. When the dust comes into contact with the immune-stimulating white blood cells (macrophages) in the airways, a strong reaction can be triggered. Similarly, gut inflammation can cause immune system exposure to normal foods, triggering allergies.
Once the immune system is triggered, mast cells release histamine and inflammatory molecules that trigger the allergy symptoms - runny nose, red eyes, hives, etc.
General Remedies for Allergies & Auto-immune Conditions
In allergies and autoimmune conditions, keep your immune system as calm as possible. Here are some traditional methods used to keep the immune system calm:
Antivirals and antifungals - Clearing underlying infections calms the immune system.
Reducing underlying inflammation - Reduce overexposure to allergens in the gut, bladder, or respiratory tract by addressing the cause of inflammation in these areas.
Improve the liver's ability to metabolize toxins by 1) cleansing the liver with cholagogues, bitters, and sours. Or, 2) nourishing the liver with sweet and oily foods such as applesauce with coconut oil
Remove the source of the toxins - Often fermentation in the gut, inflammation, or by products of infections). Given the importance of gut health on immune conditions, probiotics and easy to digest foods should be favored.
Take immune calming foods and supplements (hypoallergenic, antihistamine, cortisol stimulants) like cilantro, guduchi, butterbur, baical skullcap, and licorice root. Mast cell stabilizing herbs reduce the reaction to allergen. E.g. ashwgandha.
Improve cell integrity, collagen, and reduce membrane permeability - Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effect, optimizing the integrity of cells, and prevent damage to collagen. As they improve connective tissue and cell to cell adhesion, they calm allergic reactions and have an anti-allergen effect.
Diet:
Avoid butter, nuts and potatoes that can increase immune sensitivity.
Favor omega-3-fatty acids.
Following Pitta reducing diet and lifestyle.
Developing healthy stress coping strategies, and getting adequate rest.
Some western medical immune specialists recommend temporarily shutting down the immune system with anti-histamine pharmaceuticals. Ayurveda considers auto-immune disorders to be a sign of excess Pitta. It is also called tejas burning ojas.
Psychology of Autoimmune Disorders
On a spiritual level, auto-immune disorders are similar to self-criticism. A person should avoid anger and love the world as it is, in spite of problems that may exist.
Immune Calming Supplements
Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and/or antiallergen effect. Supplements containing rosmarinic acid often have immune calming effects.
Corticosteroids suppress the immune response but have strong side effects and do not address the underlying cause. Licorice root increases cortisol but with much fewer side effects.
Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel,
as well as public service work in South Asia.
John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem.
His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion.
John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing.
In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots,
and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church.
Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick.
That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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