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Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.
The protocol for allergies is similar to the protocol for autoimmune disorders - as both involve the same immune system cascade (IgE antibody). Ayurveda classifies auto-immune disorders as excess Pitta, and tejas burning ojas.
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.
Toxins - May trigger the immune system. Sources of toxins may include gut fermentation, fungal / bacetrial infection, inflammation, preservatives, pollution, heavy metals, etc.
Inflammation - Chronic inflammation (of the skin, lungs, or digestive trigger higher levels of immune activity, and injure tissue, causing an immune response
Tissue Injury - Tissue injury can cause a breakdown of barrier membrane integrity, or lead to inflammation.
Permeable barrier membranes - Poor connective tissue barriers expose the immune system to allergens. This "overexposure" to allergens provokes the immune system to hypersensitivity.
Example: Eczema, leaky gut, asthma and interstitial cycstitis. 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.
Stress - Stress can provoke immune hypersensitivity.
Lack of early childhood exposure - Moderate exposure during childhood trains the immune system to ignore antigen.
Excessive early childhood exposure - Early childhood exposure to molds, pollens, etc. can also increase allergic actions
Flareups - Every flareup / allergic reaction creates more antibodies and B cells, making future flareups more severe
Dysbiosis - Dysbiosis can cause inflammation, leading to permeable membranes.
Treatment of immune suppressing parasites - Parasites such as Blastocystis homininis suppress the immune system. When these are killed, the immune system may become hyperactive.
T2 cell levels high / out of balance compared to T1 cells.
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:
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.
Improve the liver's ability to metabolize toxins by 1) cleansing the liver with cholagogues, bitters, and sours; 2) hepatoprotectives, 3) nourishing the liver with sweet and oily foods such as applesauce with coconut oil
Repair membranes - Restore the tight cell junction and barrier, improve cell integrity, collagen, and reduce membrane permeability. Antifibrotics and vulneraries may help repair tissue.
Manage Stress - Manage stress with adaptogens, nervines, contemplative practice, get adequate rest, etc.
Desensitization therapy - Micro-exposure to antigens can desensitize the immune system.
Some western medical immune specialists recommend temporarily shutting down the immune system with anti-histamine pharmaceuticals.
Types of Immune Calming Herbs
Mast cell stabilizers - Inhibits release of histmaines and other inflammatory compouns from mast cells.
Cortisol stimulants - 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. Other adrenal-tonic herbs include Reishi, Holy Basil, and Ginseng.
General Diet Tips
Avoid butter, nuts and potatoes that can increase immune sensitivity.
Favor omega-3-fatty acids, essential fatty acids, Vitamin B, D, D3, A, and zinc.
Flavonoids - 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.
Immune polysaccharides - Reishi, Shiitaki, Maitaki, etc.
Psychology of Autoimmune Disorders
On a spiritual level, auto-immune disorders are similar to self-criticism, while allergies are related to intolerance. Although anger is righteous and can be a healthy affirmation of the goodness that should be in the world, bitterness towards the world denies the goodness of God. The intense rejection behind bitter feelings harms the liver.
Seizures
1-st generation antihistamines can provoke seizures.
Sattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
Prana is the Sanskrit word for vital life energy (Qi in Chinese Medicine, pneuma in Greek). Many herbs stimulate your energy, or improve the flow of prana through your body. Generally, prana needs to be increased in spring after a sleepy winter.
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.
Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.
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.
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.
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.
Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.
Prana is the Sanskrit word for vital life energy (Qi in Chinese Medicine, pneuma in Greek). Many herbs stimulate your energy, or improve the flow of prana through your body. Generally, prana needs to be increased in spring after a sleepy winter.
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
Sattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.
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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