Allergy Season - 2010
The following article is by
Katie Novak
Elizabeth Van Buren, Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-425-8218
Weather changes globally affect us in oh, so many ways. Here on the west coast we are experiencing an El Nino pattern producing many storms assailing us from the Pacific. In California, however El Nino couldn’t have come at a better time as we were facing the biggest drought since the 1970’s. As our aquifers begin to replenish, we see our plants and trees come back to life and release their pollen (and fungus spores) into the very air we breathe. They are calling it the worst allergy season in many years.
Allergic reactions are caused by an antibody called IgE found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. They cause the body to react against foreign substances such as pollen, fungus spores, and animal dander. They may occur in allergic reactions to milk, some medicines, and some poisons. IgE antibody levels are often high in people with allergies. The initial time a person who is allergy-prone is exposed to a specific allergen such as: Acacia Tree pollen, a large portion of Acacia Tree Pollen IgE antibody is made. These IgE molecules attach to a cell called Mast Cells and are distributed throughout the body. The second time the person is exposed to the Acacia Tree allergen and this allergen binds with two IgE molecules, the Mast cell releases chemicals such as histamine and cytokines into the body’s environment. These powerful chemicals create swollen blood vessels that cause leakage of fluids producing hives and/or skin irritation. Bronchioles become inflamed thus constricting airways resulting in difficult breathing, sneezing and asthma. Advertisements for anti-histamines abound this time of year enticing you to reach for that over-the-counter relief to the body’s natural reaction to an allergen.
Essential Oils can help not only with symptoms associated with allergies but also to strengthen the immune system (see articles in previous newsletters) to improve allergies. Elizabeth has created a popular blend called (you guessed it) Allergy Blend to help relieve the stressed body during this potent season. It is comprised of: Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – a 10% essential oil blend in Jojoba oil. This blend works wonders in the Northwest, during the rainy season we have many customers who diffuse it in their Spamist diffusers. It is available in a roll-on and is easy to apply to the throat and chest. It can also be used in a steam to clear the sinuses. The chemical profile of this synergestic blend suggests it is: anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, sinus clearing, phlegm reducing and immune strengthening. Try something new this allergy season – Elizabeth Van Buren’s Allergy Blend.
