Allergies

 
Overview

  • An allergy, or hypersensitivity reaction, occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless (allergen), such as mold, pollen, animal dander or dust mites.The white blood cells of an allergic individual produce an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which attaches to the allergen. This triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause allergic symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes and hives.
  • If the allergen is airborne, the allergic reaction will primarily affect the eyes, nose and lungs. If the allergen is ingested, the allergic reaction will primarily affect the mouth, stomach and .... Read more

 

rVita Top Remedies

Therapy
Scientific Rating
from Natural Standard
User Reviews
Highest=10
rVita Composite Score
Acupuncture Strong Evidence 8 Highly Recommend
Bromelain (Herbs and Supplements) Good Evidence Write a review Recommend
Ayurveda Good Evidence Write a review Recommend
Nasal irrigation Good Evidence Write a review Recommend
Butterbur (Herbs and Supplements) Good Evidence Write a review Recommend
Probiotics (Herbs and Supplements) Good Evidence Write a review Recommend
Aromatherapy Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Lactobacillus acidophilus (Herbs and Supplements) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Vitamin E (Herbs and Supplements) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence 10 -
Choline (Herbs and Supplements) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Stinging nettle (Herbs and Supplements) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Perilla (Herbs and Supplements) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Applied Kinesiology Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Hypnosis Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Cats Claw (Herbs and Supplements) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Sorrel (Herbs and Supplements) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Honey (Herbs and Supplements) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence 8 -
Yoga - Write a review -
 
How Scientific Ratings are Derived
 

Expert Articles

Which alternative therapies are used in the treatment of allergies and how effective are they?

by: Natural Standard Collaboration
January 15, 2008

Good scientific evidence:Bromelain: Bromelain may be a useful addition to other therapies used for sinusitis (such as antibiotics) due to its ability to reduce inflammation/swelling. Studies report mixed results, although overall bromelain appears to be beneficial for reducing swelling and improving breathing. Better studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

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Allergies and Acupuncture

by: rVita Expert
December 12, 2007

The word allergy derives from the Greek words allos meaning "other" and ergon meaning "work". The term and concept of "allergy" was coined by a Viennese pediatrician named Clemens von Pirquet in 1906 [1]. Allergy is a very common disorder and more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases.

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What preventative measures might I take to reduce my allergies?

by: Natural Standard Collaboration
January 15, 2008

Avoid substances that trigger allergic reactions. Patients who are allergic to pollen should remain indoors in the morning and evening when outdoor pollen levels are highest.Keep windows closed, and use the air conditioner, if possible, in the house and car.Do not dry clothes outside.

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News and Blogs

Natural Medicine: Acupuncture Pins Down Seasonal Allergy Relief

seattlepi.nwsource.com - January 12, 2008

According to a 2004 study published by Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be safe and effective treatment options for patients with seasonal allergies. Acupuncture was given once

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Short, Stout, Has a Handle on Colds

www.nytimes.com - January 10, 2008

GABY HAKMAN worked as a chef in professional kitchens in Miami for nearly 20 years, standing in the vacuum of powerful venting fans, inhaling smoke. But she had even bigger nasal challenges ahead. "I work as a personal chef now, which is a lot less

Read All
 

No reason to concede victory to common cold

www.chicagotribune.com - January 3, 2008

We all know there is no cure for the common cold. But we also know how desperately we hope for at least temporary relief when we are in a fog and having trouble breathing. What else is there besides the cold pills and the cough syrups to make us feel .... Read our summary...

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http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1692

www.yogajournal.com - January 2, 2008

Try these Ayurvedic tips to boost your digestive fire and cleanse away ama.

Read All
 

Neti pot for sinus health and cleansing nose

www.emaxhealth.com - January 2, 2008

In the U.S., sinus problems is the #1 reason people see a doctor. With increasing pollution and chemicals in our environment, there is an enormous rise in the number of people who suffer various forms of nasal congestion and respiratory illnesses. Al

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Latest Reviews

Vitamin E provided relief with itchy eyes and runny nodes from dust and pollen allergy.

March 1, 2008
by:usrfeedback0006

Honey relieves runny noses.

March 1, 2008
by:usrfeedback0009

Honey stopped coughs healed sinus and improved breathing.

March 1, 2008
by:usrfeedback0010

Popular allergy relief. Note that honeycomb can also exacerbate symptoms.

March 1, 2008
by:usrfeedback0011

Coating the inside of nostrils with vaseline prevents allergens from getting into the blood stream and help prevent symptoms.

March 1, 2008
by:usrfeedback0019
Read All
 
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