Stinging Nettle
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Stinging nettle is an herb that is named for the fine hairs that line its leaves and stems. These hairs contain skin irritants that can cause painful stinging, tingling, or itching when touched. However, when taken internally in medicinal form, they stimulate an anti-inflammatory response in the body that may also hinder the way the body transmits pain signals. Research is showing that Stinging nettle is especially helpful to reduce the symptoms of hay fever. This wonderful herb inhibits the release of histamine and pro-inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandin. This means it reduces the sneezing and itching commonly associated with seasonal allergies and hay fever. Stinging nettle can be taken daily as a tea by brewing the leaves in hot water, as a tincture, or in capsules.
References
Roizman, Tracey. Stinging Nettles Herbal Medicine. http://www.livestrong.com/article/367493-stinging-nettles-herbal-medicine/
Roschek, B Jr. et al. 2009. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.Phytotherapy Research 23 (7): 920-6.
ìStinging Nettlesî University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/stinging-nettle-000275.htm#ixzz2R9FSacr7
Product of the Month: Quercetin Ascorbate
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Looking to supplement your dietary intake of quercetin? Consider adding this supplement as part of your daily routine. Quercetin has been called king of the flavonoids because of its marked antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Those cultures, which consume more quercetin have lower rates of heart disease, according to the Zupthen Elderly Study. Quercetin is also known for its ability to stabilize mast cells and help control allergies. It also has applications in the management of gut inflammation, and it is now being researched for its neuroprotective properties and its ability to reduce inflammation in prostatitis. Containing both Vitamin C and Quercetin, take take 1 gram Quercetin Ascorbate (approx. 1/4 teaspoon) or more as needed per day with meals, or as directed by your health care practitioner.
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Quercetin
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Quercetin is a particular kind of flavonoid compound in fruits and vegetables that gives them their beautiful colors. It is an antioxidant that, like other antioxidants, helps repair the damage done to cells by free radicals. One of its most unique qualities is its ability to stabilize and regulate cells that release histamine, making it a potent antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent that significantly reduces the symptoms of allergies and hay fever. Quercetin supplementation can reduce symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling. One of the best ways to increase Quercetin in your diet is to consume more apples, citrus fruits, onions, parsley, red wine, sage, and tea. Other sources of Quercetin are grapes, dark cherries, and dark berries — such as blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries — and olive oil. For additional supplementation, Quercetin can be taken as a pill or capsule. It is important to consult a Naturopathic Doctor before supplementing with Quercetin. Large doses have been linked to kidney damage. It has also been shown to interfere with some pharmaceutical medications.
References
Quercetin University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/quercetin-000322.htm#ixzz2R9Atb7en
Pizzorno, Joseph E., and Michael T. Murray. 1999.Textbook of natural medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Living Oak Massage Studio is nestled amid the Live Oaks of James Island, South Carolina. In this airy and spacious studio, you will feel as if you are among the tree limbs. Emily’s Personal Therapeutic Massage practice is specifically designed around you, your physical and mental well-being. Each session begins with a consultation about your expectations for that treatment and ends with an evaluation of your experience together. This process creates a positive massage experience that is individualized for each client.
Neti Pot: A Seasonal Allergy Therapy
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The Neti pot is a ceramic container shaped like a small teapot. It is used for nasal irrigation to flush the sinus passages with a saline solution as a therapy for seasonal allergies. The saline solution goes in the bowl of the pot and is then poured into a nostril. The head is tilted completely to the side, horizontal to the ground, so that gravity can pull the solution through the sinus passageways and out the alternate nostril. It is the flow of solution through the sinus that thins out mucus and cleans the tiny hairs called cilia that line nasal and sinus tissue. It can help remove airborne allergens that have become trapped in the mucus and sinus cavities. Research is showing that using a Neti pot daily can help reduce sinus symptoms. It is important to clean your Neti pot after every use with boiling water, and to allow it to completely air dry. This will help prevent rare infections due to a contaminated pot. It is also important to use distilled water to avoid contaminants in tap water. The environment in the sinus cavity is not prepared to handle water pathogens the way the acid in our stomach is.
The recipe below can be modified for individual preference.
Neti Pot Recipe
16 oz distilled water
1 tsp. of salt into one cup of water
1/2 tsp. baking soda (this is optional. Some people find it creates a more gentle solution.
Mix all ingredients. Start slow and pour the solution into one nostril while your head is tilted to the side. Let gravity pull the water down through your sinuses and out your alternate nostril.
References
Neti Pots WebMD.com http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-11/neti-pots?page=2
Neti Pots Mayo Clinic Online
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/neti-pot/AN01755
