As the flowers start to bloom and the sun starts to shine we find ourselves outside at the parks and for some the start of what is known as the allergy season. For some kids that means runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and itchy skin and eyes. While this may sound like an ad for your local over the counter remedy, I am here to express there are some natural alternatives to make this year possibly an easier one.
Let’s first get to know how our body reacts to the local allergen. What is an allergy? Our bodies should develop a tolerance to food, pets, dust, etc. when that fails our immune system responds with a hypersensitivity reaction. This reaction can be anything from digestive problems such as diarrhea, acid reflux, and lack of appetite. Skin reactions in children can come from the following six most common foods: eggs, peanuts, cow’s milk, soy, fish, and wheat. Upper respiratory infection is a general description of a group of conditions, which includes the common cold, runny nose, tonsillitis, earaches, sinusitis, flu, and bronchitis. The lymphatic drainage route from the head to the neck passes through the muscles along side the neck. Lymph is cleared through the body is known as the “lymphatic pump” by muscular contractions of the neck. When a bone is misaligned in the cervical spine it can produce a muscle spasm that could then cause a restriction of lymphatic drainage form the head to the neck, which could prevent the body from clearing the bacteria, or viruses that could lead to chronic respiratory infections. 1
In a study conducted at Henry Ford hospital in Detroit states that “ Children who receive antibiotics within the first six months of life increase their risk 1.5 times of developing by age seven allergies to pets, ragweed, grass, dust mites, and 2.5 times more likely to develop asthma. If a child lived with fewer than 2 pets they were 1.7 times more likely to develop allergies and 3 times more likely to develop asthma and those kids with a mother who had a history of allergies were 2 times as likely to develop allergies.
According to Reuter Health news the use of alternatives was twice as common among children with chronic illnesses than their healthy peers. The most common conditions see were respiratory illnesses, strains and sprains, allergies, digestive problems, and ear infectionsAccording to dynamic chiropractic case reports frequently describe rapid improvement in upper respiratory symptoms following an adjustment of minor misalignments, especially in the neck.
So now that your child has allergies or chronic colds and flu’s what remedies if any can help with children with these chronic allergies and respiratory infections? In chronic skin disorders eliminating the above foods may help clear up eczema type of reactions. Parents also need to pay attention to the fragrances in soaps and lotions. Just because it is made for children does not mean that it cannot irritate their young skin. As Parents you want to look for more natural soaps and lotions without a lot of dyes and chemicals. If your child has excessive dry skin removing chlorine from your tap water and bathing with soap with oatmeal as one of its first ingredients may help. Many children are lacking in the omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega 3 essential fatty acids can support immune health and healthy skin.
With seasonal allergies and colds a few good herbs I have found to help relieve the symptoms are the following:
Nettles-which is known to have antihistaminic properties for seasonal allergies and hay fever
Eyebright herb-astringent for mucus membranes peppermint herb-antiseptic and expectorant to open up clogged nasal passages
Oregon grape root-antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
Sage leaf-antiseptic, spasmolytic and aromatic to support clear respiration
Chamomile flowers-sedative and antispasmodic to soothe and calm
Milk thistle-liver and immune support
Black Elderberry berries-immune support, especially for viruses
Echinacea purpurea root-antiseptic and tonic for immune system
Horehound leaves-expectorant and antiseptic to support easy breathing, wet coughs
Wild cherry bark-antitussive and sedative to soothe and calm dry coughs.
When going to you local whole foods and health store herbs can be a bit confusing and before taking anything you should always consult with a licensed health professional first.
1. Chiropractic Care for the Pediatric Patient, Peter N. Fysh DC, FICCP, 2002 pgs 169-170