Seasonal Allergies

It's that time of year again! The birds are singing their spring time songs, the temperature is rising and days are growing longer. It's a time for renewal and planning our warm weather activities. Unfortunately for some of us, this time of year is fraught with itchy, watery eyes, and sinus issues.

The holistic approach to wellness with regard to any allergies, is to make it a practice to keep the colon as clean as possible. The little receptors, villi, that line the intestines, cannot absorb nutrients needed to build the immunities the body requires to protect itself from pollen, dust, and other allergens. Even when the diet is rich in healthy, organic foods, if the walls of the intestines are covered over with impacted fecal matter, the nutrients will be wasted. A good detoxification program once or twice a year, such as Spring Clean, by Blossom Spring, will keep the digestive system in good working order. Learn more about the detoxification process at www.blossomspring.com/detoxinfo

Once you have cleansed the colon, here are some other helpful tips for dealing with pollen and other air born allergens:

· The first, and simplest solution is to use a Neti Pot. I like to tell my clients, "If your hands were dirty and began to itch, would you go to the doctors office for a prescription? No, you would wash your hands." A Neti Pot uses this same principal. When allergens collect in the sinuses, simply rinse them out.

· Second, there is a popular school of thought that if you eat raw honey from a local apiary, it will increase your bodies defenses against pollen. It stands to reason that because the bees have made their honey from the local flowers and trees, when their product is consumed, the immune system will have the building blocks it needs to create immunity.

· A third approach, when dealing with unpleasant allergy symptoms, is to attack from the inside with herbs and vitamins. To alleviate symptoms such as itchy, watery, eyes, and sneezing, try a combination of quercetin and bromelain. Derived from grains and pineapple, this all natural solution reduces inflammation and that alone will bring substantial relief. Some will also find that drinking nettles tea can be helpful. I urge you to never underestimate the value of a good, food- based, multiple vitamin supplement. Maintaining your health is always easier than going head-to-head with illness.

We have heard other recommendations in the media such as, "Stay inside and keep your windows closed," but we need the fresh air and sunshine; It is vital to our health as well as to our Spirit. In addition to these physical measures, try applying this affirmation: I am healthy and protected. All is right in my world. Take a few deep breaths, relax your body, get quiet, and say this affirmation over and over to yourself. Your spirit will believe your words.

Following these tips will make this season the joy it should be. Spring is a time of regrowth, rebirth, and renewed hope. Do everything in your power to immerse yourself in it every day. May this season fill you with JOY!

-Bonnie MacDade is a Holistic Health Councilor, nationally board certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and a graduate of The Global Institiute for Alternative Medicine, where she earned her certification as a Master Herbalist, which encompasses the fields of herbs, vitamins and nutrition. She studied with Dr. Eric Pearl and is a certified Reconnection Therapist. She is also a minister who earned her Doctor of Shamanism through the Universal Life Seminary. Trained in body and spirit medicine, it is her goal to bridge the gap between nutrition and spiritual connection for her clients. As a speaker and teacher and in private practice since 1998, she explains the link between these seemingly separate subjects. In her practice at Blossom Spring in Wrightstown, PA, and Riverside Chiropractic in Morrisville, PA, Bonnie provides practical methods to obtain the kind of real joy and wellness that many of us have not experienced since childhood. Visit www.blossomspring.com for more information.