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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Seasonal Allergy Symptoms and the Liver
2. Superfoods for Pollen Allergies
3. Recipe - Cleansing Herbal Tea

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Seasonal Allergy Symptoms and the Liver

"Allergy season" is upon us here in Northern California. This is the time of year when many plants and trees release their male pollen spores, a fine pollen powder. This means there is LOTS of pollen floating around the air we breath, causing an array of allergic reactions in many people, often called hay fever.

There are certain superfoods that you can take during allergy season that will boost your immune system and help to cleanse and clear mucus conditions that are often associated with allergy symptoms. For those with intense allergies, the first place to start is with cleansing the liver. When this organ is backed up it makes it difficult for other systems of the body and immune system to function properly, which can cause extreme allergic reactions to these environmental pollens.

Superfoods for Pollen Allergies

2) Camu Camu berry - One of the highest vitamin C sources of any plant known, this berry powder, taken 2-3 times a day in water will help provide necessary antioxidants, activating immune functions in powerful way and alleviating or preventing potential allergy flare ups.

3) Bee Pollen - Yes, eating pollen can help relieve the effects of pollen spores, and in some cases, can rid symptoms altogether. The idea being, that when you eat or take the allergen, the more resistant you will become to it. Look for local bee pollen sources that contain the pollen from the area where you live. (Also see the pine pollen product below.)

4) Zeolite - This clay like substance helps to rid the body of toxic substances, plastics and heavy metals, taking any unnecessary burden off of the liver.

5) Vitamineral Green - This green powder supplement contains a valuable mix of minerals and nutrients that are a good idea to super dose on before allergy season hits. It also nutritionally supports the detoxification process, the immune system, liver and kidneys.

6) Digestive enzymes - help to break down your food, so that you can use the nutrients from it. Enzymes also inhibit the deposits of mucus that can line the colon and sinuses. This mucus and congestion can make you more susceptible to pollen allergies. Adding fermented foods to the diet can also help to provide more enzymes, breaking down the foods you eat in a more efficient manner.

FOODS TO AVOID:

When my husband was a child, he had severe asthma with intense, almost life threatening, reactions to pollens of all kinds. Now, in his adult years, he has virtually no symptoms what so ever. He attributes the complete relief of his asthma to eliminating the use of dairy products from his diet, especially during these times of year.

Other foods to avoid include anything that causes a mucus reaction in the sinus membranes and tissues. It is best to avoid nuts and seeds in large amounts, in addition to gluten, eggs and excessive amounts of fats.

OTHER SUPERFOODS TO EAT:

It is good to eat foods that help to clear mucus conditions from the body, like onion, garlic, ginger and cayenne. Olives and figs are two foods that are especially perfect for clearing mucus from the body, as well as citrus fruits. Onion sprouts are a great sprout to eat because of their subtle clearing nature. Any wild greens are a great food to harvest and super juice because they contain wild nutrition that may help build up your resistance to "wild" pollen spores.

It is good to keep things light by juice feasting or eating mostly fruits and vegetables. You might enjoy smoothies, raw soups or warm miso soups with tempeh and seaweed. Turmeric is also a great spice to use that helps the immune system and clears the lungs. Only you know your body best, so listen to it and eat what herbs, spices and foods sound especially good to YOU.

Recipe of the Month:

Cleansing Herbal Tea

A version of this recipe can also be found on our herbal tea recipes page. Here I add a bit more of those detoxifying roots to make a thick, dark, but minty drink that will help prepare you for potential pollen allergies.

It is helpful to drink this brew on a consistent basis a few weeks before allergy season hits.

One of my favorite herbs to pick in the wild is red clover blossoms. It is often growing in your nearby hills this time of year. (depending on where you live) Try harvesting your own red clover for Free in nature's super market. It usually grows in abundance in meadows and fields with partial to full sun in the spring and, sometimes, fall season.

INGREDIENTS: