Allergies
and Asthma - a Holistic Approach
- .pdf version
Part I: Allergies
and the inflammatory process
Inflammation
is similar throughout the human physiology. Although it is a complex,
living process in and of itself, we can understand it better by
focusing on its location, the microscopic tissue changes that take
place during inflammation, and the more holistic patterns that occur
system-wide.
LOCATION. The
easiest way to witness inflammation in action is on the skin, in
response to a cut, or in a joint, in response to an injury or sprain:
the skin swells, reddens, and becomes warm and painful. Very similar
events are taking place in the eyes, noses, and respiratory passages
of those who suffer with allergies. All of these inflammatory reactions
are local, or remain in the tissues initially involved. Additionally,
there can be more system-wide allergies and sensitivities that can
result in widespread reactions such as rashes, fever, and respiratory
constriction. In the end, however, both local and systemic inflammatory
reactions make use of the immune system as a whole, and thus to
a certain extent always involve the whole physiology (which is why
holistic approaches can be so successful if correctly formulated).
TISSUE CHANGES.
During inflammation, the damage being inflicted on the tissue initiates
a cascade of biochemical changes that ultimately have a key effect:
tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the local tissue begin to swell
and leak fluid. This causes the redness, heat and swelling (all
a result of increased blood flow). At the same time, immune cells
are attracted to the area to protect the bloodstream and interior
of the body from invasion by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The immune
system recognizes these pathogens by chemical “tags”
on their outer surface, known as antigens. Immune cells then stimulate
further inflammation, secrete chemicals that cause pain, and work
at eliminating the antigen.
SYSTEMIC CHANGES.
Inflammation doesn’t always have to come from a clearly “offending”
substance or event (like a knife, a burn, a corrosive chemical,
etc…). In fact, some people seem quite sensitive to substances
that would not cause inflammation in others – and this is
the definition of an “allergy”, isn’t it? Wheat
is a great example, and so is ragweed pollen! Understanding what
may predispose some to allergies is best done by taking a broad
view of the human physiology, by centering on the idea of “toxic
blood” or “dirty blood”. Although a bit vague,
this concept is actually quite useful in getting an overview of
systemic inflammation.
To understand “dirty blood”, think of our bloodstream
as having a certain quota of “toxicity” which, when
exceeded, causes symptoms of inflammation to appear. If you think
of “toxins” as entering the body through the gut or
through the lungs, you can begin to see what organ systems might
be involved in protecting the blood (a deeper level) from these
“toxins”: a functional respiratory system will trap
most harmful substances and remove them through the expectoration
of mucus; a functional digestive system will sterilize food (unless
it’s horribly tainted…), digest many proteins, poisons,
and other chemicals that can cause inflammation, and eliminate toxic
waste quickly and effectively; a strong liver will metabolize chemicals
absorbed from the gut, reduce their toxicity, and eliminate them
through the bile; and, although not the most important in a discussion
of allergies, the urinary system helps eliminate undesired substances
from the blood. Weakness at any of these points can lead to an increase
in “toxins” present in the blood. Finally, the immune
system is responsible for the general level of sensitivity to the
blood’s “toxicity” (actually sensitivity to the
presence of antigens): in effect, it sets the quota. Once the threshold
is met, the same tissue changes discussed in the context of external
surfaces take place internally: on the gut wall; on the heart and
blood vessels; in the lungs and respiratory passages; in the eyes;
in the joints; in the nervous system. Those who are allergic to
external substances others aren’t sensitive to may have either
more “toxic” blood (from exposure to more toxins, or
from weakness in a relevant organ system) or a lower quota.
The THERAPEUTIC
GOALS are based on the previous discussion:
· Microscopic tissue changes are similar for all inflammatory
patters. Flavonoids (a class of chemicals found in plants; specifically,
proanthocyanidins) are extremely helpful and well-proven in reversing
those changes (reducing capillary engorgement and permeability,
decreasing chemical signals that promote inflammation (like histamine)
and increasing those that reduce inflammation (like nitric oxide).
While most plants contain some flavonoids, some stand out as extremely
helpful for allergies: goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), fresh stinging
nettle (Urtica dioica), chocolate (Theobroma cacao), green tea (Camellia
spp.).
Additionally, there are plants that contain chemicals (usually powerful
alkaloids) that directly constrict blood vessels and dilate the
respiratory passages by stimulating the body’s stress response.
Thus, they are strong anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory aids for
the respiratory system, but since they mostly mask the symptoms,
they are best used only short-term or as part of a broader formula.
Such plants include ephedra (Ephedra sinica) and coffee (Coffea
arabica).
· If the gastrointestinal system is involved (inflammatory
patterns follow the consumption of specific foods), or weak (bloating,
burping, gas, abdominal cramping or spasms, constipation and/or
diarrhea), use bitter herbs such as gentian (Gentiana lutea) root,
dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root; along with aromatic herbs
like anise / star anise (Pimpinella anisum/Illicium verum) and fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare).
· If the liver is sluggish (this may be more difficult to
determine – but generally, it is never a bad idea to improve
liver function; some signs include pale stools, gallbladder colic
and strong abdominal pain after eating fatty, rich foods, and any
history of liver disease or excessive consumption of drugs and/or
alcohol), use bitters and cholagogues such as dandelion (Taraxacum
officinale) root, medicinal mushrooms such as red reishi (Ganoderma
spp.), and liver tonics such as milk thistle (Silybum marianum,
also loaded with flavonoids) or schizandra (Schizandra chinensis).
· Adjusting immune function (“raising the threshold”)
should always be considered. To this end, use immune tonics, the
best of which are the medicinal mushrooms: red reishi (Ganoderma
spp.) and shiitake (Lentinula spp.) are good examples. During times
when allergen exposure is low, you can also consider astragalus
(Astragalus membranaceus) as an excellent immune tonic for the “off
season”.
· Systemic anti-inflammatory herbs can help as temporary
adjuncts to the more direct therapies. Some examples are licorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia erythrina).
Part II: Asthma
Asthma is an
inflammatory process. It occurs in the passages that bring air into
the lungs, and results in airway constriction, difficulty breathing,
both of which can at times become very intense and may even lead
to death. It is characterized by repeated “attacks”,
which can become chronic and frequent. There are both external,
allergic (“intrinsic”) causes such as chemicals, pollen,
dust, mold, etc; and internal (“intrinsic”) causes,
such as asthma that occurs upon exertion, or in response to anxiety
and stress. Stress plays an interesting role in asthma: one would
think that a classic “fight-or-flight” response would
help open the lung’s passages (and indeed, in most individuals,
it does!), but in some individuals who exhibit anxiety this can
actually be a trigger for an inflammatory process that overwhelms
any bronchiodilation that may be occurring as part of the stress
response.
Most of the systemic interrelations discussed for allergies apply
for asthma as well, and the idea of reducing the “toxicity”
of the blood is still a useful one. The goal of preventing the asthmatic
inflammation and treating it quickly if it does occur become even
more important than when addressing allergies, however: this is
because, as asthma attacks continue, the tissue of the bronchial
passages begins to change, producing more mucus-secreting glands,
recruiting more immune cells, and generally becoming much more sensitive
and prone to constriction. Thus, a vicious cycle can set in which,
if left unaddressed, can lead to more and more severe attacks of
longer and longer duration (and possibly even death).
TREATMENT GOALS
are divided into “emergency” measures, and long-term
preventive treatment:
· In an emergency, strong stimulants are used to open the
bronchial passages. Some examples are ephedra (Ephedra sinica) and
coffee (Coffea arabica). Plants with alkaloids that suppress bronchial
secretions are also useful in emergencies; the best example is jimson
weed (Datura stramonium), which was smoked for asthmatic attacks
(nowadays we use the tincture!). Aromatic inhalants such as eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus globulus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and anise
/ star anise (Pimpinella anisum/Illicium verum), in the form of
essential oils, can be deeply inhaled through a cloth for relief
in an emergency.
· As part of a long-term strategy, include herbs that serve
as relaxants of smooth muscle (that’s what is squeezing the
lung passages closed in an asthmatic attack), such as lobelia (Lobelia
inflata).
· Rely on all of the herbs mentioned in the discussion on
allergies, focusing on those rich in flavonoids and including those
that pertain to specific weaknesses in relevant organ systems.
· Adjust the immune system using medicinal mushrooms, specifically
red reishi (Ganoderma spp.), and herbal immune tonics, specifically
baical skullcap root (Scutellaria baicalensis) and astragalus (Astragalus
membranaceus).
· Use specific anti-inflammatories that have an affinity
to the lungs. The best example is the balloonflower (Platycodon
grandiflorum).
· Calm and soothe the nervous system, reducing anxiety and
improving adrenal health. My favorite nervines and restoratives
to use for asthmatic conditions are oats (Avena sativa) and ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera). If a strong relaxant is required, kava-kava
(Piper methysticum) is very nice and quite safe (though not in pregnancy).
Part III: Key
herbs for asthma and allergies
Goldenrod (Solidago
canadensis)
Flavonoid-rich, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic for the upper respiratory
system. Best taken as a tea: 3 TBS in one quart of hot water, steeped
30 minutes, daily. Safe.
Nettle (Urtica
diotica)
Flavonoid-rich, diuretic, tonic, anti-allergic for the eyes and
nose. Best taken by eating the fresh, wilted leaves daily; or taking
a tincture made of the fresh leaves, ½ to 1 tsp. 2 or 3 times
a day. Safe.
Chocolate (Theobroma
cacao)
Most flavonoid-rich of all plants. Contains theophylline and small
amounts of caffeine, both bronchiodialators. Anti-asthmatic. Best
taken as dark (70% or higher) chocolate, 2-4 oz. daily, or as hot
cocoa made with 1 TBS of cocoa powder per 12 oz of hot water (or
rice milk; beware of dairy as a potential antigenic trigger for
asthma). Generally safe.
Ephedra (Ephedra
sinica)
Source of ephedrine, a potent bronchiodilator. Stimulant. Anti-allergic,
anti-asthmatic. For allergies, take as a hot tea made with 1 TBS
of twigs to 16 oz of water. For asthma, take 15 drops of a tincture,
repeating after 5 minutes if necessary. It is important to start
at this low dose first, until you know what the particular tincture’s
effect is (herbal preparations vary). CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY,
HYPERTENSION, OR WITH OTHER STIMULANTS. SHORT TERM USE ONLY.
Star anise (Illicium
verum)
Aromatic, digestive, expectorant, anti-asthmatic. Best used if there
is also bloating in the GI tract, but good for asthma in any case.
A strong tea can be brewed with 6 “stars” in 8 oz. of
hot water, steeped covered for 20 minutes. Generally safe, but avoid
during pregnancy.
Gentian (Gentiana
lutea)
Bitter digestive, cholagogue, anti-allergic. This is probably our
best bitter for allergies and sensitivities to environmental irritants.
Best taken as a tincture, 15 to 30 drops right on the tongue 15
minutes before and/or 5 minutes after eating. CONTRAINDICATED FOR
PEPTIC ULCERS, and best avoided during pregnancy.
Jimson weed
(Datura stramonium)
Parasympatholytic, reduces bronchial secretions, anti-asthmatic.
Can be smoked for emergencies, just one puff. Best taken as a tincture,
15 drops, repeating after 5 minutes if necessary. As with ephedra,
the dose may need to be adjusted depending on the preparation. CONTRAINDICATED
DURING PREGNANCY AND FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
OR HISTORY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE.
Red Reishi (Ganoderma
spp.)
Immunomodulant, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, liver protective. A
medicinal mushroom traditionally prepared by boiling for long periods
of time, can also be taken as an extract with a daily dose between
30 and 60 drops. Generally safe, but can be a bit drying to the
upper respiratory passages if overdosed.
Lobelia (Lobelia
inflata)
Antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic, relaxant, emetic (in high doses only).
Best taken as an extract, and as part of a broader formula since
it tastes so bad. An individual dose (whether alone or as part of
a formula) should not exceed 10 to 15 drops. CONTRAINDICATED IN
PREGNANCY.
Balloonflower
(Platycodon grandiflorum)
Anti-inflammatory, relaxant, anti-spasmodic, anti-bacterial, anti-asthmatic,
restorative, anti-ulcer. Best taken as an extract, 30 to 90 drops
2-3 times a day. CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY. May interact with
alcohol and sedative-hypnotic herbs or medication, increasing their
effects.
Astragalus (Astragalus
membranaceus)
Immunomodulator, lung tonic. Helps reduce the incidence of viral
and bacterial respiratory infections, which can contribute to and/or
cause asthmatic attacks. Can be taken as a tea of the simmered root,
4 TBS of root simmered in 1 QT of water, covered, for at least 30
minutes and drunk in 1 day. Alternatively, an extract or tincture
can be taken at a dose of 30 to 60 drops twice a day on an empty
stomach. Safe.
Sample formulas:
For allergies
with bloating after meals:
Gentian, 2 parts
Goldenrod, 3 parts
Red Reishi, 1 part
Take ½ to 1 tsp. twice daily before meals
For asthma with
nervousness and anxiety, aggravated after eating pasta:
Lobelia, ½ part
Oats, 5 parts
Balloonflower, 3 parts
Star anise, 1 part
Gentian, 1 part
Take 1 tsp. 2 to 3 times daily before meals
Try eliminating wheat from the diet for 1 week and noting changes
to the asthmatic pattern.
This formula is a long-term tonic and cannot replace a good emergency
strategy. It should, however, decrease reliance on the emergency
treatment(s) over time.
