Allergic reaction

The allergy mechanism is a complex one involving the immune system. In simple terms, an allergy occurs when the body is exposed to an allergen (foreign substance that causes a sensitivity). Exposure to an allergen induces cells of the immune system (B-lymphocytes) to produce IgE (immunoglobulin E). IgE then binds to mast cells which stimulate the enzyme that pumps calcium into cells.

The change in the intracellular calcium in turn causes the production of histamine and other chemical mediators known as leukotrienes. It is the release of these chemicals into the bloodstream that causes allergy symptoms; sneezing, itching, cramps, diarrhea, bronchoconstriction, edema and anaphylactic shock.

No matter which kind of allergy you have: to food, pollen, dust, mold, animals, etc, the allergy mechanism is the same. The above explanation is only a simple rendition of the intricate biochemical nature of the allergy mechanism. It is within these biochemical reactions that we can mediate the allergy mechanism with remedies or drugs. 

Click below to download the infographic (PDF) and look what you can do to survive this allergy season with our tips!

More often than not, allergy symptoms are not so cut and dry. In general, you feel as though you have been poisoned:
tired, hazy, sometimes dizzy and drained of energy.

In the case of food allergies, people often gain weight because of a build up of toxins. When you are allergic to a certain food, you tend to have a craving for that food; it becomes a vicious circle - you keep eating the same food, you get tired, lethargic and heavier!

Arthritic and rheumatic problems as well as degenerative diseases can stem from food allergy.

Exposure allergies, to dust, pollen, animal hair and dander, for example, usually cause more "external symptoms" like sneezing, stuffy nose, build up of mucus in the respiratory passages and eventually in other systems like the digestive tract.

Environmental allergies often give acutely drastic symptoms; for example those who are allergic to hydrocarbons (petroleum products, perfumes, etc) can go into convulsions and then shock.

The more demure environmental allergy will manifest as tiredness, hazy mind, headaches, nausea or digestive difficulties.

The symptoms of allergy can be as different as the people who have the allergies. The following is a list, prepared by Jan de Vries famous naturopath well known in the UK, of the causes and effects of certain allergens:

• Chocolate could produce migraines, headaches or hives
• Orange drinks may be responsible for diarrhoea or headaches
• Cola soft drinks could bring on over-activity
• Fluoride toothpaste could be to blame for sleeplessness
• Coloring in sweets may cause blotchiness of the skin
• Chemical flavourings in chips for example could produce hyperactivity
• Wheat allergy can cause chronic constipation to incurable skin problems

As we have seen, finding the allergen or allergens is a complex matter. Virtually any substance on earth can be a potential allergen. The difficult part is when only one element of a substance is the allergen, like the active principle of a plant, or a component of a food, or the saliva of an animal, or the ingredient in a perfume.

If there is no way to avoid the pathogen (for example, when faced with air borne pollutants or pollen), remedies that reduce the unpleasant effects of the immune response are useful and very welcome.

A.Vogel allergy relief will reduce itching and irritation in the eyes and nose, whatever the pathogenic cause. If your eyes or nose are itchy, puffy, runny or blocked, if you can’t stop sneezing (especially first thing in the morning), or you can’t see properly due to irritated, running eyes, A.Vogel allergy relief will work quickly to relieve the symptoms (it takes about 20 minutes to see the effect).

This remedy has no side effects and no contraindications, so it is extremely easy to recommend and use. It can be administered long term, without any risk of drowsiness. It is also suitable for children over the age of 2, which is particularly important, as antihistamine-based medication is usually not suitable for children.

The immune response, when involved in allergic reactions, mobilizes large quantities of histamine, a chemical that makes you itch and often causes red, bumpy skin rashes (as if a nettle has stung you).

The herb Urtica, otherwise known as Stinging Nettle, is perfect for reducing this reaction. It helps reduce histamine levels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The silica it contains is also found in large amounts in healthy lungs. This can help asthmatic children.

Homeopathy does not work like drugs or tinctures.

Homeopathic remedies do not require a certain blood level to work. It is not a good idea to double dose homeopathic remedies ... in some cases you may actually be inducing the wrong or opposite effect when you increase the dose.

For an acute reaction (severe reaction) increase the frequency of the dose. You can take the recommended dose every half hour until the symptoms subside. Then, return to the normal recommended frequency.