Living Afield. Seasonal allergies, the bane of spring

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Bryce Marsh
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1 Spring-time Afield Living Afield Seasonal allergies, the bane of spring Spring 2017 Volume 1, Issue 1 As the days become longer, and the air becomes warmer, our thoughts turn to spring. Along with the promise of warmer days, the first buds of spring often bring the itchy watery eyes of seasonal allergies. One in 5 Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Over the counter allergy treatments cost us approximately 17.5 billion each year. I, like the rest of you, cannot comprehend that amount of money. I can however tell you that far exceeds the balance of my checking account. The problem with over the counter medications is that they treat the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of the symptoms. Allergic symptoms are caused by histamines. A histamine is a chemical produced by the human body. It causes blood vessels to dilate and become easier to penetrate. This makes the body swell in order to protect the affected area. This histamine response is an important part of our immune systems. However in some cases our bodies can mistake harmeless substances for toxins. While no one knows why, this will often happen with harmelss pollens. This causes us to sneeze, and our eyes to swell up and begin to water and itch. The post nasal drip down the back of our throats then causes a cough. You may know this reaction as hay fever. Practitioners of herbal medicine seek out and treat the underlying cause of your symptoms. In turn the symptoms disappear. In order to understand herbal medicine it is important to realize that the main differences between western medicine and traditional herbalism is their medicines. Up to 70% or more of western pharmaceuticals are derived from plants. One would think that means pharmaceuticals and herbals are the same; but that is not remotely the case. Western medications are lab synthesized versions of the active ingredient of a plant. These man made compounds ellicit a specific response from the body. In other words, they cause the body to do something. Herbal supplements support the body s innate ability to heal itself. Herbalism is a more holistic approach to body wellness. I could wax poetically about this subject all day, but to save you from boredom, my narative about herbalism will stop there. My son suffers from hay fever. We have tried allergy shots as well as numerous OTC and prescription medications. Even with all of these things, he suffered miserably each spring. I decided to experiment with herbal remedies to treat the underlying histmaine response in order to alleviate his symptoms. The following articles detail his treatment. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum chrysanthemum) Inside this issue: Seasonal Allergies 1 Astringent plants 2 Finding the plants 2 Harvesting plants 2 Oxeye Daisy 3 Goldenrod 4 Stinging Nettles 5 Herbal Preparations 6

2 Astringent plants reduce hay fever symptoms Astringent herbs support your body s drying action. This is extremely effective when treating wet runny symptoms.

2 2 Astringent plants reduce hay fever symptoms Astringent herbs support your body s drying action. This is extremely effective when treating wet runny symptoms. If your seasonal allergic response presents with itchy, runny eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and coughing, you might very well benefit from astringent herbs. Through testing verious herbs with my son, and a few other people, we found the plants Stinging Nettle, Goldenrod, and Oxeye Daisy to be the most effective. This combination seems to knock the hay fever right out of him. Each plant reacts in a slightly different manner to help his body reduce or eliminate its errant histamine responose. This compound tincture can be taken for accute sympstoms, but it can also be taken as a preventative. My son begins taking this tincture around 2-3 weeks prior to the time his symptoms have historically started. When taken in this manner, he is able to significantly shorten his allergy season. Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago Canadensis) Finding the necessary plants to use The plants discussed in the previous article can be purchased at health food stores. They are also available from various online sources. While most retailers are reputible, there are others who are only interrested in making a quick buck. You may never be entirely certain that you are getting exactly what you are paying for. I have heard horror stories of people receiving something other than the plant they ordered. I recommend doing some research prior to choosing an online resporce. Talk to people you know who use herbal supplements. You might also want to join an online herbal forum. Other members of these forums are a great resource. I have heard horror stories of people receiving something other than the plant they ordered. Those of us who have learned to grow these plants in our gardens, or to recognize them in the wild are always assured of getting high quality plant material to make medicine for our families. With a little practice you too can learn to identify these common plants near your own home. In a very short time you can harvest enough of these plants to last your family a year or more. Harvesting plants locally While you can certainly purchase fresh and or dried plants from local or online retailers, there is nothing like the feeling of harvesting the plants locally. When you harvest locally, you can take the time to pick only the freshest, most perfect plants. By taking this added care, you can ensure you are ginving your family the best possible herbal supplements. While you certainly can head off into the forest to harvest your plants. It is not necessary. You can find these plants growing in places you might not expect. Any untreated field will probably yield a When you harvest locally, you can take the time to pick only the freshest, most perfect plants. treasure trove of oxeye daisy and goldenrod. While walking along a local river or pond, you will more than likely end up running into stinging nettles. I can harvest all 3 within a mile of my house. Once you are familiar with the characteristings of these plants, you will start noticing them everywhere. You can learn about these plants and many more by attending Livingafield plant walks.

Oxeye Daisy Other Names: Common daisy, Dog daisy, Moon daisy, and Ox-eye daisy Family: Asteraceae Aster family Range: 3 Identifying characteristics: Growth Type: Perennial herbaceous plant Height:

3 Oxeye Daisy Other Names: Common daisy, Dog daisy, Moon daisy, and Ox-eye daisy Family: Asteraceae Aster family Range: 3 Identifying characteristics: Growth Type: Perennial herbaceous plant Height: Grows to 2-3 feet in height Leaves: The leaves are shaped like exclamation points with serrated or deeply toothed edges. Stem/Trunk: Single or branched stem Flower: Season: Mid-spring to summer Appearance: Like it's unrelated namesake the Common Daisy (Bellis perennis), Oxeye Daisy has a white ray flower with a yellow center. The difference lies in the fact that the distinctive yellow center is depressed, making it look similar to an eye. Habitat: Meadows, Fields, Waste Areas, Lawn Edges, Roadsides Parts Used: Flowers, Leaves, Plant tops Uses: Wild Food Uses: The leaves have a refreshingly art lemony flavor, and can be eaten raw as a trail nibble, or added to salads. The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury. Medicinal Uses: An excellent choice for the treatment of sinusitis with copious drainage. Oxeye Daisy has a mild astringent, antiinflammatory, anti-microbial, and diuretic effect. While there are stronger acting herbs, the abundance of oxeye makes it a great choice. A spring tea of oxeye daisy, taken daily, will help alleviate allergy symptoms. I would recommend adding goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), and mullein (Verbascum thapsus) as well. This will help tone the mucus membranes of the sinuses, which will reduce or eliminate the back of the throat drainage. Because of shelf life, and convenience, I tend to use tinctures rather than tea, but either will be effective. Do not use Oxeye daisy for allergies that do not present flowing sinuses, as the drying action will only serve to aggravate the condition. Medicinal Actions: Antihistamine, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic To learn more about Oxeye Daisy Visit our website

4 4 Golden Rod Other Names: Canadian goldenrod Range: Family: Asteraceae Aster Family Identifying characteristics: Growth Type: An herbaceous perennial plant Height: 1-5 feet tall Leaves: Multiple lance shaped, three veined, and serrated leaves Stem/Trunk: Single erect stem is smooth at base, but becomes hairy just below the flower branches Root: Taproot/Tuber Flower: Season: Late spring to early summer Appearance: The yellow flowers are borne in broad triangular shaped panicle. The flowers persist well into autumn. Seed/Fruit: Small hard Seeds Miscellaneous Characteristics: N/A Habitat: Roadsides, Clearings, Thickets Parts Used: Flower Heads, Leaves, Roots, Seeds Uses: Wild Food Uses: The leaves can be eaten as a cooked vegetable. The flowers and seeds can both be eaten raw. The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury. The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury. Medicinal Uses: Native Americans used the root for burns. Use a tea or tincture of the flowers for fevers and snake bites, sore throats. The flowers contain a compound known as Quercetin, which is useful in treating hemorrhagic nephritis. Teas and tinctures made from the leaves have a diuretic effect. In Germany, leaf extracts are approved as a diuretic in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract. Also used in irrigation therapy to both prevent and treat urinary and kidney gravel. Caution: said to cause allergic reactions, but this has been shown to be a reaction to ragweed pollen, as the pollen of goldenrod is too heavy to be dispersed through the air. Medicinal Actions: Astringent, Diuretic, Lithotriptic To learn more about Goldenrod Visit our website

5 Stinging Nettles 5 Family: Urticaceae Nettle family Range: Identifying characteristics: Growth Type: Perennial herbaceous Height: 2-4 ft in height Leaves: The leaves are positioned opposite, and are heart-shaped. The leaves have a rough papery texture. Stem/Trunk: The stout, ribbed, hollow stems grow 2' - 4' tall and are covered with stinging hairs, which, when touched break, and release a formic acid which in turn produces a stinging pain. Flower: Season: late spring or early summer Appearance: Many small greenish flowers are born on clusters at the tops of the plant. Miscellaneous characteristics: This oft maligned plant is one of the most beneficial food sources you will ever be lucky enough to find. Stinging Nettles have both nutritional and medicinal value. Eating this plant gives you more bang for your buck than eating spinach. Be careful when gathering Stinging Nettles. As the name implies, when the small hairs along the stems are broke, they release formic acid, which causes skin irritation ranging from mild to intense. Habitat: Rich soil, disturbed areas, moist woodlands, thickets, along rivers, and along partially shaded trails. Parts Used: Young leaves and shoots as food source. All aerial parts medicinally Uses: Wild Food Uses: Use young nettle leaves, sprouts, and tender upper stems as a cooked vegetable. While Nettles have been used for millennia as a food source, they have just a long a history as a medicinal plant. As a matter of fact, Nettles have been used to reverse the effects of Anemia. The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury. Medicinal Uses: A spring tonic made from nettles has been used to treat winter anemia for centuries. I have specifically used the plant as a treatment for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Leaf tea has traditionally been used as a blood purifier, blood builder, diuretic, astringent, for gout, glandular diseases, rheumatism, poor circulation, enlarged spleen, mucus discharges of the lungs, internal bleeding, diarrhea, and dysentery. It's effect involves the action of white blood cells, aiding coagulation and formation of hemoglobin in red blood corpuscles. Nettles also work to reverse anemia, even that caused by feminine monthly cycles. Recently Germans have begun using the roots in a treatment for Prostate Cancer. Russians are adding the leaves to vodka to treat inflammation of the gallbladder, and hepatitis. There is evidence that even in the time of Jesus, Nettles were used as a treatment for arthritis. The plant tops were pinched off, and used to "whip" the afflicted area. The resulting stinging was said to promote blood flow, which in turn alleviated the inflammation. Even today, studies have shown that periodic stings from nettles helps to alleviate arthritis symptoms. Medicinal Actions: Alterative, Antiarthritic, Anticatarrhal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Astringent, Depurative, Diuretic, Immunostimulant, Pectoral, Tonic To learn more about Stinging Nettles Visit our website

6 Living Afield Bay City, MI Phone: Living Afield has been helping people find and build harmony between the natural and modern worlds since It is our mission to ensure the time honored knowledge of our forefathers is not lost to future generations. We offer edible and medicinal plant walks, as well as weekend wilderness skills classes. You can join one of our scheduled classes, or we can schedule a walk or class for your group. Contact Kirk Wahl via at kirk@livingafield.com. Adventure lies just beyond the beaten path We re on the Web! Herbal Preparations Decoctions: Think of a decoction as a very strong tea. A medicinal herb is boiled in a quart of water. One would make a decoction from fresh or dried roots, barks, berries, or seeds. This method is not used for aromatic herbs, as the essential oils will be lost when the water is brought to a boil. Place 2 ounces of fresh, or 1 ounce of dried herb into a pan. Add 1 quart of water, and bring to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat, stirring periodically, until reduced by half. Cool the mixture, and strain and drink. Teas: Teas are by far the easiest way to make use of the health benefits of a plant. They are also one of the best ways to harness and benefit from aromatic herbs. The fact that the herb is not boiled means that any water soluble volatile organic compound, VOC, is captured and used. To make a tea, simply measure 1 teaspoon of dried herb, or 1 tablespoon of fresh herb into a cup of near boiling water. Allow this to steep for 10 or 20 minutes, strain and enjoy your healthful tea. Adding 1 tsp of raw honey will satisfy a sweet tooth. Tinctures: A tincture is an alcohol based extraction. I find tinctures to be the most effective way to harness all of the medicinal benefits a plant has to offer. Another benefit of making and using tinctures is that it allows us to harness the medicinal value of a plant while it is at peak strength, and use it for up to 2-3 years. To learn more about herbal preparations visit our website

Yellow Dock Rumex crispus

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