Vol. 5 No. 2
Everyone is talking about allergies this time of year.  The pollen count is given every time the weather is discussed.  
    What is an allergy?   An allergic reaction occurs when something enters the body that the body interprets as a danger to it.  Our immune system keeps us safe all the time as many things in this world “invade” us.  Sometimes our body actually engulfs the offending organism and eats it up and we never know it has happened.  We are said to have an “allergy” when we see or feel these responses in our body.
    If we have been exposed to something that our body considers a pathogen (something that will harm us) it will have an even stronger response the second and subsequent times it is exposed.  That is why as we age, some of us become more sensitive and have more symptoms.  We seem to have more allergies.
    Inflammation is one of the first responses of the immune system. Our system sends cells to the area where there is a problem and these cells create heat and swelling which assist the body in isolating or killing off the offenders (pathogens).   This is why we have swollen eyes & a runny nose this time of year.  Inflammation does not mean that there is necessarily an infection happening, it is simply the body’s way of dealing with invaders.  If we didn’t have inflammation our body would be susceptible to all kinds of things and we could not survive for long.
    These symptoms, in most people are a sign that our body is working correctly.   Any time the body is working to heal itself it takes extra energy, so we often have less energy to do other things when our body is having an allergic reaction.  If you start running a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit you need to see your health care provider because there may be an infection and not just an allergic response.
    What are some things we can do to decrease symptoms?  If you are seeing a health care provider follow their directions.  Decrease your exposure to those things to which you have an allergic reaction.  Eat more healthy food and get enough rest so that you body has the energy to do what it needs to do.  You can lessen your exposure to pollen by keeping the windows closed, washing your hair before you go to bed, washing your sheets and bed clothes more often than usual and using lavender to kill off dust mites that make the night time reactions even worse.
Here is a recipe for using Lavender Essential Oil to help decrease some symptoms.
You can buy Lavender essential oil at any health food store.
1. When washing your bed clothes  (sheets, pillow cases, night gowns and pajamas) in the rinse cycle place 10 drops of lavender oil.  Do this every time you wash your clothes and sheets.
2.  Place 10 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle that holds 1 C. Along with enough water to fill the spray bottle.  When the sheets and pillow cases are off the bed, spray the mattress and the pillows lightly with the water-lavender mixture.  Make sure you shake the spray bottle often to keep the oil and water mixed.
3.  If you have carpeting where you sleep spray around the bed.  Dust often.
    Take care of yourself and be well.  I have wonderful ways of dealing with allergic reactions using NET (Neuro Emotional Technique) and TBM (Total Body Modification).  These techniques are simple and painless.  An hour appointment will generally decrease your reactions significantly.
    Classes about healthy eating & preparation of healthy food are continuously scheduled at the Oakhurst Community Garden and other places around town.  Give me a call -404-377-1257- for more information.  Or go the website to learn how to register.  www.BeyondTheMeasuringCup.com
May 13, 2010 6:30 PM-8:30 PM- Fermentation: Making your own Sauerkraut, Kim Chi, etc.
June 16, 2010 6:30-8:30 PM- 20 Ways to Leave Your Zucchini:  Receive 20 recipes for Zucchini from all around the world and make a bunch of them that day.

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 I think this may have failed to go out this rfirst time, so, I'm sending it again.  So sorry if you received it twice.