“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”
– Hal Borland
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In spite of the rather surreal environment we find ourselves in lately, nature continues on without any awareness, care, or concern. Each morning the choir of birdsong outside our windows changes ever so slightly, as the intention of the songs and calls change and as migrated birds begin to return to our clime.
Snow melts, the air smells gloriously of wet earth (AKA "mud"), and we are drawn to inspect the trees around us for the first signs of budding. Crocuses, tulips, and daffodils will soon be sprouting up through the earth.
We can't stop it, but then, why would we want to?
For some, all of this spring wonder brings memories of allergy misery and a feeling of dread. Although lately at
Wondrous Roots
most are seeking advice to prevent infection with Coronavirus, at the same time, many are coming in to pick up our
Allergy Relief Plus
- an herbal concoction of plants that help defend against allergies through various ingenious mechanisms.
Today I'd like to take us away from the emergency mindset and discuss the marvels of these amazing plants!
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"With the coming of spring, I am calm again."
--Gustav Mahler
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- Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera)
- Turmeric Root (Curcuma longa)
- Rosemary leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Green Tea leaf (Camillia sinensis)
- Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)
- Ginger root (Zingiber officinalis)
- Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica)
- Nopal/Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia strepfacantha)
- Osha root (Ligusticum porteri)
- Purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum)
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Grape seed extract is not only an anti-histamine and an anti-allergen, but it is an anti-inflammatory and an anti-ulcer product. It helps to produce any kind of inflammation, whether it be in the blood cells, cell membranes, or other tissue of the body, so that blood flow in the passing of nutrients and oxygen occurs at a more efficient rate.
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A 2008 article in
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
reviewed the effectiveness of curcumin in treating symptoms of both the allergic response and asthma.2 The researchers looked cellular and animal studies to show that the allergic response was significantly inhibited for those animals receiving curcumin as part of their standard diet.
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Since histamine, a compound related to immune response, plays a role in airway inflammation, levels are typically elevated within asthma patients. Not only does rosemary offer antihistamine effects, but it also targets the direct inflammation that contributes to symptoms of asthma.
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Two research studies show that certain bioactive compounds in green tea (Camellia sinensis) inhibit histamine release, leukotriene release, and cytokine production and secretion from mast cells.
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Stinging nettle (scientific name Urtica diocia) is a flowering plant that's beneficial for those looking to avoid seasonal allergies. The anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties of stinging nettle make it an excellent anti-allergy herb. The best way to control seasonal allergies is to start consuming stinging nettle a couple of months before allergy season.
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A Japanese study using mice demonstrated that ginger extract reduced sneezing intensity and runny noses in subjects by reducing the secretion of the antibodies responsible for seasonal allergies. Peppering meals with ground ginger or enjoying freshly carved ginger in one's morning tea can produce similar defenses against the effects of allergies.
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Researchers find that the prickly pear fruit, and the whole plant generally, prevent histamine release/allergic response by inhibiting mast cell degranulation (the process by which white blood cells leak histamine and other inflammation into the blood stream). Opuntia is a genus in the cactus family.
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Osha root can help alleviate breathing concerns in a number of capacities. Osha root helps clear mucus from the sinuses and lungs by increasing expectoration; this relieves congestion and makes breathing easier. Osha root also increases blood circulation to the lungs, which increases dilation during constriction. For this reason, it is of particular interest as a support mechanism for emphysema, pneumonia, asthma, and allergies.
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Purple dead-nettle is known for reducing allergy symptoms, in fact, its antifungal and antibacterial compounds are currently being studied in an attempt to explain the reason behind its medicinal abilities linked to allergies. It can also protect allergy sufferers from secondary infections of the throat and bronchi.
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The Proactive Health Collective of Keene
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The Proactive Health Collective of Keene (PHCK) was born in March 2020 amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
The free live webinars are recorded via Zoom and broadcasted on Facebook Live, every Friday at 11am.
The panelists cover various health topics, with a goal to inspire, encourage, and empower through information and education. The theme for the broadcasts is “Vibrant Health for Uncertain Times and Beyond.” The webinars aim to be interactive so, please send in your questions (via the Q&A chat box) or send us an email if there is a topic you'd like us to cover in the future.
We hope to "see" you there!
Recorded Broadcasts:
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Many are asking if we are open. What are our plans?
If any of my staff do not feel well, they will not come to work.
If I don't feel well, we will not be open.
Other than that, it is business as usual here at Wondrous Roots.
Wondrous Roots falls under the umbrella of "Essential Services." Should that change, I am still able to see clients via phone and web and fill orders to ship by mail.
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Listen Live Call in to talk 603-357-1290/866-357-1290
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Saturday March 28, 2020 - Noon to 1:00
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Come on up and say hello... We are open Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 6 pm!
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