| Pollen Allergy
Willow Catkin ©Christa Richert |
Pollen
Millions of Americans, over 20% of the population myself included,
suffer from pollen allergy beginning every spring
and usually lasting until early fall. The common symptoms of itchy
and watery eyes can range from annoying to debilitating.
Some people are affected only by certain types of tree pollen and
others by certain types of grass pollen and the unfortunate, like
me, are seemingly affected by all pollen.
Pollen release by plants and trees do not happen all at once, rather
they are staggered according to different release time of plants
and trees, hence the long duration of the allergy season. From my
experience in Eastern Washington State, trees are
the first to release pollen and affect me the worst. Alder,
aspen, birch, cottonwood
and willow tree pollen release are the first major
episodes here beginning by mid April.
Lawn Grass ©Kiel Latham |
Usually the male species of these trees form catkins, dangling
flower clusters, where pollen is produced and released. The famous
cottonwood cotton, when released appears like fluffy
snow, is the seed released by female cottonwood and is not allergenic
as commonly believed. People suffer due to invisible grass pollen
that is released at about the same time and mistakenly blame the
cotton.
Contrary to popular belief, lawn grass mowed often and short produces
more pollen than ones allowed to grow a little high. This is because
mowing stresses the grass and accelerates pollen production out
of self preservation. Plenty of water for a lush grass also reduces
grass stress and pollen.
Pine tree pollen is another major allergen in
our region that take place a little later. Their release is an amazing
sight to behold. I saw it once driving on a warm afternoon with
still winds and when the lighting was just right. Every pine tree
looked like it was smoking with a large column of pollen rising
straight up. The mountains looked like they were smoldering, an
amazing amount of pollen. Driving with the windows rolled up and
the air conditioner turned on is a good way to minimize pollen contact
while on the road.
Itchy Eyes 
What to do to ease the itchy, watery eyes has been my concern every
spring for years. My allergic reaction to pollen was severe to the
point of debilitating. I could not sleep well at night for the constant
itchy eyes and the extreme watering of the eyes impaired my vision
to the point where I could not drive. The constant itch became very
stressful and combined with the almost involuntary eye rubbing and
lack of sleep made me look like a tired raccoon.
Every year there seem to be better, newer allergy drugs to add
to the myriads of prescription and over
the counter drugs already on the market. This year I tried
Zaditor eye drops. It did give relief but I was
not satisfied. It had to be applied every 8-12 hrs continuously,
it was expensive and the relief seem to lesson over time. The problem
was that there was a warning on the label not to use it more than
twice a day and not more than one drop per application. In short
it became useless in about three weeks. It was as though the eyes
became addicted to the drug and needed more and more.
For me, after years of trials, pharmaceutical drugs
were not the answer. I turned to the so called alternative
medicine solutions. I never discounted them but rather
had this mistaken belief that it was something that if it worked
took a very long time. I always wanted relief now.
Chrysanthemum ©Cumhur K. |
Herbal eye wash is what I tried and I was amazed
with the dramatic relief it provided immediately.
Chrysanthemum flower tea was recommended
to drink and to use as an eye wash.
It is part of the ancient Chinese herbal medicine
to help eye problems. It also is a popular tea served in Chinese
restaurants and drunk as a light and fragrant summer tea. It has
become my favorite tea. I buy it in dried bulk
form, the prices range anywhere from $1 to $3 oz. What worked even
better for me was eyebright eye wash.
Eyebright is a remedy for eye and related conditions
used by both ancient Greek and Chinese.
All parts of the plant are used, flower, stem and leaves to apply
topically and to take internally. Today it can be obtained in dried
bulk form, tinctures, powder and
capsules. For eye wash and tea, dried bulk form
would be best, prices range from $1 to $3 oz. I use 1 teaspoon
of dried bulk form in a cup, add boiling water
and cover till cooled. Covering is important as essential
oils will escape with steam if not covered. I strain
it to another cup and splash a handful to each
eye, making sure it gets in the eye. I repeat as necessary but usually
once in the morning and once before bed. If I have been outside
for a length of time, then anytime the eyes feel irritated. It is
important to keep everything clean, including hands
and always brew a new batch daily. In warm weather refrigerate
the solution rather than let it stand in room temperature for any
length of time. You don’t want to take any chance of splashing
bacteria into your eyes.
Eyebright contains flavanoids and volatile
oils that are anti-inflammatory and stabilizes
mast cells, the tissues of the
eye responsible for triggering itchy and watery eyes. When pollen
comes in contact with the body, the body reacts in a false
immune or defence action by producing tears to wash away
the invading toxins, in this case pollen and inflammation by rushing
blood and white cells to defend the affected area. This results
in even more sensitivity to pollen which in turn causes more inflammation
and tears. Eyebright can break this cycle with its unique properties.
Commercial pharmaceuticals also aim to stabilize mast cells by using
synthetic chemical compounds that are really a big mystery as to
its effects over time in regard to safety. Just reading their disclaimers
as to possible side effects is a discomforting clue.
I drink chrysanthemum tea and apply eyebright eye wash daily and
they have given better results than all the drugs I have tried over
the years. Also, these herbs are just a fraction
of the cost of pharmaceuticals, benign without
the possibility of dire side effects, non-addictive
and ingredients you can actually pronounce and spell. The simple
fact that they have been in use for thousands of years can’t
be dismissed as folklore or old wife’s tale, especially when
they work.
Experts offer sneeze-free gardening advice: MedicineNet.com
Herbal Hay Fever Solutions:
Holistic.com
Chrysanthemum flower tea: Acupuncture
Today
Tea time: U.S.
Pharmacist
Chrysanthemum tea: Soup
Queen
Eyebright: Wikipedia
Eyebright: Botanical.com
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