By Thomas Stearns Lee, NMD

The airborne allergies in large urban areas have become much worse in the past decade. In Phoenix, Arizona, for example, the constant building and disruption of the desert has put a great deal of dust from the ancient Sonoran soils into the atmosphere. An analysis of this dust indicates molds, fungi, mummified animal dung, and other unwelcome surprises in every breathful.

Cars and homes add their modern pollutants to the soup, and many people start to notice allergies and sensitivities, sometimes for the first time. To fight this battle, you can become familiar with the use of certain herbs and foods that strengthen the membranes, improve the defenses, calm the nerves, and help get rid of toxins. What can you do to fight allergies without buying into the local drugstore and all its expensive remedies? “Energy medicines” offer a number of natural, easy ways to effectively fight the symptoms and desensitize the body to common allergens. To strengthen the respiratory membranes, keep a set of two different spray inhalers at hand. One should contain a mixture of salt water (1 tsp. per cup of water), and the other a 5 percent mixture of organic honey in water. Both of these will soothe and moisten the parts of you that can get parched and irritated by the air. Have small spray bottles to spritz at red lights and work breaks, along with some soft tissues or handkerchiefs. Sniff and breathe in these sprays frequently. Keep yourself well hydrated with fresh, pure water instead of recreational beverages. Avoid foods that cause congestion and exhaustion. Dairy treats and sugary foods will usually contribute to mucus and lower your immunity. Avoid these and most refined flours during your allergic spells and you will avoid a lot of discomfort.

Certain herbs can be very helpful for allergies. Nettles, coriander, licorice, turmeric, trifala, and melissa are all gentle applications that can help you endure or avoid allergies. Have these near in the form of either herbal teas or capsules and know how to use them if you or your family are in discomfort.

Try a coriander tea at 3 cups per day. This works better than Benadryl for some people, without the drowsiness. Another effective membrane stabilizer is nettles. The freeze-dried capsules work best at 2 every 4 hours for most adults.

Consider the use of air filters and ionizers, and keep your environment as clean as you can. Investing in a good vacuum cleaner with a self-contained water filtration system can help to rid the immediate environment of airborne particles.

To safely ease the discomforts that most of these allergies can cause, it’s a good investment of your time and effort to explore some of these natural medicines and have them available the next time you experience allergy symptoms in the urban atmosphere.