diseases 225
starting earlier and earlier in the year in Britain with the warming of the
climate. It is more common in the hay and summer season, but it can start
as soon as the fi rst fl owers bloom.
- Change your diet (see chapter 4). Start by cutting out wheat, dairy
products, tea, and coffee. If your diet is already good, you are probably
low immunally or simply have poor digestive abilities, stress, expo-
sure to pollutants, or some other challenge to your immune system. - Taking local organic honey year-round can build your resistance to
the pollens in your area. One to two grains of bee pollen daily, taken
consistently, is the key, especially for the one and a half months prior
to your particular pollen season.
~ Your immune system needs strengthening; refer to chapter 7 for advice.
~ Liver and bowel cleanses will be vital to address intestinal and diges-
tive imbalances.
f General herbs to address all of the relevant issues would include four
parts of mullein fl owers; three parts of echinacea root; two parts each
of barberry root bark, elder fl owers, marshmallow root, Astragalus
root, St. John’s wort fl ower, and eyebright leaf and fl ower; and one
part each of gentian root, lobelia leaf, burdock root, cayenne pod,
dandelion root, and licorice root. Many others will work for different
reasons.
f Plantain leaf is a natural antihistamine and soothes irritated mucus
membranes as well as helping with actual infections. It also dissolves
mucus, and being so common, like elder fl owers, it’s an easy plant to
identify and collect away from car fumes.
~ Make your own rose petal oil^ —^ it helps all allergies.
~ If your sinuses are very congested, use snuff (see chapter 11) to relieve
the pressure.
~ If your eyes are itchy, use the eye formula suggested in chapter 11 under
“Eye Injury and Temporary Blindness.” Refrain from rubbing them.
~ Rub castor oil around the eyes if itchy and swollen.
headaches, migraines
Head pain can be of many types and have many causes. Among the most
common causes are a toxic bowel, constipation, liver overload,
premenstrual tension and other hormonal imbalances, high blood
pressure, or a faulty diet rich in stimulants, chocolates, and sweets.
Occasional headaches can often be part of a circulatory problem. A simple
way of fi nding out whether they are is to test with a hot washcloth or ice
on the temples (see below for details of these tests). An acid buildup can
225 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition