Hay fever & Allergic Rhinitis: Usually triggered by grasses, tree pollen and is therefore seasonal. May include household allergens such as dust and mildew. Animal dander is another source of allergic responses.

What to Use: A Chinese patent formula Be Yen Lin or Aller Season Support includes a combination of Patchouli plant, field mint, Angelica root, cock lebur fruit, and magnolia flower. This herbal combination gives support to the nasal system (upper respiratory), reducing discomfort and symptoms of seasonal allergies. A number of excellent natural allergy remedies are on the market; one by Nature's Sunshine has brought many relief.

Allergic Respiratory Swelling: A rare but life-threatening allergic occurrence is a sudden swelling of the tongue or throat tissues which may close off the airway. This allergic, or anaphylactic, shock may be brought on by a bee sting, food such as shellfish, peanut butter, or lamb, or by penicillin.

What to Use: The homeopathic remedy Apis mellifica has proven lifesaving in this type of respiratory allergic emergencies. Anyone hypersensitive to bee stings or any other substance would be well advised to carry Apis at all times; if possible, consult with a homeopathic physician regarding carrying a high potency Apis.

Case History: While the family allergist declared, “Nobody is allergic to lamb or rice” as reason I wasn’t tested for these foods, my husband has twice suffered anaphylactic shock from lamb. We carry a high potency Apis just in case the beef was cooked too close to lamb on the restaurant’s grill. WMB