For many of us, spring is full of romantic connotations-running through fields of flowers, listening to birds sing and leaving the house without a parka. For those suffering with allergies and asthma however, the picture is very different.

While sneezing at weeds and pollen dust is part of the problem, plants can also provide the solution. Many herbs have a proven track record, through both tradition and scientific study, of effectively treating allergies and asthma. Fennel seed, for example, is antispasmodic, which can have a calming effect in case of coughing and irritation.

Mullein works for bronchial congestion by acting as an expectorant-stimulating the cough reflex in a productive way that minimizes the risk of re-infection while still unclogging the tubes. Classified as a demulcent, mullein can soothe and soften inflamed or irritated tissues. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil from mullein taken in tea is the most effective form.

Sometimes, the solution to allergies and asthma is found within. The Buteyko breathing method is a natural therapy that originated in Russia in the 1950s. This remedy finally made its way to Canada about six years ago through a few dedicated practitioners. As with any modality, it takes time for results to manifest, but most people see a 50 percent reduction in symptoms after only two months.

One of the key concepts in Buteyko therapy is based on the idea that people with asthma and allergies tend to "overbreathe." Even though people with asthma appear unable to catch their breath, in reality they are taking in four or five times more air then the average person, but not utilizing it properly.

"Carbon dioxide regulates breathing. It tells the body when to take another breath," explains Buteyko Breathing Practitioner Christine Byrne-Ralfs (buteyko. ca; 604-448-9480. She says, "When levels become dangerously low [due to overbreathing], the adrenal glands don't work as efficiently and cortisol levels drop, creating a hair-trigger sensitivity to allergens. Asthma constricts airways and creates mucus - a survival mechanism to keep (CO2) blood levels stable."

With up to 25 percent of children being diagnosed with asthma today, teaching people to breathe consciously and properly can have a huge impact. Proper breathing can also aid allergy sufferers and those with conditions such as sleep apnea.

Homeopathy also has a long history of use for respiratory conditions. Diane Louie, a classical homeopath in Langley, BC, had a case involving a nine-year-old boy who had been suffering from seasonal allergies and asthma since he was only five months old. His long list of allergens included certain foods, dogs, grass, nuts and pollen, and he had to rely on puffers and asthmatic drugs whenever he had breathing problems.

When the child had an asthmatic attack, it would become life-threatening and he would have to be rushed to the hospital. His mother brought him to see Louie in March, knowing that April was typically his hardest time. After the very first homeopathic treatment, the boy showed signs of improvement and had very few problems through the spring, even when the pollen was flying. Over the course of a few months, including a homeopathic redose from time to time, his health improved dramatically.

Good nutrition, proper digestion and a healthy immune system are also crucial to healing allergies and asthma. Many people know that using antihistamines and puffers are, at best, a stop-gap solution-something that deals with a symptom without helping the body heal itself.

By making use of the natural solutions around us-which can include herbs, vitamins, minerals, aromatherapy, massage, whole foods, exercise, homeopathy and breathing techniques, or any combination of the above-we allow the body to return to its natural state of health…and we save a lot of money on tissues.

HANS member Alexis Costello is a natural health practitioner, writer, speaker and mother in Kelowna, BC. Reach her at 250-763-2914.

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