Ragweed Allergy

Ragweeds grow all over the United States, but are most prolific in the Eastern, Mid Eastern, Southern and Mid Western states.The main season for ragweed allergy is between July and October. In this period, as the nights become longer the ragweed flowers release their pollens, to be carried on the winds, to other plants which they will fertilise.

Ragweed grows particularly in rural areas, along road sides and river banks, and in vacant lots and fields. In areas close to where the plants are growing, the pollen counts will peak near dawn, and in town areas these peaks can be between early or mid morning and late afternoon, depending on the temperature, humidity and prevailing winds.

There are many species of ragweed in North America, as well as other members of the same family such as rabbit brush, sage brush and groundsel brush. These plants all shed pollen, which is then spread by the winds, leading to allergy reactions and the common ragweed allergy symptoms or hayfever.

Allergies are the result of overactive or oversensitive immune systems. In the healthy body the immune system locates and identifies “dangers” to the body such as viruses and bacteria, and then reacts to rid the body of them. People with allergies have unbalanced or oversensitive immune systems, that react to normally harmless substances such as pollen or dust, causing allergy symptoms, such as those seen in hayfever.

The ragweed allergy symptoms include sore or red and inflammed eyes, runny noses, sneezing and respiratory tract problems such as difficulty with breathing.

Allergies are most often treated with medications and sprays or by attempted avoidance of the allergen or substance causing the reaction. Antihistamines, decongestants, staying indoors, monitoring pollen counts, HEPA filters and even moving house to other areas are all things people try to alleviate their symptoms. Acupuncure and hypnosis have also become popular for treating those with allergies, as has immunotherapy or “allergy shots”.

However, before these treatments can even be considered, identification of the allergen causing the problem is necessary. Sometimes this is obvious, sometimes it is not. Skin prick tests and careful medical examination including review of medical history, or step by step elimination of the likely allergens have proved successful in many cases.

A growing consensus in these modern days is that perhaps the best approach to allergies is the holistic one which aims to restore the correct balance in the body, and strengthen the immune system, rather than just treating the symptoms of the reaction.

Reducing inflammation, restoring the balance in the immune system and supporting long term immune health are all vital steps in managing the seasonal allergies like hay fever, ragweed allergy and sinusitis.

There are a number of natural substances that can help with this.