Fall allergies - the real culprits

There are so many species of goldenrod (Solidago), or golden top, as it is called in some parts of the country, a native US perennial. This one is “wreath goldenrod”.

Its dried leaves can be used to make a tea. The scientific name, from the Latin, means “to make whole”, and refers to the healing properties which have been attributed to it—for liver and urinary tract health.

If these grains look prickly, they are! They’re the microscopic pollen of annual ragweed, Ambrosia artemesifolia (drawing below) an inconspicuous plant that flowers at the same time as the more showy goldenrod in the picture at the top. Goldenrod pollen is large & heavy and falls to the ground to be carried away by insects and other critters, while ragweed pollen is small, light and windborne.

Allergies are yet another call for adequate nutrients and acid/alkaline balance. Yes, if you’re experiencing fall allergies, don’t assume you’re stuck with them for life. I used to have spring allergies to grass pollen and found that cod liver oil and the alkalizing effect of liquid chlorophyll* were truly magical! I have since
shared this remedy with many others who have achieved good results in a surprisingly short time. Remember the acid/alkaline diet formula too. If you’re having allergic reactions, boost your alkaline foods to 80% or higher.

That means lay on the veggies and the raw foods! Lay off sugars (especially the refined kind, including fruit juices** and alcohol), dairy, grains (especially flour products) and be moderate with your protein consumption. Chew your food really well for this will stimulate the secretion of amylase, the highly alkaline enzyme in our mouths that begins starch digestion.

*This is alfalfa juice—it’s like a liquid vitamin/mineral and is slightly phytoestrogenic, though many men find they benefit from it’s strengthening and alkalizing effects. so can be quite beneficial. One brand that I enjoy is World Organics, available with and without mint flavoring.

**If you must drink, dilute at least 50/50 with pure water.

Annual Ragweed
Ambrosia artemesifolia

Ragweed, is an inconspicuous plant, and grows along the roadsides and in waste places. It blooms in September and October in much of the country. Its tiny spiky pollen grains cause allergic reactions that are blamed on the more conspicuous goldenrod. Ragweed has medicinal uses, however, as a liver tonic and is recommended along with catnip for menopause. Gather the leaves in the summer and dry, or make a
tincture of fresh leaves.

Drawing taken from: USDA-NRCS PLANTS
Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Ann Miller-Cohen A.K.A. Organic Annie
www.OrganicAnnie.com
www.SensualSavvy.com
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