4 Ways To Address Eczema & Allergies Naturally
"When asthma is controlled, look for: sign of a cold, coughing at night, symptoms interfere with exercise, exposure to triggers (sudden changes in temperature). Normal stage rescue treatments include 20-minute steam shower, tablespoon of local Maryland honey, Vicks vapor rub, Ibuprofen or Tylenol every six hours. Additionally, take asthma rescue medicine every 4-6 hours for 1-2 days (listed below)."
This is an example of just ONE of my children's asthma and allergy medicine routines, which I must provide to daycares, schools, sitters and immediate family members. I must ensure that they all can identify signs my children might be having an asthma attack. The example is also the normal stage rescue treatment (green zone), so you can only imagine how involved the next two escalated stages are.
Nowadays, it seems like everyone has eczema (or atopic dermatitis), allergies, and asthma, and with good reason. Global warming is causing pollen counts to increase year after year and prolonging pollen-producing seasons, intensifying seasonal allergies, Vox reports. I didn't have any of these as a child, yet now as an adult, I have my own allergy and asthma routine.
Kerry M. Pittman, ND is a Los Angeles celebrity naturopath, energy medicine practitioner, and author of The Tequila Diet. Kerry specializes in whole health makeovers at her private practice. She describes environmental allergies as a misguided reaction in your body by an overloaded or overstimulated immune system in response to substances that really shouldn't bother it.
The economic cost of asthma in the United States is nearly $82 billion a year and asthma results in 5.2 million lost school days a year. Eczema is a type of allergic disease, and last year a study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggested that Black people have greater treatment challenges with allergic diseases (eczema, increased atopy and asthma) and require higher doses of some medications to get relief.
My children have prescribed medications to handle their respiratory issues, but whenever I can, I do try to integrate natural remedies and solutions. For example, the use of raw, local honey to combat asthma and allergy issues is not an urban legend, the honey reduces throat irritation for my children after persistent coughs. It contains natural vitamins, enzymes, powerful antioxidants, and other important nutrients and can strengthen the immune system.
Here are four other ways to address your child's allergies naturally:
1.Eliminate the worst offenders in your home.
If your child is constantly exposed to an allergen trigger, it can make improvement much more difficult. For dust mite allergies, do your best to eliminate dusty surfaces and encase your child's pillow and mattress with allergen protection covers. If pollen is an offender, keep windows shut, take shoes off at the door, and consider an air cleaner. In addition, if you think you might have mold in your home triggering symptoms, you can purchase a mold petri dish such as Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit to test your home for toxic and allergenic mold. Contact a mold remediation company if necessary.
2.Try homeopathy.
Homeopathy supports the body's innate healing capacity. It is based on the paradoxical theory that "like cures like." In other words, the same substance that causes a set of symptoms in a large dose can relieve those symptoms in an extremely diluted dose. Homeopathic mixtures targeting allergy symptoms are available in both liquid tinctures and quick dissolving pellets.
3.Add a probiotic.
Probiotics can help improve the health of the intestinal flora in the digestive tract, support the immune system and may be beneficial in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis (runny nose). Lactobacillus GG and L. gasseri in particular are believed to be two of the best probiotics for allergies, along with L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. Try introducing sugar-free coconut Kefir or yogurt to your child or add a chewable probiotic such as Culturelle Kids Chewables Daily Probiotic.
4.Consider herbal remedies.
The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. One of the best herbs for allergies is stinging nettle. This plant reduces inflammation and lowers histamine production which is the culprit behind that runny nose and itchy eyes. For children, you can make a tea of it or take as a tincture. Another age-old remedy is ginger, which is a powerful antioxidant and one of the most effective remedies to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract caused by allergies. Try making ginger root tea with a touch of honey or stevia to make it more palatable.
As always, any adjustments to medical routines should be first discussed with your child's pediatrician or your healthcare provider. And although herbs are considered safe, it's a good idea to consult with a naturopathic doctor or an herbalist first. But the important thing to keep in mind when healing allergies naturally is to have patience. Natural therapies may not be as quick acting as certain pharmaceuticals, but there also may be far fewer side effects and even the possibility of unexpected positive results for other body systems such as digestion, energy, and mood.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
Kerry Washington Has The Perfect Natural Remedy For Eczema
9 All-Natural Ways To Quench Dehydrated Skin
Burnout Landed Me In An Ambulance For My Afternoon Commute
Honey, Probiotics & Other Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies
Featured image by Shutterstock
- Why Manuka Honey Is The Ultimate Beauty Find - xoNecole ›
- What Can Trigger Eczema: Common Triggers - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Eczema Treatment | National Eczema Association ›
- Eczema and Food Allergy in Babies and Young Children ... ›
- The Connection Between Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis and Allergies ›
- Baby Eczema Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Creams, and More ›
- Alternative and natural eczema treatments | National Eczema ... ›
- Natural and Alternative Treatments for Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis ›
- 12 best natural remedies for eczema ›
- 8 Natural Remedies to Reduce Eczema Symptoms ›
Christine Carter is a voice for millennial moms (and uniquely, young black female professionals and mothers). She has been featured in and guest contributed to several global digital publications, including Forbes, TIME, Health, Ebony, Black Bride, Inc., Women's Health and many others.
Exclusive: Gabrielle Union On Radical Transparency, Being Diagnosed With Perimenopause And Embracing What’s Next
Whenever Gabrielle Union graces the movie screen, she immediately commands attention. From her unforgettable scenes in films like Bring It On and Two Can Play That Game to her most recent film, in which she stars and produces Netflix’s The Perfect Find, there’s no denying that she is that girl.
Off-screen, she uses that power for good by sharing her trials and tribulations with other women in hopes of helping those who may be going through the same things or preventing them from experiencing them altogether. Recently, the Flawless by Gabrielle Union founder partnered with Clearblue to speak at the launch of their Menopause Stage Indicator, where she also shared her experience with being perimenopausal.
In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
Exclusive: Gabrielle Union On Radical Transparency, Being Diagnosed With Perimenopause And Embracing What’s Next
Whenever Gabrielle Union graces the movie screen, she immediately commands attention. From her unforgettable scenes in films like Bring It On and Two Can Play That Game to her most recent film, in which she stars and produces Netflix’s The Perfect Find, there’s no denying that she is that girl.
Off-screen, she uses that power for good by sharing her trials and tribulations with other women in hopes of helping those who may be going through the same things or preventing them from experiencing them altogether. Recently, the Flawless by Gabrielle Union founder partnered with Clearblue to speak at the launch of their Menopause Stage Indicator, where she also shared her experience with being perimenopausal.
In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images