The ear saga continues, yet hope is ever-present, as I dive deep into ear allergies on my latest quest for answers.
This is my fourth blog on the ears, because I have been on a quest to solve this chronic ear infection, otitis media, naturally.
While I cannot claim to be an expert on the ears, I am happy to announce that I’m an expert at following the lead of my guidance counselor, the Holy Spirit.
When I am actively praying for a solution, and new doors open, people show up, and healing remedies are presented on the pathways of life, I am 100% comfortable with following those leads.
If you read my last blog on muffled hearing about my visit to urgent care, I was feeling as if I was going to lose my hearing, with two severe ear infections.
When I left urgent care, I was prescribed antibiotics, steroidal ear drops and the equivalent of Zyrtec, an antihistamine.
I decided to opt out on the antibiotics and the Zyrtec, and used the drops only. I tried the antibiotics five years ago, and they did not work and I just secretly lived with on-and-off-again ear infections over the last six years.
The ear drops prescribed from urgent care offered relief from the severe inflammation, redness, and soreness of the ear caused by the staph infection in both ears, but the fluid relentlessly continued to drain from my ear.
Then I engaged an extensive natural antibiotic protocol, and I did get considerable relief for the 9 days that I engaged it, but one misstep in my diet on the final day (gluten free-vegan pizza), and my ears were nearly sealed shut the next morning after the meal.
This variety of pizza choice for most people, would be a very healthy option, but for me, it was a dietary nightmare, with the soy-based cheese and wheat crust, albeit gluten free.
I cried that morning, feeling depleted and without hope, and my husband prayed for my healing before leaving for work. He had been actively praying with me for two weeks straight, for restoration of my ears, and for the renewal of my spirit for the journey of faith needed to heal.
It finally occurred to me after two weeks of resistance toward the urgent care prescription advisements, to give the antihistamine, Zyrtec, a try.
Within an hour I noticed my damp, and often actively draining ears started to feel like they were drying up. If only I had tried that 6 years ago.
This blog is to inspire anyone who is trying to detox from the Epstein Barr virus, the streptococcus bacteria, or any other viral syndrome and experiencing the sudden histamine release of detoxing.
This blog is also for anyone who doesn't understand why their ear infections won't go away and no doctor has helped them to make the connection between allergies and their ear condition.
I have been detoxing on a viral protocol for Epstein Barr, and the detoxing is causing a histamine reaction and as the virus is leaving my body it is kicking up all sorts of havoc in my ears.
The condition was always there, because of the Epstein Barr and Strep bacteria were causing it, but the ear infections were amplified three months ago when I started detoxing.
What’s the Next Step for Treating Your Ear Allergies Naturally?
Believe it or not, the underlying pathogen conditions have to be knocked out, to solve the condition.
While an over the counter antihistamine will offer temporary relief while the viral condition/and or bacterial condition are being systematically treated through diet and supplementation, I don’t find that route acceptable for long term use.
Natural Antihistamines for Ear Allergies
Here are three natural remedies that act as an antihistamine in the body. If you have tried antibiotics, and they didn't work, this is a viable option to consider as your next step.
I already have all of the following supplements in my in home pharmacy, so obviously my instincts for their use have been on target. I have used them occasionally, but not to their full potential for their antihistamine capabilities.
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms (gandoderma lucidum) have a long list of health benefits, including. hepatopathy, chronic hepatitis, nephritis, hypertension, hyperlipemia, arthritis, neurasthenia, insomnia, bronchitis, asthma, gastric ulcers, atherosclerosis, leukopenia, diabetes, anorexia, and cancer. And guess what else? YES! ALLERGIES!
Reishi is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, making it a perfect option for allergy and itching relief.
Reishi has Ganoderic acid, which reduces the over-production of histamines. This is what we need to ward off allergies.
The Reishi mushroom creates a healthy reaction to allergens, thus decreasing the duration of symptoms and the intensity of symptoms.
The Triterpenoids in the Reishi are an anti-inflammatory and largely contribute to anti-allergen effect within the body.
Quercetin
Quercetin belongs to the flavonoid group and responsible for the color of fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants.
This flavonoid stabilizes our histamine release and its anti-inflammatory activity reduces swelling of body parts.
Good sources of quercetin include apples, onions, kale, tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, berries, green chilis, grapes, kale, broccoIi, brussel sprouts, elderberry, tomatoes, citrus fruits, fennel, sweet potato, and cilantro.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is an anti-inflammatory and blocks histamines, so it acts as a natural antihistamine.
Studies have shown that stinging nettle stabilizes mast cells, thus blocking the histamine receptors, creating a stopping point for the immune cells to release inflammatory molecules that trigger allergic reaction symptoms.
Conclusion
As I go on this healing journey, I hope I can help you to hold the torch for natural healing. Believe in your ability to keep the faith, even when things seem worse before they get better.
I have faith in you.
Blessings. Shannon.
Sources:
God; Holy Spirit
Reishi
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=gandoderma+lucidum+and+allergies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576909002240?via%3Dihub
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23557365/
Quercetin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27187333/
- Pellow J et al, "Health supplements for allergic rhinitis: A mixed-methods systematic review." Complementary Therapies in Medicine, May 17, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102425
- Weng Z et al, "Quercetin is more effective than cromolyn in blocking human mast cell cytokine release and inhibits contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans." PLoS One, March 2012. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033805
Stinging nettle
Another excellent write up with great information and inspiration for anyone holding the batton of faith that all things are a season, and not the Masterpiece that we are in the process of writing for our lives. In my experience too, what often looks like a step back, is nothing more than things being removed for the greater result to be manifest in our life ahead. Keep up the good race SLB!!
I’m so proud of you for sharing your story. I am also so glad that you have a prayer warrior husband who protects you and you can walk hand in hand with! Blessings to you both✨