In my acupuncture practice I come across many pets who suffer from red, itchy or oozy eyes.
Chrysanthemum flower tea is an easy remedy for most of these cases.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemum flower is one of the main herbs used to treat eye ailments. It is especially helpful during allergy season. It can be used for pets or humans. Most animals do not like the taste of the tea. Fortunately it can be used externally.

To make a soothing eye wash from chrysanthemum tea for you or your pets, place the tea bags in luke-warm water for about 3 minutes. Then gently place the tea bags on your pets eyes for a minute or as long as they will allow it. You can do this twice a day.

If you are not able to find the tea bags and are using loose dried flowers, allow them to soak in lukewarm water for the same amount of time. Dip a cotton ball in the bowl and gently place on the eyes.

You can find chrysanthemum tea at most Asian food or herb shops. For more information on
how to use chrysanthemum tea visit the Wikipedia

Meet Gladys, a 2 year old Boston Terrier who had her very first acupuncture treatment last night. Poor Gladys is allergic to almost everything. So she is on a combination of medication from our good friends at Atlantic Vet Hospital in Marblehead and has just started taking a few other supplements such as Quercetin and a probiotic Pb8 to help ease her symptoms.
Click here to learn more about treating dogs with allergies

Gladys was a very good patient. She stayed still for her acupuncture session and almost fell asleep during it. She is a delightful dog to be around. Thank you Gladys! Good Girl!

Quercetin for you and your dog

Quercetin is a wonderful supplement for dogs or humans suffering from allergies or asthma. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid (or flavonoid), which is a type pigment found in almost all herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It is also an antioxidant. a natural anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory supplement

Research has shown that Quercetin’s antihistamine action may help to relieve allergy symptoms and asthma symptoms. Quercetin helps treat allergies by blocking the secretion of histamine in the body. Histamine is what causes inflammation and swelling. The symptoms of a histamine reaction can be stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, itchy or red skin, runny eyes and more. The anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce pain from disorders such as arthritis.

Quercetin supplements are also available in concentrated powders and tablet or capsule form. It is often packaged with bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple), another substance that has been found useful for treatment of allergies and inflammation, which is thought to increase the absorption of Quercetin.

I personally use the Solaray Brand since it has bromelain in the formula. The Solaray formula comes in capsules, which makes it is easy to break one apart and sprinkle on your dog’s food. For more information on dosages for dogs please read the post:Do the Math

You can find it at most natural food stores or online.

Treating Allergies Naturally… for you & your dog

Allergies effect both humans and dogs. Here are a few tips to help relieve the sneezing, itching and snorting!

Allergies can be seasonal or year round, depending on the culprit. The usual triggers include pollen, mold, yeast, pet dander, dust mite particles, and foods. The top 5 trigger foods that cause allergies in dogs and people are:
• wheat (and wheat gluten)
• corn
• soy
• eggs
• dairy

In my canine acupuncture practice, I have found that it takes a combination of herbs and/or supplements, a change in diet and a round of acupuncture sessions to help relieve the symptoms of allergies and boost the immune system. I strongly recommend that the dog takes herbs unless it is on drugs that would cause a negative reaction.

Here are a few tips for dogs with allergies.
• Feed him only foods that are free of wheat, corn or soy.
• Use a glass or stainless steel water and food bowl to prevent mold growth.
• Give him the supplement, Quercetin. (tomorrow’s blog post will cover Quercetin.)
• Do a round of acupuncture with Chinese herbal formulas
• Use an air filter in your home.

PLEASE NOTE that the following information below is for people suffering from allergies NOT dogs!

Allergy season is almost here. If you suffer from springtime allergies try adding a little raw, unfiltered local honey to your tea every morning. Try to find honey that is made within 20 miles of your home.

The theory behind this remedy is that daily exposure to a small amount of an allergen can desensitize the body. This helps the body to resist the allergen in the long run.

Other ways to boost your immune system during this allergy season:
• Get more sleep.
• Take your vitamins.
• Soak in a warm bath infused with apple cider vinegar.
• Add garlic to your meals.
• Breath. Relax. Laugh!
• Add an air filter to your bedroom.
• Get a massage.
• Add Quercetin to your daily supplements.
• Get an Acupuncture Tune-Up.