There are varying degrees of allergy, with the most severe form causing narrowing of the airways, or anaphylaxis, resulting in the inability to breathe. This situation is life-threatening and emergency treatment is needed immediately.

More commonly symptoms of allergy can include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Postnasal drip
• Fatigue
• Rashes or skin breakouts
• Dandruff
• Nasal polyps
• Mouth ulcers

There are many causes of allergy, although some of the more common ones include:

• Cats
• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Grasses
• Wheat
• Dairy
• Egg
• Soy
• Nuts
• Peanuts

As a naturopath, Katherine uses a holistic approach in the treatment of allergy. The approach taken depends on the cause and severity of the allergy, although the following treatment aims apply:

• Modulate the immune system. An allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system, so herbs and nutrients which control the immune response are used.
• Reduce histamine production. Histamine is responsible for causing many of the symptoms associated with allergy, especially itching and redness.
• Control symptoms by using herbs that reduce excess mucus, alleviate itching and promote healing
• Reduce inflammation. By controlling inflammatory mediators in the body, herbs and nutrients help to cut off the inflammatory cascade that feeds an allergic response.
• Assist with dietary management. By improving dietary habits we can ensure that the improvements made are longer-lasting, to keep you feeling great longer!

Naturopathy is very effective in the treatment of allergy and allergic disorders, bringing fast and long-lasting symptom control. The advantage of taking this approach is that the methods used promote the body to heal itself and therefore regulate the immune system so that you can be allergy-free, even after stopping treatment.

Thrush is one of the most common afflictions affecting women – with most women reporting an outbreak at least once a year.

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the candida organism, a yeast that naturally occurs in the vagina. When an overgrowth of candida occurs we get a thrush infection. Candida overgrowth can be caused by a diet too high in sugars, yeasts, and simple carbohydrates, hormonal imbalances, stress, and digestive imbalances. Naturopathy works to address thrush with the use of herbal medicines which reduce this overgrowth, topical preparations, and dietary modifications. Katherine likes to treat thrush by looking at the bigger picture. If there is an overgrowth of candida in the vagina then it is also likely that it is in high amounts in the digestive tract. Treatment of vaginal thrush alone may provide fast relief but will most often lead to re-occurrence due to the systemic nature of the overgrowth. If you have severe thrush it can take some time to resolve it completely. Using naturopathy to slowly eradicate the body of the overgrowth is a very effective way to help prevent further outbreaks.