Holistic Allergy Relief
Allergies are an immune overreaction to an otherwise harmless substance. Examples of allergies include hay fever, asthma and childhood eczema. Symptoms to various allergies may include sneezing, itching, watery eyes and breathing difficulties.
A few general herbs often recommended to relieve allergies include the following:
Stinging Nettle is commonly used as a tonic herb. It plays its own role in allergic response in a number of ways. Nettle helps clear waste products from the body. According to Herbalist James Green, nettle helps to strengthen the mucous lining of urinary, digestive and respiratory systems. Green also suggests using the fresh herb against allergic response and hay fever.
Nettle contains nutrients such as carotene, vitamins C and K as well as quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that can be found in various fruits and vegetables, seeds and grains. Quercetin has anti-allergic properties due to its inhibition of histamine release.
Lobelia according to Dr. Weil has traditionally been used to treat asthma. He recommends a tincture of Lobelia can be taken at the start of an asthma attack.
Butterbur traditionally been used to relieve coughs, congestion and allergic rhinitis. Raw Butterbur leaf, root or bulb of the plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are hard on the liver. So, it is best to get a Butterbur product that is free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
To learn more about these herbs contact us at Contact
Citations:
Green, J. (2002). The herbal medicine-makers handbook: a home manual. Berkeley: Crossing Press.
Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27187333
Is Lobelia Safe to Use?
https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/is-lobelia-safe-to-use/
Butterbur
Janet Christmas RH, RHN 