Allergies are abnormalities in the immune system that cause the body to be irritated or suffer an adverse reaction from a usually harmless substance. These substances are known as allergens and commonly include pollen, pet dander, dust mite excretion, and mold spores. However, almost anything can act as an allergen, depending on a person’s unique immune system. While allergies are often irritating and annoying, they are sometimes debilitating. Allergy symptoms range in severity and include red, itchy eyes, sneezing, cramps, rash, difficulty breathing, congestion, swelling, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Allergies can be treated in a number of different ways. However, while many prescription and over-the-counter medications are effective in treating allergies, many people would prefer to limit the amount of chemicals and synthetic substances they put into their body. Fortunately, for those that wish to treat their allergies using natural substances, there are a number of herbs that are quite effective in treating allergies.
Natural Herbs Used To Treat Allergies:
Stinging Nettle: Stinging Nettle is commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. Stinging nettle contains large amounts of vitamin K, quercetin, and carotene, which are known to neutralize histamines. When purchasing stinging nettle, it is important to purchase extracts taken from the leaf of the plant, instead of the root. Extracts taken from the root of the stinging nettle will support prostate health, but have no effect on allergies.
Butterbur: Butterbur helps to eliminate the nasal symptoms, like swelling, itching, and congestion, that are caused by allergies. Butterbur has actually been proven to be as effective as many prescription medications, including both Allegra and Zyrtec. However, one additional benefit of butterbur extract is that this herb does not cause drowsiness, which is a commonly caused by many allergy medications.
Quercetin: Quercetin is known to neutralize histamines, which reduces allergy-caused inflammation. Quercetin is derived from certain vegetables and fruits, and may also be found in a variety of wines.
Chinese Skullcap: Chinese skullcap reduces the production of leukotrienes in the body. Leukotrienes cause the bronchial tubes to constrict and also cause the nasal passages to swell. Chinese Skullcap is generally said to be effective because of it’s high levels of flavonoids.
Flavonoids: Flavonoids are found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Flavonoids help to prevent swelling in the nasal passages by reducing the creation of histamines. Additionally, flavonoids help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which are known to cause cancer.
Bromelain: Bromelain reduces swelling in the nasal passages. Therefore, bromelain will be most effective for those that experience swelling and difficulty breathing as a symptom of their allergies.
Tinospora cordifolia: Tinospora cordifolia is used to help those that tend to suffer from sneezing and excessive nasal discharge because of their allergies. Tinospora cordifolia may also help those that become itchy and irritated due to their allergies.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is used to reduce inflammation due to allergies. In addition, vitamin A is used to strengthen the immune system. A stronger immune system will help those with allergies become less sensitive to allergens and therefore, less prone to suffering from allergy symptoms.
Eucalyptus: The oil from the eucalyptus plant can be placed on the chest to treat the symptoms of allergies, including nasal congestion and labored breathing. Users may choose to rub eucalyptus oil on their upper chest area or boil eucalyptus leaves and inhale the strong scent that is created.
Licorice Root: Licorice root stimulates the release of the adrenal hormone called aldosterone. This helps to treat the symptoms of allergies, as well as asthma, bronchitis, congestion, and sore throats. Licorice root also helps to reduce inflammation, sooth mucous membranes, and helps to relieve other irritating allergy symptoms.