An allergy is an immune system response to a foreign substance, or allergen, that’s not typically harmful to the body. In the springtime, pollen can cause miserable symptoms to many people. Sometimes drugs work well, sometimes they help a little and often they are ineffective. Read on for natural help for this pesky problem.
*I am not affiliated with any particular supplement company, but I sometimes recommend products based on medical studies, consumer reviews or personal use.
Pollens from grass, weeds, and trees, as well as resin from plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, are very common plant allergens.
Researchers aren’t exactly sure why the immune system causes an allergic reaction when a normally harmless foreign substance enters the body.
Allergies have a genetic component. This means parents may pass them down to their children.
Seasonal allergies, sometimes called hay fever, are some of the most common allergies. These are caused when pollen is released by plants. They cause: itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny nose and coughing.
Conventional Treatment
Allergy treatment often includes medications like antihistamines to control symptoms. The medication can be over the counter or prescription.
Sedating antihistamines can cause many short-term effects such as urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth, increased appetite, and worsen narrow-angle glaucoma via their action on cholinergic receptors. However, most side effects are mild and stop when the drug is no longer used, or the dose is reduced.
antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
corticosteroids
cetirizine (Zyrtec)
loratadine (Claritin)
decongestants (Afrin, Suphedrine PE, Sudafed)
leukotriene modifiers (Singulair, Zyflo)
Singulair should only be prescribed if there are no other suitable treatment options. This is because it increases your risk of serious behavioral and mood changes, such as suicidal thoughts and actions. [1]
Natural Treatments
Brigham tea, also called Mormon tea, is made from the dried branches of ephedra nevadensis or ephedra viridis. This does not contain the stimulating component ephedrine, that would be Ephedra sinica or other species. Actually the sale of herbal products containing ephedra alkaloids is illegal in the United States.
Brigham/Mormon tea is great at decreasing or eliminating the effects of histamines and has some excellent decongestant and broncho-dilating effects as it opens up the tissues of the lungs and sinuses. It also has anti-inflammatory effects on those tissues. Folks that use Brigham tea a couple of times a day tend to need much less (if any) allergy medicine. It’s also a great source of minerals and a mild stimulant. So instead of feeling groggy and tired after taking a pharmaceutical antihistamine, you feel energized and happy.
Stinging nettle leaf is really great for allergies. It interferes with histamine production as well as interfering with histamine release from the mast cells that produce it. It also prevents histamine that’s already released from binding to tissues. So, it slows down histamine production, decreases its release and keeps it from doing its job of aggravating everything if it is released. It also contains some flavanoids that are anti-inflammatory in general. This is available in tea form, tinctures and capsules.
Quercetin is a favorite of natural healing advocates who believe that it stabilizes the release of histamines and helps to control allergy symptoms. It’s naturally found in broccoli, cauliflower, green tea, and citrus fruits. It is available in pill or liquid form as a supplement.
Eyebright is another good allergy herb. This little flower contains several bioactive compounds, including iridoid glycosides and flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce inflammation in the body, including inflammation caused by allergies. Additionally, eyebright has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine. Available as a supplement in pill or liquid tincture form.
Vitamin C – 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily reduces histamine levels.
Bitter Orange contains synephrine, which helps the body to support open airways.
Bromelain is an enzyme that helps reduce the swelling of mucous membranes from allergies and also during times of respiratory stress.
If you do not want to take numerous pills, many of these ingredients can be found in some excellent formulas such as Nature’s Sunshine Histablock, Dr. Christopher’s Sinus Plus formula, Oregon’s Wild Harvest Nettle Quercetin Capsules.
Struggling with severe symptoms? A good trio combo to try: Mormon/Brigham tea, Nettle & Quercitin, Eyebright or Butterbur liquid tincture or capsules. I encourage you to do more research on these herbs to get a deeper understanding of how they work.
Natural remedies can be very effective for allergy symptoms. Don’t use these remedies if you are having severe issues such as: trouble breathing, chest tightness or pains, dizziness or extensive rashes. Consult your healthcare provider first.
Additional Help for Allergies – Lesser known but still quite beneficial
Saline nasal irrigation – A 2012 review of 10 studies showed that saline nasal irrigation had beneficial effects for both children and adults with allergic rhinitis, which is often referred to as hay fever.[2] Often known as a “neti pot”.
Air Filters – Consider using an air filter in your indoor environments. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are one type of air filter to consider. By trapping airborne irritants such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, HEPA filters reduce allergens in your home.
Butterbur – not a well known herb but very effective. In a 2003 review, butterbur — also known as Petasites hybridus — was found to be equally effective for itchy eyes as a commonly used oral antihistamine.[3] However, a person needs to take butterbur with caution, as it can cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
Acupuncture – A 2015 review of 13 studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.[4]
Honey – Although there’s no scientific evidence to prove it, a popular theory suggests eating locally produced RAW honey. According to the theory, you will lower your allergic reaction over time to the pollen that the bees collect in your area to make their honey.
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers – By removing moisture from the air, air conditioners and dehumidifiers can limit the growth of mildew and mold that can negatively impact allergies.
Spirulina – Not usually known for allergy relief, a 2015 study showed that dietary spirulina — a blue-green algae — demonstrated antiallergic protective effects towards allergic rhinitis.[5]
Frankincense essential oil – Based on the results of a 2016 study, frankincense oil may help against perennial allergic rhinitis. You can dilute it in a carrier oil and use behind your ears or use inhalation by diffusing it into the air.[6]
Seasonal allergies can truly make life miserable. The good news is there are simple natural remedies to offer allergy relief.
In some cases, finding a clean natural medication can be the last resort. I recommend Genexa brand products for any over the counter medication needs.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/pollen-allergy
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/05/allergies-complementary-medicine
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-relief-without-drugs
https://blog.providence.org/alternative-medicine/7-natural-treatments-for-allergy-relief
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323276
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