Seasonal Allergies Got You Down

April 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Many people are choosing to look for a more natural way to take care of those seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are very bothersome. Sneezing, itchy nose, watery eyes make you feel miserable. Modern medicine may have made progress over the years in treating allergy symptoms, but the cure can be worse than the allergies. Many of the over the counter or prescription decongestants lead to a dry mouth, and dry sinuses. They can also cause a rise in blood pressure, which for some can be dangerous. Antihistamines just make you drowsy. Who wants to go through life drowsy?

The good news is that there are herbs that will help you treat your allergies naturally. They are used to relieve symptoms in a holistic way. Over time, herbs will actually help to prevent the symptoms rather than just treating the symptoms.

Herbs for Treating Seasonal Allergies

Nettle (Urtica dioica), also called stinging nettle in many places, contains a naturally occurring antihistamine. It is the first herb of choice to reach for in most allergy cases. Nettle herb can be taken as herbal tea, and can also be taken in capsule form. For best results, it should be taken about 2 weeks prior to allergies coming on and throughout your allergy season.

Goldenseal (Hydrastic canadensis) is an astringent herb, and it stimulates and tones mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It is very useful during an allergy attack. For heavy sinus congestion, goldenseal can be used in a Netti pot. Use 1 drop extract per nostril. Only use 1 or twice a week.

Plantain (Plantago major) has been used for years in treating respiratory complaints including cough and inflammation. It has anti-catarrhal and antispasmodic properties. Drink as a hot tea.

To alleviate congestion and make breathing easier, try drinking a hot cups of peppermint tea. The menthol in peppermint will open up air ways.

The phytochemical compounds and natural antihistamines in cinnamon, ginkgo, and reshi mushrooms also reduce allergy inflammation.

While herbs can help keep allergies in check, there are also food choices you can make to help.

Foods for Treating Seasonal Allergies

Foods loaded with Quercetin will help reduce allergy symptoms naturally. Foods that contain quercetin include cabbage, cranberries, kale, grapes, pears, apples, spinach, garlic, onions, and grapefruit.  Quercetin is the pigment that gives fruits and herbs their colorful hue. Quercetin inhibits the release of histamine.
Note: Be sure not to take Quercetin in capsule form if you are taking stinging nettle for your allergies. Stinging nettle contains quercetin, and this could lead to overdosing.

Many people don’t get enough Omega-3 fatty acid in their diet.Omega-3 has the ability to counter inflammatory responses in your body, such as allergies. To increase the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, eat plenty of fish. You can also take fish oil supplements. Flaxseeds are also an abundant food source of Omega-3. Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin and walnut are also a source of Omega-3.

Eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies to help cleanse your system of toxins and pollutants.

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Kathy Lambert, Clinical Herbalist and Herbal Educator.
Kathy has written many articles for newspapers, magazines and online health sites. She is working on her first book on herbal healing.
She continues her training to keep up to date on herbal info.