Herbs for Allergies
There are many herbs for allergies available that are not widely known. Millions of people are allergic to something in their environment. Studies are showing there may be a link between allergies and asthma.
Symptoms
Allergies may trigger histamine reactions like watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itchy hives or rashes, headaches, shortness of breath or wheezing. Other allergies may cause nausea, indigestion, swelling or diarrhea.
Causes
Allergies can be caused by airborne matter like pollen, dust, mold spores or pet dander. Others are caused by certain foods or chemical substances like you find in cleaning products, soaps, perfumes, cosmetics or sunscreens. Still others are caused by contact with a specific substance like wool or latex or maybe from getting stung by an insect.
Cautions
Some allergic reactions are very severe and can be life threatening. If your throat begins to close up, you start swelling or have other extreme symptoms, get medical help as soon as possible.
Some Herbs for Allergies
Internal Applications
- Chamomile – herbal tea can be taken to shorten the duration of hay fever attacks. If you are allergic to ragweed, however, this may not be the herbal remedy of choice.
- Ephedra – take this herb to remedy congestion and spasms of the bronchial tubes due to allergy.
- Eucalyptus – add some fresh or dried leaves to a steam inhaler to ease congestion and clear out the lungs. Sit in an enclosed room and breathe in the steam until you can feel some relief.
- Eyebright – take the tincture or capsules to relieve hay fever symptoms. Follow the dosage on the label.
- Ginger – take capsules as directed or eat fresh to reduce inflammation. Ginger is antimicrobial, so it can prevent infections from taking hold in a body that has been weakened by allergy.
- Licorice root – take as directed to reduce inflammation due to allergy. This herb is also antiviral and antibacterial and as such is one of the best herbs for allergies.
- Nettle – this extract works as an expectorant to help clear the lungs. It also reduces sinus inflammation that may result from allergy.
- Butterbur – while this herb has some toxic qualities, there are some studies that show it may be effective in relieving various allergies. Take this herb under the supervision of a qualified herbalist only.
- Red Clover – while usually used for asthma, since asthma and allergies may be related, some people are using red clover to treat their allergy symptoms with success.
- Alfalfa – nourishing to the immune system, alfalfa will soothe the mucus membranes that have been irritated by the allergen.
- Garlic – some people find hay fever relief by cutting up garlic cloves into small pieces and swallowing them like tablets before they go to bed. They claim that they are not bothered by hay fever the next day when they take this herbal remedy.
- Turmeric – this herb builds the immune system and has shown some effectiveness at relieving respiratory allergy symptoms as well. One way to take it is to add slightly less than ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper to a few ounces of milk in a cup. Warm in the microwave. Stir the mixture and drink before bed. Like many herbs it may take some time for this remedy to build up enough in the body to be effective.
- Rooibos – this red tea from Africa has antihistamine properties to relieve allergy symptoms.
- Honey – long touted as a remedy for pollen allergies, it is recommended to eat local honey every day to help relieve symptoms.