Most people have experienced hay fever, or seasonal allergies, at some point in their lives. That yellow sheen on cars or wisp of white fluffy bits in the air send many people running for something, anything, to relieve their allergy symptoms. There is of course allergy relief medicine available, but frequently causes side effects of their own. Why put more chemicals in the body, if it is unnecessary? Nature provides a wonderful bounty of herbal remedies for seasonal allergy relief.
Stinging Nettle May be the Best Natural Remedy for Allergy Relief
Nearly every resource for natural allergy symptom relievers lists stinging nettle as one of, if not the, top choice for allergy sufferers. Both the leaves and the roots are frequently mentioned, though roots more frequently. According to The Herbal Drugstore, by Linda B. White, MD, and Steven Foster (Rodale, 2003), "One study found that nettle may offer some relief to people with hay fever [allergies]. Of the 69 patients who completed the study, 58 percent rated the freeze-dried preparation of nettle effective; 48 percent said it worked as well or better than their conventional medications." Another source referred to the seasonal allergy relief it offers as "dramatic".
Without question, if someone were to try only one herbal remedy for allergy symptoms, it would be stinging nettle.
Garlic and Onion May Stop Allergies Before They Start
According to James A. Duke, PhD in The Green Pharmacy (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1998), both garlic and onions contain "high concentrations of compounds such as quercetin found in these plants. These compounds retard inflammatory reactions." Garlic and onions, and the quercetin they contain, are spoken of almost as highly as stinging nettle, and in almost as many places, for providing seasonal allergy relief. And, as the quote above hints at, they can actually help prevent allergic reaction before they ever start — thus, loading up the daily diet with garlic and onions when allergy season is impending and pollen is on the rise, may alleviate the need for any other allergy relief medicine at all.
Other Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergy Relief
- Chamomile - according to Prescription for Herbal Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch (Avery, 2002), chamomile "reduces the intensity and duration of allergic reactions." Do not use if allergic to ragweed.
- Horseradish - several sources cite horseradish, as well as Japanese horseradish, wasabi, as not only clearing the sinuses, but reducing the duration and severity of seasonal allergies, and even prevent future bouts if consumed regularly.
- Ginkgo Biloba - according to The Green Pharmacy, ginkgo leaves contain substances known as ginkgolides, which reduce substances in the body that "play a key role in triggering allergies, asthma, and inflammation."
- Ginger - can help reduce allergy symptoms
- Reishi - inhibits chemicals in the body responsible for allergy symptoms, including histamines.
- Licorice root - acts on the body in ways that are very similar to cortisone drugs
- Eucalyptus and Thyme leaves - these, and the volatile oils derived from them (essential oils), help to ease congestion.
Natural Immune System Boosters can also help to reduce the effects of allergens on the body. For a closer look at some of the best herbs for allergies, be sure to read Top 5 Herbs for Seasonal Allergy Treatment.
Genevieve Kiger - Genevieve is passionate about all manner of natural subjects; herbs, herbalism, aromatherapy, and general natural health and body care.
