Categories: Alternative Medicine

Natural Allergy Remedies

While colorful spring flowers and verdant grasses blowing in the breeze are a delight to behold, they are all too often accompanied by an abundance of pollen and other allergens that can cause seasonal allergies.

An allergic reaction is triggered when an allergen such as a grain of pollen enters the body and comes into contact with a receptor on a mast cell, located in the mucosal lining of the nose and throat. The mast cell releases the chemical histamine, which sets into motion a chain reaction whose goal is to rid the body of the intruder. Unfortunately for the allergy sufferer, this reaction causes watery, itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and other uncomfortable allergy symptoms. Allopathic treatment for allergies usually involves antihistamines, which are drugs that block the effects of histamine. However, antihistamines often cause unwanted side effects including drowsiness, dry mouth and nasal passages, headaches, constipation, dizziness and heart palpitations.

There are many effective natural remedies available to relieve or prevent allergy symptoms without resorting to expensive prescription drugs or over-the-counter products that may cause unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

Some simple lifestyle changes can help to lessen symptoms of seasonal allergies. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outdoors when pollen counts are high, wear a paper dust mask. Keep doors and windows closed, and don’t use a window fan, which draws allergens inside.

A change in diet can work wonders to diminish the severity of allergy symptoms. Eliminating dairy products can decrease the production of mucus. Also steer clear of sunflower seeds, banana, melon, cucumber, and herbal supplements with chamomile or echinacea, which can exacerbate symptoms. During allergy season, avoid any foods that cause sensitivity. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as grass-fed meat, flaxseed oil, walnuts, and cold-water fish, can decrease the body’s production of inflammatory chemicals. Fish oil capsules are a convenient source of omega-3 fatty acids. Spicy foods such as cayenne, ginger, garlic, horseradish or hot mustard are natural decongestants that can help clear nasal passages. A lack of carotenoids in the diet can contribute to inflammation in the airways. Therefore, eating foods rich in carotenoids, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, kale, spinach and apricots is recommended for allergy sufferers. Arachidonic acid, an essential nutrient in small doses, has been linked to inflammation and hay fever. Therefore, it is advisable to restrict foods containing a high amount of arachidonic acid, such as shellfish, red meat and eggs.

Nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot has been shown to dramatically decrease allergy symptoms when used regularly during allergy season. A Neti Pot, which has been popular in India for thousands of years, is a small plastic or ceramic pot shaped like an Aladdin’s lamp. It is simple to use and is available at natural food stores, drug stores, or online. First, fill the pot with a pint of lukewarm water to which a teaspoon of uniodized salt has been added. Then, standing over a sink, place the spout of the pot tightly against one nostril and tilt your head to one side. The salt water will enter the nostril on one side and drain out the other, washing irritants, pollen and mucus out of the nasal and sinus passages After about half of the water is used, switch sides. While it may sound uncomfortable, if the water is body temperature or a bit warmer and the proper amount of salt is added, there is no discomfort. When finished, allow all the water to drain thoroughly from the nasal passages, or very gently blow the nose to remove any remaining water.

Quercetin is a bioflavinoid compound found in plants. It acts by stabilizing the mast cells so they do not release histamine. While quercetin is contained in many foods including apples, broccoli, tomatoes, citrus fruits and red wine, a higher dose of 1,000 milligrams per day is recommended to effectively counteract an allergic reaction. For best results, allergy sufferers should begin taking quercetin supplements approximately six weeks before allergy season starts. Quercetin should not be taken if you have liver disease, and you should consult your health care provider about its use if you are pregnant or nursing.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridusis) is a European herb that has recently become very popular as a remedy for seasonal allergies. Clinical trials have shown that it is as effective as certain prescription antihistamines in controlling symptoms of hayfever and grass allergies, without causing the typical side effect of drowsiness seen with most antihistamines. Butterbur is in the ragweed family, so it should not be used by people who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, daisy or marigold. In addition, butterbur should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing, or have kidney or liver disease.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a wonderful natural remedy for allergy symptoms. It acts by naturally inhibiting the body’s production of histamine. Like butterbur, nettle does not cause the unwanted side effects of drowsiness and dry mouth. While fresh stinging nettle contains chemicals that can cause a painful stinging sensation if touched by the bare skin, once the leaves are dried or infused in boiling water, the sting is deactivated. Nettle is a very effective remedy for allergy symptoms and can be taken in a number of different ways. To make a tea, pour boiling water over fresh or dried nettle leaves and steep for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Dried nettle leaves can be taken in capsule form, or nettle tincture can be taken by mixing 20 drops in a glass of water twice a day.

The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture has been shown to effectively diminish allergy symptoms. It is thought to act by calming the immune system so that it does not overreact when exposed to allergens. Many patients respond very quickly to acupuncture treatment, with an immediate decrease in symptoms such as nasal congestion. Some patients can remain completely free of symptoms with one or two treatments per year. Eliminating sugar from the diet results in a longer-lasting response to acupuncture treatment.