Herbs for allergies can be an effective alternative to traditional antihistamines. Many people suffering from various allergic diseases are looking for natural ways to relieve symptoms and improve their well-being. Herbal preparations can be a great support in the fight against allergies.
Among the herbs that are often recommended as an aid in alleviating the symptoms of allergies, there are m.in. nettle, sage, alfalfa or peppermint. These plants have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that can help reduce swelling, itching and runny nose.
nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the popular herbs that is often used as a natural anti-allergic agent. It can help relieve allergy symptoms through its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Here is some information on the use of nettle for allergies:
Antihistamine properties: Nettle contains compounds that can inhibit the action of histamine, a substance secreted in the body in response to allergens. Histamine is responsible for most allergic symptoms, such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes and rashes. Applying nettle can help reduce runny nose and itching.
Anti-inflammatory effect: Stinging nettle also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation caused by an allergic reaction. This can help to relieve allergy symptoms.
Diuretic effect: Stinging nettle can act as a diuretic, which can help to expel toxins from the body and reduce the swelling that sometimes accompanies allergic reactions.
Nettle can be consumed in the form of infusions, teas, juices or dietary supplements. You can also find nettle-based products such as herbal teas, extracts or capsules at health food stores or pharmacies.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an herb that has many health benefits, including potential benefits for allergy sufferers. There are certain aspects of sage that may help relieve certain allergy symptoms:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Sage contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflammation caused by allergic reactions. This can help to relieve swelling and irritation in the respiratory tract and other areas of the body.
Sedatives: Sage may have calming and relaxing properties that can help relieve the stress and tension associated with allergic reactions. While this doesn't work directly on allergies, it can help with overall comfort.
Support for the immune system: The compounds contained in sage can act as antioxidants, thus supporting the immune system in the fight against allergic reactions.
Sage can be consumed in the form of infusions, teas, food additives or dietary supplements. If you decide to use sage as an addition to your diet, remember to use it in moderation, as large amounts can have a laxative effect and negatively affect your health.
Pepper mint
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is an herb with a distinctive taste and smell that may provide some relief from allergy symptoms. Here's how peppermint can be helpful:
Relieving catarrh and shortness of breath: The essential oil contained in peppermint can act as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent. This can help relieve the runny nose, itchy nose and shortness of breath that can occur with allergies.
Airway dilatation: Inhaling or ingesting peppermint can help dilate the small airways, which can improve airflow and ease breathing in case of allergic reactions.
Preventing swelling: Peppermint can help relieve swelling and inflammation caused by allergic reactions.
Peppermint can be consumed as a tea or as an addition to food. You can also use peppermint essential oil for inhalation by adding a few drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam. However, it is worth remembering that essential oil can be strong, so always use it carefully and according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Lucerne
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a plant that is often used as animal feed or as a dietary supplement for humans due to its nutrient richness. Below is some information on the possible use of alfalfa in alleviating allergy symptoms:
Rich in nutrients: Alfalfa is a source of vitamins, minerals, protein and other nutrients. They support the general condition of the body and the immune system, which can contribute to the reduction of allergic reactions.
Antioxidant properties: Alfalfa contains antioxidants that may help fight oxidative stress and prevent inflammation that can accompany allergic reactions.
Support for the immune system: Alfalfa may help boost the immune system, which can increase the body's ability to deal with allergens.
Cleansing action: Alfalfa may support liver health and detoxify the body, which may help reduce allergy symptoms.
You can consume alfalfa in the form of fresh leaves, sprouts, powdered leaves or as an ingredient in dietary supplements. It is also important to consume alfalfa in moderation, as large amounts can affect health, especially in people with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders or allergic reactions to plants in the legume family (Fabaceae), which includes alfalfa.
Raw Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice with an intense yellow color that contains a compound called curcumin, known for its numerous health benefits. Although turmeric is mainly studied for its antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory potential, there is also some evidence to suggest that turmeric may provide some relief from allergy symptoms. Here are some possibilities associated with turmeric in the context of allergies:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the body that can occur as a result of allergic reactions.
Modulation of the immune system: Research suggests that curcumin may influence the immune system by regulating pro-inflammatory and anti-allergy cytokines. This may help to ease allergic reactions.
Antioxidant properties: Curcumin has an antioxidant effect, which means it can help protect cells from oxidative stress caused by allergic reactions.
Support for the respiratory system: Turmeric can help dilate the airways and reduce inflammation in the airways, which can provide relief from respiratory allergy symptoms.
You can benefit from turmeric by adding it to foods, drinks, or as a dietary supplement. However, it is worth remembering that curcumin has a low bioavailability, which means that it can be difficult to absorb in the body. Therefore, supplements containing curcumin fortified with black pepper (piperine) are often used, which can increase the absorption of curcumin.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a popular culinary ingredient and a plant with numerous health benefits, including potential anti-allergic properties. Here's how garlic can help relieve allergy symptoms:
Antihistamine action: Garlic contains substances such as quercetin that have antihistamine properties. Quercetin may help reduce the release of histamine, which is the main cause of allergic symptoms such as itching, runny nose and watery eyes.
Anti-inflammatory effect: Garlic contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation caused by allergic reactions.
Immune system support: Garlic can boost the immune system and improve the body's ability to deal with allergens.
Antioxidant properties: Garlic is rich in antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative stress that can be associated with allergic reactions.
Garlic can be added to foods in various forms, such as raw, cooked or powdered. You can also take garlic supplements.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a root with powerful health benefits that may help relieve some allergy symptoms:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation caused by allergic reactions. This can help reduce swelling, irritation and other allergy symptoms.
Immune system support: Compounds in ginger, such as gingerol, can help boost the immune system and support the body in fighting allergic reactions.
Relief of respiratory symptoms: Ginger can help widen the airways and make breathing easier, which can provide relief from respiratory allergies.
Antioxidant properties: Ginger has an antioxidant effect, which may help protect cells from oxidative stress caused by allergic reactions.
Ginger can be consumed in various ways, for example as an addition to food, drinks (such as ginger tea), or as an ingredient in juices. You can also use ginger in the form of dietary supplements. Remember, however, that ginger can have a warming effect, so people with hypersensitivity to hot spices or stomach problems should consume it in moderation.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant that is often used for its cleansing properties and to support liver health. There is some evidence that milk thistle may have some benefits for the immune system and overall health, which may also offer some relief from allergies:
Supporting liver health: Milk thistle contains silymarin, a substance with liver-protective properties. By improving liver function, milk thistle can help remove toxins from the body, which can affect the body's overall response to allergens.
Anti-inflammatory effect: The effect of milk thistle on reducing inflammation can help to relieve allergic symptoms, which are often caused by inflammation.
Supporting the immune system: Some research suggests that milk thistle may improve immune system function, which may increase the body's ability to deal with allergens.
Milk thistle is available as extracts, capsules, teas and other dietary supplements. If you decide to use milk thistle, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications. Remember that herbal supplements can have side effects and drug interactions, so it's important to get proper medical advice before starting supplementation.
St. John's wort
John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herb that is often used in traditional herbal medicine for its potential health benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and calming properties. There is some evidence that St. John's wort may provide some relief from allergy symptoms. Here's how St. John's wort can be helpful:
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties: St. John's wort can help soothe the inflammation that often occurs in allergic reactions. Its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce swelling and irritation.
Sedative propertiesSt. John's wort has calming and relaxing properties, which can help reduce the stress and tension associated with allergic reactions.
Alleviation of skin symptoms: Topical application of St. John's wort preparations can help relieve skin symptoms such as itching and rashes that often accompany skin allergies.
John's wort is available in various forms such as herbal teas, extracts, capsules and oils. As with other herbs, reactions to St. John's wort can vary from person to person. That's why it's always important to follow the advice and be careful, especially if you're already taking any medications or have health problems.
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic plant that is widely used in cooking and has potential health benefits. There is some evidence that basil may have health benefits, basil may help relieve certain allergy symptoms to some extent:
Antihistamine properties: Basil contains compounds such as eugenol, which helps in easing allergy symptoms such as itching, watery eyes and runny nose.
Anti-inflammatory effect: The anti-inflammatory properties of basil can help reduce the inflammation that often accompanies allergic reactions.
Immune system support: Basil can support the overall health of the body and the immune system, which can help soothe allergic reactions.
Basil is often used as a food additive, as well as an ingredient in drinks and teas. You can also find dietary supplements containing basil extracts.
Herbs for allergies - a summary
In today's world, where more and more people are struggling with various diseases, allergies are one of the most common health problems. However, there are many natural solutions that can help relieve allergy symptoms. Allergy remedies are one such solution.
Herbs have been used in natural medicine for centuries to treat various ailments. In the case of allergies, certain herbs can be especially effective in relieving symptoms and boosting the immune system.
In conclusion, if you suffer from allergies and are looking for a natural way to alleviate its symptoms, it is worth considering the use of herbs. However, be sure to consult your doctor or specialist before starting any herbal therapy.
