When you have allergies, it’s no fun, but besides over-the-counter medications or drugs prescribed by your doctor, you can also sometimes used herbs to alleviate your allergic symptoms. Check with your doctor to see if any herbs are contraindicated for you before you use them.
Herbs that provide natural allergy relief
Stinging nettles.
Stinging nettles have been used for hundreds of years for allergic symptoms, including congestion. They have active compounds that act as an expectorant. This loosens congestion and helps alleviate both respiratory symptoms and signs problems caused by allergies. It also helps thwart viruses, which can keep you from getting ill in addition to your allergic reactions. You can take them in capsule form or in tea.
Lemon balm.
Lemon balm is best enjoyed as tea. It can help relieve the upset stomach you sometimes get when you’re not feeling well. Some studies have shown that it’s also a natural antibacterial, so it can help keep your allergy from becoming an infection.
Ginkgo biloba.
Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body, which helps increase oxygenation. Practitioners prescribe it for patients with sinus problems, and it’s also beneficial for circulatory problems.
aloe vera.
aloe vera has been used topically as an anti-allergen for skin rashes, and has also been used for sunburn and other skin irritations. It can also be taken internally to help soothe digestive difficulties and other problems.
Chamomile.
Chamomile can be used for many allergic symptoms, but it should be taken with careful consideration by those who have hayfever allergies, since chamomile has some of the same properties.
Eyebright.
Eyebright helps tighten mucous membranes in the eye, and can also relieve inflammation. Because it counteracts mucus, is often used for allergic conditions affecting the middle ear, sinuses, eyes and nasal passages. It can also be used for treating colds and other causes of nasal congestion.
Ginger.
Ginger helps with a myriad of health problems, among them allergy problems. It can be used as either food or medicine, and is a popular spice.
Licorice root. Licorice root has been useful in treating a myriad of conditions, including ulcers, colds, asthma, and even skin disorders. It is anti-inflammatory and helps with respiratory problems; it also functions as an expectorant, and so can help soothe coughs as well. It also helps alleviate other allergic symptoms and arthritis; it mimics cortisone’s effects in some ways, but has no side effects similar to cortisone. However, you should check with your doctor to make sure you can take it if you have high blood pressure problems, since it can increase high blood pressure. In addition, you should check with your doctor before you take it if you have estrogen-sensitive disorders of any kind.
For many people, using herbs for allergies completely eliminates the need for other antihistamine or over-the-counter medication. Check with your doctor before you take any herbs to rule out any contraindications that would preclude you from doing so. If not, however, herbs have the same benefits as over-the-counter or prescription medications, and in general, their side effects are much less.
