Good organic remedies for allergies are constantly gaining in popularity, due in part to peoples increasing knowledge of prescription drug dangers and side effects. This doesn’t mean that all natural and organic remedies are the safest thing… but generally the side effects and dangerous drug interaction are less severe and they are much more affordable than expensive synthetic prescription medications.
Furthermore, many people in the world don’t have access to prescription allergy medications, but still want some sort of medicine that can clear up the burning eyes, the running nose, the swollen feeling symptoms that are connected with a histamine attack… A.K.A. seasonal allergies or hay fever.
Luckily there are some several herbs for allergies that are effective antihistamines. Histamine is an organic compound inside of you that your system releases in response to what your body sees is a foreign chemical, or allergen.
Now, in rare cases of excessive histamine release, some people have gone into anaphylactic shock, and death can result. In these cases, herbal remedies for hay fever are not a good approach, and you need to stick to the one sure cure for a histamine attack: an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot.
However, for nearly all of histamine responses to allergens, the symptoms are fairly typical and include the typical symptoms that come with allergies. burning, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sinus pain, etc. These symptoms can often be treated effective herbs for allergies.
Nettle For Allergies – This is an herbal antihistamine. In fact, a controlled study was conducted in the 90′s with 69 people who have seasonal allergies being given nettles for their allergies. 58% found it reduced most symptoms, and 48% found it work on many more symptoms than the basic synthetic allergy medications. Additional studies have been undertaken and corroborate this herb is good for hay fever.
Eyebright – This is an herb that is often used by herbalists for the past 100 years. Even though lab research has not yet documented clinical, placebo controlled eyebright studies, science knows it to have flavonoid compounds in it. These compounds are commonly believed to reduce histamine with regards to membranes such as optical and nasal membranes.
Quercetin – This pigment compound has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When looked at in a lab, quercetin minimizes histamine levels that immune system cells release. While this isn’t verified to operate the same in the human body yet, it is proof that quercetin MAY be a herbal allergy remedy that works.
Now, more developed research should be conducted to corroborate the safety and efficacy of these herbs for allergies. Furthermore, it is crucial you talk with a herbal professional or doctor before you try these or other herbs for seasonal allergies. Nursing or pregnant women shouldn’t use any medicine, natural or man-made without expressed permission from a licensed family doctor. However, for people who need an effective, natural allergy remedy these three can be just what knocks your hay fever out! =]