Best Herbs for Seasonal Allergies
What Herbs Are Best For Seasonal Allergies?
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? You're not alone! Allergies are an incredibly common problem, and many people suffer from them at this time of the year. But there's hope! Herbal remedies can provide relief from the symptoms of allergies. They are generally safe, easy to access, and can be adjusted based on what works for you as an individual. This spring, we made a list of our favorite allergy fighting herbs and why we love them.
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
Nettle contains contains high levels of quercetin, which is an anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, nettle has been found to be beneficial in reducing the production of IgE, a type of antibody that plays a role in many allergic reactions. Finally, the astringent properties of nettle can help reduce mucus, which is why it is often found in natural decongestant formulas.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
If you suffer from allergies and have lemon balm in your garden, you may notice it start to grow in early spring. This is the perfect time to start using it, because lemon balm has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and antioxidant properties to help you through the season. It has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of allergies, particularly hay fever and seasonal allergies. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, while its anti-allergenic properties can help to reduce the amount of histamine produced in the body. Additionally, lemon balm can help to inhibit the release of certain cytokines that can cause inflammation in the airways and lead to allergic reactions. It has also been found to be useful in reducing the effects of allergic rhinitis. If you’re interested in learning more about lemon balm, don’t miss our TCM Perspective On Lemon Balm article.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Burdock root has been found to be effective in treating allergies due to its anti-inflammatory properties. One of the active components found in burdock root, arctiin, is an anti-inflammatory compound that has been studied for its ability to reduce inflammation and improve the body’s response to allergens. Additionally, burdock root has been found to boost the immune system and reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Burdock root has been used to reduce the symptoms of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies.
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Another powerful herb that you may notice in early spring, plantain is a great choice to treat allergies due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that plantain works to reduce inflammation by blocking the production of histamine, which is a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. Plantain also contains high levels of flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways. Additionally, plantain contains a compound called allantoin, which helps to reduce irritation and redness. Finally, plantain contains an abundance of antioxidants, which can help to reduce the oxidative stress caused by allergens. By working together, these compounds help to reduce inflammation, reduce irritation, and reduce oxidative stress, ultimately providing relief from allergic reactions.
Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
Goldenrod is a plant that has been traditionally used to treat allergies due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Its mechanism of action is thought to involve several different pathways.
The first involves the inhibition of histamine release from mast cells. Histamine is a key mediator of allergic reactions, and inhibiting its release helps reduce the symptoms of allergies. The second pathway involves the inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that cause inflammation and are associated with allergic reactions. By blocking the action of COX-2, this helps reduce the inflammation associated with allergic reactions.
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Chickweed is a herb that has traditionally been used for a variety of health benefits, including the relief of allergy symptoms. Many people report that chickweed is especially helpful for allergies with skin itchiness as a symptom. It is thought to work by inhibiting the release of histamine, a chemical that is released in response to allergic triggers and which causes symptoms such as sneezing and itching. Chickweed also appears to work by reducing inflammation, which can contribute to allergy symptoms. It is believed that the active compounds in chickweed, such as saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, are responsible for its anti-allergic properties. Chickweed is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and zinc, which may help to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.
Which Herbs Are Best For Allergies?
Finding the right herbs for allergy relief can be a difficult process. It's important to do your research to determine which herbs will be best for your specific allergies, and often some experimentation is needed. Herbs like nettle, chickweed, and plantain can be used to reduce inflammation and provide relief from allergies, and we hope that this list provides a starting point for more research. It's important to consult with a medical professional to make sure that the herbs you are taking are safe for your body and won't interact with any medications you may be taking. For those looking to try a combination of herbs, we offer our Allergy Relief Tea blend, which contains many of the ingredients mentioned. With careful research and consideration, you should be able to find the right herbs to provide relief from your allergies.