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| Allergies/Hay Fever : Helpful Herbs :Related:
Asthma *
Sinus*
Congestion *
Allergies: Home Remedies |
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Stinging Nettle remedy eases hay fever,
nose & sinus type allergies symptoms.
Seasonal allergies making you miserable?
There are many time tested herbal treatments that may bring you some relief. Allergies are the result of a hypersensitive immune system. With every breath we take, we breathe in millions of microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, plant spores, viruses, bacteria and even pollutants in the form of chemicals in the air. Hay Fever, (Allergic rhinitis) is a common illness often caused by pollens from trees, grass or weeds.
The phytochemical compounds and natural antihistamines in cinnamon, ginkgo, reshi mushrooms and stinging nettle ease allergies and reduce inflammation.2,3Ginkgo leaves contain ginkoglides, which inhibit platelet-activating factor, a chemical involved in asthma and allergies. The herb contains a dozen different anti-inflammatory chemicals and seven natural antihistamines. Reishi inhibits some of the chemical mediators of inflammation, including histamine. 3
To relieve watery and inflamed eyes, an herbal eyewash can be made from eyebright.1 To help with congestion and open breathing passages try drinking a hot cup of peppermint tea.
 Home Remedies for Allergies
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Garlic |
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Garlic and onions, these allium family members have long been used to treat bronchitis, allergies and asthma. The ingredients responsible include mustard oils and quercetin. (White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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Bupleurum |
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This herb seems to exert a tonic effect on the heart and the lungs, making it useful for improving respiration and circulation. Bupleurum stops the effects of allergies by blocking serotonin (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT). It has also been reported to prevent bleeding from tiny capillaries within the eyes that can lead to macular degeneration. Bupleurum deactivates herpes simplex and measles viruses, and relieves pain of peptic ulcers. Bupleurum also increases the effectiveness of glucocorticoid drugs such as prednisone (Deltasone), used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. (Phyllis A. Balch, CNC ) |
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Cinnamon |
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The phytochemical compounds in cinnamon and cassia ease allergies, reduce pain, counteract bacteria and fungi (including candidas), and disinfect wounds. (Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) |
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Ephedra |
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Ephedra has been used effectively in both Chinese and American Indian traditional medicines to open airways in cases of allergies, hay fever and asthma. Herbalists use the whole herb, not the extracts ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are dangerous. The herb "acts promptly in relieving swellings of the mucous membrane. It has valuable antispasmodic properties, acts on the air passages and is of benefit in asthma and hay fever |
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Eyebright |
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Use eyebright herb as an eyewash or poultice to relieve inflammation caused by colds, sinus infections and allergies |
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Ginkgo |
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Ginkgo leaves contain ginkoglides, which inhibit platelet-activating factor, a chemical involved in asthma and allergies. (White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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Peppermint |
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Inhaling peppermint's volatile oils makes you feel as if you can breathe easier, even when airflow is not actually increasing. Drink a cup of mint tea, or use the essential oil in steam inhalation to ease the breath. (White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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Reishi |
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This medicinal mushroom boasts several healthful effects, including an ability to reduce allergies. Reishi inhibits some of the chemical mediators of inflammation, including histamine. (White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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Rosemary |
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This common culinary herb has been used traditionally to ease asthma. Rosemary's essential oils can block the airway constriction induced by histamine, the chemical culprit of both asthma and allergies. (White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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Nettle |
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Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercetin), that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages. Some herbal authorities assert that no other remedy eases hay fever, and nose & sinus type allergies symptoms so markedly. (Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) |
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- Grieve, Maude A Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)
- Duke, James The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook .(December 15, 2000)
- Linda B.White, M.D.The Herbal Drugstore(2003)
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Allergies/hay Fever References 
