Nature’s Pharmacy
March 2006
Natural Seasonal Allergy Remedies
Allergy season due to environmental triggers is upon us and many people are reluctant to resort to antihistamines that leave their minds clouded and groggy. Natural treatments can control symptoms, and unlike antihistamines, get to the root of the problems by stabilizing cellular membranes that react to pollen and other irritants. A variety of options are available to help prevent, treat, and ameliorate symptoms of seasonal allergies.
HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS
These supplements have been clinically tested for effectiveness and can be taken alone or in combination, including all three together. Lowered dosages are useful for children as well as adults.
All dosage information is based on recommendations by natural health guru Dr. Andrew Weil.
- QUERCETIN. This is a good preventative supplement that should be started two months before allergy season. This bioflavanoid (plant pigment) is found in foods and beverages like dark berries, apples, onions, and tea. It appears to reduce the body’s anti-inflammatory response and lower the release of histamine, a substance that contributes to allergy symptoms. No side effects have been reported. Take 500mg of quercetin twice a day between meals starting before and during allergy season. Children under age 10 can take half this dose.
- STINGING NETTLE (Urtica dioica). Quercetin prevents symptoms and a nettle relieves them. Dr. Weil thinks this herb does a better job than antihistamine drugs and has fewer side effects. Nettle is anti-inflammatory and interferes with the release of histamine to relieve itchy eyes, ears, throat, and nose. Take one or two capsules every three to four hours to control symptoms. Children old enough to swallow (around age 6) capsules can take one capsule daily.
- BUTTERBUR (Petasites hybridus). We’ve recommended this herb recently for migraine headaches, but like many herbs, it is helpful for a variety of conditions. Butterbur is especially effective at treating hay fever, working as well as conventional antihistamines. Take one 50mg capsule two to three times a day. Children aged six to nine can take one 50 mg capsule per day.
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BUILD YOUR NATURAL DEFENSES.
Build your natural defense system with daily doses of fresh, mineral-rich herbs before allergy symptoms appear as well as during the season. People find symptoms are diminished or relieved with a diet rich in dark greens, dandelion leaves, garlic, onions, horseradish, and lemons. Get plenty of rest and double your fluid intake..
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SINUS STEAM POT
A steam pot is excellent for clearing inflamed, stuffy sinuses caused by allergies.
- Put a handful of decongestant herbs* into a bowl, pour boiling water over them, cover the bowl for five minutes to let the herbs steep, and the water to cool somewhat. CAUTION: Remove the cover from the bowl and test whether the water is still too hot. It should be hot enough to produce an aromatic vapor but not so hot that it burns your face.
- Drape a towel over your head and the bowl, holding your head 10-12 inches above the water surface. DO NOT PUT YOUR FACE TOO CLOSE TO THE WATER AND ALWAYS USE CAUTION LEST THE WATER IS TOO HOT. ALLOW THE WATER TO COOL LONGER IF THE VAPOR IS TOO HOT ON YOUR SKIN.
- Drape a towel over your head and the bowl and breathe deeply for several minutes.
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SORE THROAT/LAGRYNGITIS GARGLE
This works. We don’t say it is tasty; we just say it works. You can adjust the amounts to make it more palatable, but remember, you are not swallowing it.
- 1 cup strong sage-cinnamon tea. (Pour boiling water over 3 teaspoons of dried leaf sage (grocery store sage is fine), add 1/2-teaspoon of powdered cinnamon, and let it steep in a covered cup for 10 minutes.) Strain.
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
1-2 cups of salt (up to 3 cups) - pinch of cayenne
Combine all ingredients. Gargle with this mixture frequently throughout the day.
