Allergic reactions occur when your immune system mistakes an innocent substance for a threat and attacks it by releasing histamines that produce inflammation and make your sinuses run and your eyes water. For an herbal anti-allergy program, use natural antihistamines, such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, anise and feverfew. Combine these with herbs that relieve congestion and stop sneezing, such as elderflowers and yarrow. Echinacea and chamomile decrease the congestion and slow the allergic reaction. You may want to take care with chamomile, as it is in the same family as ragweed and may cause a problem for a small group of people.
Using stinging nettles to treat hayfever is nothing new. In a 1990 study, tablets of freeze-dried nettles successfully reduced symptoms. And getting rid of symptoms is what you want, but it is also important to fix the imbalance that is causing your allergy in the first place. You need to enhance your immune system and Siberian ginseng or schisandra are good choices because they not only boost your immune system but also clear bronchial passages, reduce inflammation and counter fatigue. Dong quai (often mistakenly thought of as a women's herb) is an herb that research has shown to reduce the number of antibodies manufactured by your immune system. Fewer antibodies mean less reaction to allergic substances.
Sinus congestion and allergies go hand in hand, so adding elderflowers, yarrow and peppermint can't hurt. They reduce inflamed sinuses and help drain them. For quick relief, thin congestion with essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint and bergamot combined with steam to help breathe easier. If steaming is not practical, carry an herbal nasal inhaler like one put out by Olbas, (we also make one called Breathe Easy) or make your own from the recipe below.
Homemade Nasal Inhaler
1/4 tsp. coarse salt
5 drops eucalyptus oil
Place salt in a small glass vial (with a tight fitting lid) and add oil. Open the vial and inhale deeply, as needed.
by Judy Burger
