Posts Tagged ‘Alternative Medicine’

Suffering From Hay Fever? Here Are Some Herbal Remedies That May Help

26th September 2009 by Bronchitis No Comments

Homeopathic remedies and herbs for allergies are continually growing in popularity, due in part to the publics increasing awareness of synthetic drug side effects and dangers. This isn’t to say that all alternative and herbal remedies are completely safe… but typically side effects and drug interactions are milder, and they are much more affordable than expensive synthetic prescription medications.

Furthermore, most folks in developing nations don’t have access to prescription allergy medications, but still want a form of medication that can clear up the sniffling, sneezing, runny nose, watery eye symptoms that are associated with a histamine attack… aka hay fever or seasonal allergies.

Luckily there are several good herbs for allergies that have antihistamine properties. Histamine is a chemical inside of you that is produced in response to what your body believes is a foreign chemical, or allergen.

Now, in rare cases of excessive histamine release, your body can go into anaphylactic shock, and death is possible. When these incidents occur, herbal remedies for allergies can be too slow to act and dangerous, and it is necessary to stick to the one sure cure for a histamine attack: an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot.

However, for nearly all of histamine related allergy responses, the symptoms are fairly typical and include the normal responses associated with allergies. burning, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sinus pain, etc. These normal allergy responses can be remedied great herbs for allergies.

Stinging Nettle For Allergies - This herb is an effective antihistamine. In fact, a controlled study was conducted in the 90’s with 69 seasonal allergy sufferers being given nettles for their allergies. over 50 percent found most symptoms relieved, and nearly half found that it was effective on many more symptoms than the basic synthetic allergy medications. More studies have been held and corroborate this herb is good for hay fever.

Eyebright - This plant has been utilized by herbal medicine practitioners for the past century. Although studies are yet to document clinical, placebo controlled eyebright studies, research has shown it to be made up partially of flavonoids. these compounds are known to reduce inflammation with regards to membranes such as optical and nasal membranes.

Quercetin - This natural pigment has some great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When looked at in a lab, quercetin reduces histamine levels that immune system cells release. while this is not known to work the same in a living organism yet, it is proof that quercetin MAY be an effective natural allergy remedy.

Now, more developed research should be undertaken to verify the safety and efficacy of these herbal remedies for allergies. Furthermore, it is crucial you speak with a doctor or herbal professional before you try these or other herbs for hay fever. A woman pregnant or nursing shouldn’t take any medication, herbal or synthetic without expressed permission from a pediatrician. However, for people who need an effective, natural allergy remedy these three can be just what knocks your hay fever out! =]

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