Herbal Allergy Remedies

Herbal allergy remedies won't always replace prescription medications, especially in serious or emergency situations. But they can be used to ease respiratory congestion and build your immune system.  Plus, there are many times when they are far better than prescription medications.  

That's because pharmaceuticals are best used for short-term emergencies, such as an anaphylactic shock, but herbal remedies can promote long-term wellness by strengthening your body through excellent nutrition and creating wholeness. 

Also, consume fermented foods daily, including yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha, to build up the healthy bacteria in your gut and help your body better respond to allergens.

I suffer from allergies every fall, and I like to treat my ailments as safely and naturally as possible. That's why I appreciate these all-natural herbal remedies. Pharmaceuticals are meant to suppress your immune system, but herbal remedies work with your body, triggering your immune system to heal itself.

Try these herbal allergy remedies the next time you suffer from allergies.

What Causes Allergies

It has to do with immunoglobulin E, an antibody that triggers the release of histamines whenever it encounters an entity your body mistakenly views as a threat.

Whether you have - or will develop - an allergy often depends on both genetics and the environment you're in.

Conventional treatment for allergies includes steroids (for serious cases of asthma), and antihistamines.

Echinacea will ease the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.  Find Echinacea seeds here.

The Downsides of Antihistamines
And Other Allergy Drugs

The problem with relying solely on drugs, such as antihistamines, is your body can become conditioned to the chemicals to the point where you need more and more of the drug to get the same result. Also these drugs suppress the body's immune system, which can cause adverse reactions in the long run.

Herbal allergy remedies, on the other hand, will work with your body's immune system, and are a safer way to treat the symptoms of allergies.

Strengthening your immune system, rather than suppressing it, makes far more sense when it comes to treating your allergy symptoms.

Best Herbal Allergy Remedies

According to the book, The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies: An easy-to-use reference for natural health care (Everything Series), here are some herbal remedies to consider the next time you are suffering from an allergy attack:

Echinacea

Echinacea won’t instantly ease your allergy symptoms, but I’ve added it to the list because it is really good at strengthening your immune system. The stronger your immune system, the less likely you are to develop an allergic reaction to allergens. In one study, it showed that people who took 3 capsules of echinacea twice daily were less likely to become sick with upper respiratory infections. 

And you don’t necessarily have to take echinacea. Your body tends to absorb echinacea better when it’s taken as a tea, so make an infusion daily, sweeten it with honey, and enjoy. 

Grow your own organic echinacea for a beautiful addition to your joyful garden. Learn how here.

Nettle

Nettle is extremely popular in Europe for easing the symptoms of hay fever and works on a cellular level to stop allergy symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. 

When you get sick, your body produces inflammation to fight infections and promote healing. But too many people have chronic inflammation. Use stinging nettle cream to relieve inflammation.

Stinging nettle is also a natural treatment for hay fever. The herb works to block the histamine receptors and inhibit the inflammation that triggers allergic reactions.

Stinging nettle is also loaded with nutrients, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It also contains Vitamins, A, C, K, and many B vitamins. It contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation. But eat it fresh to get the most nutrients.

Butterbur

Butterbur is a powerful herbal remedy for allergies that inhibits the release of histamines and according to some studies can be just as effective as some prescription allergy medications.

Butterbur is a marsh plant with large leaves that people used to use to wrap their butter in to keep it fresh. Hence the name. But it’s also possible that butterbur can ease the symptoms of allergies.

In a recent study, people were given butterbur tablets for a week. During that time, their allergy symptoms significantly improved. Like nettle, butterbur prevents an allergic reaction.

To prevent liver damage, look for butterbur tablets that are free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Also, don’t take them if you are allergic to daisies.

Tinospora

Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have been working with tinospora for years. If you struggle with allergic rhinitis, think about taking tinospora. It was used traditionally to ease inflammation and the symptoms of arthritis, among other things.

Tinospora is also a powerful remedy that eases symptoms of sneezing and itchy eyes. It can also stimulate your immune system.

Learn More About Herbal Healing

Learn More About Natural Medicine

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About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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