Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

  We are quickly approaching the most challenging time of the year for seasonal allergies. Today we will be highlighting some of the natural treatment options to help you get through the season comfortably!

Environmental allergy symptoms are caused by histamine release. Herbal medicine ‘sees’ allergies differently, and thereby treats them differently. A complex suite of physiological issues such as liver stagnation and endocrine challenges can contribute to this histamine release. In other words, there is a lot more to why one person is more susceptible than another, and why our bodies might over-react to pollen, or dust, etc. Fortunately, botanical medicine is well equipped to help us handle these issues. Different from the pharmaceutical approach, nature’s remedies work with the body’s ability to metabolize and countermand the symptoms of allergies (histamine reactions). This, therefore, ameliorates side effects such as sleepiness, over-drying of mucosal linings, etc. that you find with over-the-counter (drug) antihistamines which, by suppressing symptoms, are entirely different than their natural counterparts.

 In addition to the following natural helpers, it is also important to remember that a healthy microbiome (gut health), is absolutely fundamental in supporting the body’s ability to fend off allergic reactions of all kinds. It all starts in the gut!5.

Nettle leaf is known for its anti-histamine properties 1. Nettle is an especially popular herb during the change of seasons when plants are in bloom and there is extra pollen in the air and is traditionally used for sinus support so you can keep breathing easy. It also has a long history of use for modulating the body's inflammatory pathways and supporting upper respiratory health. We carry Nettle leaf in our herbacy if you are interested in sourcing it for your home or adding it to your teas!

Quercetin is a flavonoid that is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic immune response. Quercetin stabilizes mast cells that release histamine. It can help to prevent and/or treat seasonal allergies. Its great for protection and maintenance2.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in the core and juice of pineapples and is also available as a supplement. In studies, it is found to reduce allergic sensitization and allergic airway disease thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties3.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that gets high ranking for its ability to relieve allergy symptoms. It is an effective expectorant and has mucus thinning properties4.

As in most cases, a combination of the above or something similar is most helpful.  These components work best together. Here at Remedy, we have a few excellent choices for your allergy challenges; products such as Orthomolecular’s D-Hist, and D_Hist Jr (for kids!) as well as Plantiva’s Aller-DX.  Both of these are very popular at Remedy, because they work!  

Come in and we can direct you specifically how to use these products to their best effect.  And consider making a personal consult with our Clinical Herbalist for a deeper dive into your challenges.

 

References:

1. Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2009 Jul;23(7):920-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2763. PMID: 19140159.

2. Mlcek J, Jurikova T, Skrovankova S, Sochor J. Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response. Molecules. 2016 May 12;21(5):623. doi: 10.3390/molecules21050623. PMID: 27187333; PMCID: PMC6273625.

3. Secor ER Jr, Szczepanek SM, Castater CA, Adami AJ, Matson AP, Rafti ET, Guernsey L, Natarajan P, McNamara JT, Schramm CM, Thrall RS, Silbart LK. Bromelain Inhibits Allergic Sensitization and Murine Asthma via Modulation of Dendritic Cells. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:702196. doi: 10.1155/2013/702196. Epub 2013 Dec 5. PMID: 24381635; PMCID: PMC3870104.

4. Guibas GV, Spandou E, Meditskou S, Vyzantiadis TA, Priftis KN, Anogianakis G. N-acetylcysteine exerts therapeutic action in a rat model of allergic rhinitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2013 Jul;3(7):543-9. doi: 10.1002/alr.21145. Epub 2013 Jan 10. PMID: 23307410.

5.Pascal M, Perez-Gordo M, Caballero T, Escribese MM, Lopez Longo MN, Luengo O, Manso L, Matheu V, Seoane E, Zamorano M, Labrador M, Mayorga C. Microbiome and Allergic Diseases. Front Immunol. 2018 Jul 17;9:1584. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01584. PMID: 30065721; PMCID: PMC6056614.