Herbs for Allergies

Not only are seasonal allergies culprits that keep people from enjoying the bloom of spring or the coolness of fall, but they can be painful and miserable altogether, sometimes even triggering mood disorders. Clinically, the host of this battle experiences a runny, itchy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, fatigue, and sometimes a mild fever. Luckily, there are some natural remedies and herbs that can help.

Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)

Nettle, also known as stinging nettle, is commonly known for its efficacy in managing symptoms of seasonal allergies. However, this plant is also surrounded by irony since touching its leaves often results in allergic dermatitis that leaves its victim itching and red. The extract of nettle contains compounds identified as antagonists to the Histamine-1 (H(1)) receptor. Further, nettle extract also targets the inflammatory pathways, which help to decrease allergic rhinitis – one of the most common (and albeit, annoying) symptoms of allergies.

To discover the tangible benefits of nettle extract in managing allergic rhinitis, a randomized clinical trial was conducted on 40 patients, assigned either 150mg of Urtica dioica or placebo for one month. Results showed a significant improvement in the severity of allergic rhinitis in both groups. This study suggests that nettle can be useful in mitigating the immune responses that trigger common symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as allergic rhinitis.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

A less well-known botanical that is immensely useful in managing the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies is Tinospora cordifolia, also known as Guduchi. Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, this plant possesses an impressive array of therapeutic properties including anti-diabetic, anti-periodic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-microbial, anti-osteoporotic, anti-stress, and anti-neoplastic activities. 

So how does this seemingly amazing botanical function in studies of seasonal allergy symptoms? In a randomized trial, seventy-five patients were given either Tinospora cordifolia or placebo for 8 weeks. In the group receiving Tinospora cordifolia, there was complete relief from sneezing in 83 percent of the patients, nasal discharge in 69 percent, nasal obstruction in 61 percent, and nasal pruritis in 71 percent. In the placebo group, there was only complete relief from sneezing in 21 percent of the patients, nasal discharge in 15.2 percent, nasal obstruction in 17 percent, and nasal pruritis in 12 percent. The significant difference between these outcomes gives impressive evidence of the usefulness of Tinospora cordifolia in managing symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Unfortunately, for some seasonal allergies seem to linger far longer than the onset of the season. Since the symptoms in seasonal allergies are rooted in the immune system, the health of the microbiome cannot be ignored when considering the balance and robustness of an immune response. Therefore, good quality probiotics, immune supporting supplements, and a high-protein/low-sugar diet can also help support a healthy immune response during a particularly challenging season. My Immune Ultra is the perfect place to start in giving your immune system the boost it needs to combat seasonal allergies.