Western medicine has made great strides in the production of drugs for practically every possible illness there is. If it can be helped though, it is better not to entertain the idea of introducing chemicals into a body that is already suffering. There is the burden that they bring to the liver as well as […]

Western medicine has made great strides in the production of drugs for practically every possible illness there is. If it can be helped though, it is better not to entertain the idea of introducing chemicals into a body that is already suffering. There is the burden that they bring to the liver as well as the possibility of experiencing side effects. With regards to allergies for instance, people who are suffering from hay fever are quick to take antihistamines and risk spending the day groggy and disoriented. For a more natural allergy relief, why not try herbs?

Herbs for allergies can offer relief without unpleasant side effects. There are even herbs that can head off allergy attacks. For those who suffer seasonal allergies from environmental allergens, they can begin to take these herbs for allergies to avoid experiencing the usual symptoms.

Some of the more popular herbs that have been known to offer natural allergy relief are the following:

Nettles. Stinging nettles are great herbs for allergies because they have natural antihistamine properties. They lower the body’s ability to produce histamine, which causes symptoms like runny or stuffy noses, watery eyes, and irritated airways. The next time you shop for antihistamines, get nettles instead. They are available in capsules at most health food stores.

Chamomile. This herb can offer natural allergy relief by preventing asthma attacks. It can reduce inflammation of the lungs, thereby relieving chest tightness and making breathing much easier. Other herbs that you can drink as tea to counter an attack are peppermint, ginger, anise, motherwort, passionflower, and lemon verbena.

Ephedra. Ephedra or ma huang is also one of the herbs for allergies. It is used against asthma and hay fever.

Butterbur. This is another natural antihistamine, an anti-inflammatory herb, which thwarts the symptoms of a normal allergic reaction.

Plantain. It has long been used as an herb against respiratory troubles. It gives natural allergy relief for people with allergic symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.

Astralagus. It naturally protects the immune system from damage caused by allergy symptoms. It is a good source of anti-oxidants, while also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory in nature. It is definitely another of the great herbs for allergies.

Quercetin. Technically not an herb, but still a natural remedy for allergies, it is a bioflavinoid from grape seed and is both an antihistamine and an anti-oxidant. It can reduce allergy symptoms such as itchiness and swelling, especially when taken with green tea.

Taking these herbs for allergies may be the natural way to get relief, but it is still best to consult allergists before going ahead and taking anything. While safe as they are, the herbs may have unpleasant interactive effects with other herbs or drugs.