Five Natural Cures For Common Allergies

Ten percent of the American population has allergic reactions of some sort. These reactions are the body's defense system against foreign objects that are "attacking" the system. The most common reaction is a production of histamines, which cause the swelling of tissues known as an allergic reaction. Most commonly affected is the respiratory system involving the nasal passages, sinuses and lungs. This produces the well known itchy throat and nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and sneezing. However, the skin and stomach can also suffer from an allergic reaction as evidenced by bloating, intestinal pain, rash, racing heart, moodiness, and excessive tiredness.

Several culprits can cause such reactions. Environmental causes include dust mites, mold, and pollen or spores from a variety of plants. Food allergies and reactions to chemicals cause most skin and stomach problems. There are a variety of modern medicines to treat such allergies; however, the side effects are often as problematic as the reaction itself, causing many sufferers to search for more natural remedies.

One such natural alternative is butterbur. Although this plant is toxic in its natural form, when dried and powdered to mix with other ingredients into a tablet form, it is quite effective in treating hay fever without antihistamines. This plant can be found in several continents including Europe, Asia, and North America. Taken as one tablet three times a day, it can lessen muscle spasms that are associated with allergies and gently alleviate allergy symptoms.

Surprisingly, fresh non-pasteurized honey is another natural remedy for allergies to pollen. Starting with just one teaspoon and working up to several teaspoons per day, the body should experience relief from hay fever. However, honey does not always agree with everyone and should be discontinued if any gastrointestinal discomfort is noticed. For best results, the honey should be harvested locally around the same time period in which the allergies are active and consumed for at least a month before the allergies typically begin. Precautions include talking with your doctor beforehand, using fresh unheated honey, and increasing the dosage gradually.

Green tea has also become well known for reducing sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes if used on a regular basis. Whether drinking it hot or cold, it is best not to dilute its purity with honey or other additives and not to chemically process the tea. Starting at one cup per day, one should increase it gradually up to three cups per day.

Herbal remedies can also be helpful in allergy treatments. Echinacea is one such herb that assists by reducing tissue swelling commonly associated with the runny nose and watery eyes of hay fever.

Most importantly, one's diet can provide some protection against allergic reactions. If you regularly consume up to one thousand milligrams per day of vitamin C, you can help flush foreign substances from your body and strengthen you cells' defenses.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Mullein

Very effective use for respiratory conditions like hard coughing, bronchitis and hay fever.

Myrrh Gum

Valuable for bronchial and lung diseases. Excellent for pyorrhea. Removes halitosis or bad breath when taken internally. Excellent remedy for ulcers, piles and hemorrhoids.

Nettle

The Nettle is another one of those “universal” plants. They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

Oregon Grape

Use the root and rhizome. Similar to both Golden Seal and Barberry. Main use is in the treatment of chronic, scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Also effective for the liver, gall bladder and as a laxative for chronic constipation.

Five Natural Cures For Common Allergies

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