For many of us, springtime is an environmental awakening. The grass turns green, flowers begin to bloom and the sun shines more often than not. For 50 million Americans, springtime is also associated with sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and all the other symptoms related to seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies, or hay fever, produce symptoms similar to the common cold. Unlike the common cold though, seasonal allergies can drag on for months. Hay fever is an allergy to proteins in the pollen of trees, grasses, some plants or mold that affects the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and air passages. Stinging nettle and mullein are herbal remedies that support seasonal allergy symptom relief.
Stinging nettle was first used medicinally in ancient Greece. Stinging nettle is a perennial plant found in temperate climates around the world. Contact with the fine hairs on the leaves and stem of the growing plant may result in a burning pain that lasts for hours. According to The Prescription for Herbal Healing, in low doses, stinging nettle root extract increases the production of T cells and takes the inflammation out of allergic reactions. Stinging nettle can be found in capsule, tincture or tea form.
Mullein is native to regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea and Ethiopia. Mullein is a popular remedy for respiratory problems and congestion. According to The Prescription for Herbal Healing, in some cases mullein has been shown to relieve upper respiratory congestion in two ways. First, its mucilage soothes injured areas in the mouth and throat. Second, it contains compounds that act on the central nervous system to move phlegm out of the body. This herb has been shown to tone the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and reduce inflammation while promoting expectoration. Mullein can be found in capsule, tincture or tea form.
According to The Prescription for Nutritional Healing, other important nutrients for seasonal allergy support include bromelain, quercetin and zinc. Bromelain reduces inflammation associated with hay fever, quercetin is a bioflavonoid that stabilizes the membranes of the cells that release histamine and zinc is a powerful immune booster. To avoid hay fever try to get outdoor activities done in the morning when pollen count is lower, keep windows and doors shut, have the lawn mown regularly, avoid drying laundry outdoors and keep pets inside.
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References:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only. The products mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your doctor for health advice, recommendations and before taking any dietary supplements.
