Seasonal allergies, often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, affect millions of people. Symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, a scratchy throat, constant coughing from post nasal drip, and allergic asthma triggers, can make an allergy season especially challenging for allergy sufferers. Of course, conventional medicine offers solutions like nasal sprays, allergy shots, and prescription allergy medications, but there are other options to help reduce the severity and manage symptoms with fewer to no side effects. Among the best herbs for allergy relief are Goldenrod and Stinging Nettle, both of which have powerful anti-inflammatory and natural antihistamine properties. Let’s explore these herbs, how they work in the body, and other supplements that can support a healthy inflammatory and histamine response.
Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Goldenrod, a popular wild herb with bright yellow flowers, is often mistaken for ragweed, a common allergen. However, Goldenrod is not a typical trigger for seasonal allergies and, in fact, it can be a beneficial herb for those suffering from allergic reactions to ragweed.
Can you be allergic to Goldenrod? Sure. It has pollen, it’s possible. But, the pollen is so heavy in Goldenrod, that it almost immediately falls to the ground when released. Ragweed, on the other hand, has a very light pollen, and when released it can fly for a long time. So, if you’re someone who steps outside and almost immediately experiences allergy symptoms in the summer and fall, ragweed may be the culprit. Not Goldenrod.
Goldenrod is also a helpful herb for some indoor allergies, especially dander specifically with cats.
Herbal Properties and Benefits for Allergies:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Goldenrod is known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can help soothe inflamed nasal passages and reduce the severity of seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Antioxidant Effects: Rich in antioxidants, Goldenrod helps combat oxidative stress in the body, which can be triggered during allergic responses.
- Diuretic Effects: This herb supports the removal of excess fluids from the body, which can help reduce congestion, nasal swelling, and inflammation in respiratory passages.
How Goldenrod Works in the Body: Goldenrod helps fight seasonal allergies by reducing inflammation and supporting the respiratory system. It contains compounds that help tighten and tone blood vessels, which reduces nasal congestion and the runny nose that comes with hay fever. As a natural remedy, Goldenrod can be used in herbal teas or tinctures and pairs well with many other herbs.
**Warnings and Contraindications**
Goldenrod should not be used in people with kidney disease, dysfunction, or failure. In healthy kidneys, the diuretic property is supportive. In compromised kidneys that same property can be very harmful because diuretics cause the kidneys to work harder.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Stinging Nettle, or Urtica dioica, is the king of anti-inflammatory herbs. It’s a powerful herb used for many different inflammatory health conditions, including allergies. It’s one of the most effective herbs for allergy relief due to its natural antihistamine properties.
Herbal Properties and Benefits for Allergies:
- Antihistamine/Antiallergic: Stinging Nettle contains compounds that can block histamine receptors, reducing the release of histamines that cause allergy symptoms like watery eyes, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and respiratory tightness and inflammation.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Nettle’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm the immune system’s overreaction to allergens, helping to ease allergy symptoms.
- Rich in Nutrients: Stinging Nettle is packed with vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium, which support overall health and immune function.
How Stinging Nettle Works in the Body: Stinging Nettle works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances and blocking histamine release. This amazing herb helps allergy sufferers by soothing the symptoms of allergies without the drowsy effects often associated with conventional medications. Drinking nettle tea is one of the best ways to incorporate this herb into your routine. Nettle tincture is concentrated and a fast way to get the benefits of this herb.
Natural Supplements for Allergy Relief
In addition to herbs like Goldenrod and Stinging Nettle, there are several other natural substances and dietary supplements that can support a healthy inflammatory and histamine response in the body:
Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant effects, vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that can reduce histamine levels in the body. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are excellent sources, and high doses of vitamin C supplements with rose hips can provide additional support during allergy attacks.
Quercetin: A plant extract found in foods like onions, apples, and sunflower seeds, quercetin can help to stabilize the release of histamines and reduce inflammation. It is commonly used in dietary supplements for seasonal allergy symptoms.
Butterbur: This herb has been studied for its ability to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It works by blocking leukotrienes, chemicals involved in the body’s inflammatory response to allergens.
Local Honey: For those who have seasonal outdoor allergies, eating local honey can help reduce the inflammation and severity of allergic reactions over time. The honey should be local because the allergens that trigger reactions are present in the honey. Low dose exposure to the pollen is proven to lower the severity of allergic reactions or stop them altogether.
Bromelain: An enzyme found in pineapples, bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and improve breathing during allergic episodes.
Additional Natural Remedies for Allergy Sufferers
- Neti Pot: Using a Neti pot with saline solution or a cooled herbal tea of goldenrod or stinging nettle, can help flush out allergens and clear nasal congestion naturally.
- Essential Oils: Eucalyptus oil, peppermint, and lavender essential oils can be used in a diffuser or topically, diluted in coconut oil or a lotion, to help open the airways and relieve nasal congestion.
- Flax Seeds: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that can support the body’s response to allergens.
For more information on Goldenrod and Stinging Nettle, check out The Herbal Library section of the membership.
For herbal recipes that you can make to support you during allergy season, check out the Herbal Recipes section of the membership.
