Seven Foods and Six Herbs That Help Fight Seasonal Allergies
Did you know there are foods and herbs that can help you battle your seasonal allergies? Some items contain natural antihistamines and have anti-inflammatory properties. These naturally help to reduce your allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter allergy medications can leave you feeling groggy and dizzy, with dry eyes and a dry mouth. Natural remedies are an excellent alternative.
Anti-inflammatory, Antihistamine, and/or Antioxidant Properties:
Balancing your immune system, using anti-inflammatory food and medicinal herbs, can help to rid you of your annoying seasonal allergy symptoms:
- Sauerkraut or Kimchi: is a fermented cabbage product which contains probiotics. Probiotics help to enhance your body’s immune response. They can help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
- Local Raw Unpasteurized Honey: Eating raw honey produced locally at the start of allergy season can help reduce your allergies.
- Onions: Onions contain a flavonoid known as quercetin. It has high levels of antioxidants that also act as natural antihistamines. Quercetin works to block the production and release of histamines and inhibits other compounds related to allergies and inflammation.
- Oranges: Oranges are high in vitamin C, another natural antihistamine. Having low levels of vitamin C levels often result in higher histamine levels. Adding vitamin C supplements can help to reduce histamine levels.
- Pineapple: Pineapples are the best source of bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme. A natural anti-histamine, bromelain can reduce swelling of the nasal passages and minimize sinus congestion. It has also been shown to inhibit the development of asthma.
- Salmon: Salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They help to block the production of chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Studies have shown that individuals who had high levels of EPA, an omega 3 fat found in fatty fish, suffered from fewer allergies.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains an anti-inflammatory compound known as curcumin. It prevents the release of histamines, helping to reduce irritation and swelling, common allergic symptoms.
Herbal Remedies
- Goldenrod: Goldenrod has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine benefits. It has proven beneficial for runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itchy throat. It is used as a decongestant and may relieve sinus pain. It thins mucus and a stuffed nose.
- Butterbur: Butterbur has been used to counteract asthma and bronchitis. It has antihistamine properties which appear to reduce symptoms of nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, and sneezing dramatically. It can also help the release of phlegm and mucus from the sinuses.
- Mullein Leaf: A source of Vitamin C, Mullein Leaf is beneficial for the immune system. Mullein is soothing for the throat and the lungs. It acts as an expectorant, easing coughs and congestion in the respiratory system.
- Stinging Nettle Leaf: It has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is said to block histamine receptors and may reduce hay fever symptoms. A double-blind study, found that freeze dried nettle reduced the number of allergic symptoms after just one week.
- Berberine: It is antibacterial, an antifungal, is drying, and has an anti-histamine-like activity. Studies have found berberine to reduce inflammation of the airways, related to allergic symptoms.
- Rosemary: It is a powerful antioxidant. Rosemary is a major anti-inflammatory and immune modulating substance which helps relieve asthma symptoms. Rosmarinic acid reduces inflammation and allergic responses and is therefore indicated in the treatment of asthma and allergies.
Allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to otherwise normal or benign foods, fabrics, and substances. When possible, it is important to avoid the irritants, while addressing the underlying causes. In addition, there are foods and herbs that can support the immune system, bring down inflammation, and even rebuild tissue in the respiratory system.
It is important to source your herbs carefully to avoid toxic elements, like fungus, bacteria, & heavy metals. In Canada, an NPN on the label tells you that it is considered safe by Health Canada.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it helps to learn what you can do naturally to help overcome your symptoms. Learn which substances affect your body in a negative way. Help manage the symptoms of illnesses and allergies. These are just some of the many things you will learn when you enroll in a program at the Edison Institute of Nutrition. Earn a diploma in holistic nutrition. We strive to provide you with the knowledge to live well and stay healthy. We are an internationally recognized school offering online nutrition training. If you would like to learn more about any of our programs, call us today at or contact us online.
For additional information on overcoming allergies, check out: https://www.nppwebinars.com/allergies.html
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