Herb
Treatment Support
checks excess secretions
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet, tea
Allergies
Etiologic and Other Factors Leading to Allergies:
- Genetics: A family history of allergies or asthma increases the likelihood of developing allergies.
- Immune Dysregulation: An overactive immune system can mistakenly identify harmless substances (e.g., pollen, dust) as threats.
- Environmental Exposure: Early exposure to allergens like pollen, mold, or pet dander can sensitize the immune system.
- Hygiene Hypothesis: Limited exposure to microbes during childhood may hinder immune system development, increasing allergy risk.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Processed foods, low-nutrient diets, and lack of exposure to natural environments can contribute. The most common food allergies are to wheat products, dairy products (especially pasteurized cow’s milk), nightshade family foods (eggplant, tomatoes), eggs, and certain meats.
- Pollution and Toxins: Exposure to air pollution, cigarette smoke, and chemicals can aggravate or trigger allergic responses.
When to Seek Professional Help:
- Severe Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, swelling (especially of the face or throat), or anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention).
- Chronic or Worsening Symptoms: Persistent runny nose, sneezing, skin rashes, or digestive issues that disrupt daily life.
- Unknown Triggers: Difficulty identifying what is causing the allergic reaction.
- Ineffective Home Remedies: When over-the-counter medications or natural treatments fail to provide relief.
- Frequent Reactions: Multiple episodes of allergic responses, even if mild.
Treatment Plan for Allergies
When to Treat at Home with Herbs:
- Mild Symptoms: Occasional sneezing, mild congestion, or itchy eyes.
- Known Allergens: If symptoms are predictable and not severe (e.g., seasonal allergies to pollen).
- Herbal Remedies:
- Quercetin (natural antihistamine found in onions, apples, and supplements).
- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)Â (reduces inflammation, particularly for hay fever).
- Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)Â (eases nasal congestion and histamine-related symptoms).
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) or Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)Â (soothing for nasal passages through teas or steam inhalation).
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) (anti-inflammatory and calming for mild reactions).
Important Note: Herbs should not replace professional care for severe allergies, and individuals should be cautious about potential allergic reactions to the herbs themselves. Always consult with a healthcare provider, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.
Christopher Hobbs:
“An herbal program for food allergies would include digestive-strengthening herbs, the herbal enzyme herbs, and liver cooling herbs. Herbalists often recommend an exclusion diet, removing the suspected food from the diet for 3 weeks, to check for individual sensitivity.
Hay fever or respiratory allergies often have food allergies as a root factor. Thus, the first treatment of them should be with digestive herbs and formulas. In addition, anti-inflammatory herbs that specifically focus on the upper respiratory tract are often useful, or that have mild decongestant effects. Herbal “antihistamines” that help reduce the impact of immune overreaction to pollen and other allergens are often added to the herbal program.”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Herbal Remedies for Allergies
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
antihistamine
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Related Allergies conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
No additional ailments found.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
