More people have started using herbs and home remedies to manage their allergies. According to a study, as many as 37% of the participants confirmed they used natural or herbal products for allergies. Women are also more likely to use them compared with men.
You probably associate home remedies with old wives’ tales and your grandmother. We’re so used to taking pills and medication to relieve our allergies. However, home remedies for allergies are becoming more popular.
The most common home remedies for allergies include butterbur, stinging nettle, honey, spirulina, and black elderberry. Modern science has found these herbs do indeed carry remarkable health benefits.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best home remedies for allergies and the herbs you should use.
Butterbur
Known as Petasites hybridus, butterbur is one of the most researched herbs. It’s especially used to help relieve symptoms of allergies and migraines.
A standardized butterbur leaf extract called Tesalin helps relieve symptoms of hay fever, particularly nasal congestion. There is also evidence that it may be just as effective as anti-allergy drugs cetirizine and fexofenadine.
Some of the key active ingredients are petasins (petasin, isopetasin, and neopetasin). You can buy butterbur as a root extract too. Sometimes it’s combined with other anti-allergy compounds like stinging nettle and quercetin.
Stinging Nettle
Medically known as Urtica dioica, stinging nettle has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle for joint pain and inflammation. Western herbalists recommend it as juice, tea, or freeze-dried products, for a blood tonic and allergies.
Research studies found some evidence of why stinging nettle can help. The stinging nettle leaves help control histamine levels and reduce inflammation. Some healthcare providers recommend using freeze-dried stinging nettle as a preventive measure. It’s best used before the hay fever season begins.
Scientific studies also conclude that stinging nettle could help the following conditions:
- Benign enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Inflammatory and degenerative arthritis
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
The herb may also have antibacterial and antioxidant effects and support immune function.
Spirulina
This blue-green alga is a very popular supplement nowadays. Considered to be a superfood, it is a rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
A double-blind placebo-controlled study saw that Spirulina significantly improved allergy symptoms. Relieving symptoms include nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itching.
Spirulina modulates immune responses, relieves inflammation in the nasal membrane, and reduces histamine and immunoglobulin (IgE) levels.
Spirulina has other health benefits, too. It may help promote healthy weight loss, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.
Honey
Honey is a beneficial home remedy for various conditions, including allergies. Some doctors suggest being cautious with both honey and bee pollen, and try a very small amount at first. That is because both honey and bee pollen can be allergens and trigger an allergic reaction.
When researchers compared to honey and the anti-allergy drug loratadine, honey showed beneficial results. Scientists concluded honey consumed in high doses improves allergy symptoms. It could even serve as an add-on therapy to treat allergies.
Moringa
Traditional South Asian herbal therapies use Moringa oleifera. The flowers, roots, seeds, and fruits of moringa are rich in beneficial compounds. Moringa also contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Over 100 research studies looked at the therapeutic benefits of moringa. It has documented antioxidant, anti-diabetes, and anti-seizure qualities. It has also lowered cholesterol. The anti-allergy effects of this herb are still under research. Experimental studies show moringa extract may inhibit anaphylaxis and histamine release.
Astragalus
Astragalus, or Astragalus membranaeceus, was the subject of over 400 scientific research studies. The plant has proven to boost the immune system, benefit heart and kidney health, and also ease chemotherapy side effects. It’s also considered to promote anti-diabetes.
One specific double-blind placebo-controlled study found astragalus relieved allergy symptoms. Participants experienced decreased symptoms of a runny nose related to weed pollen allergy. This means astragalus is a great home remedy for seasonal allergies in the fall.
Black Elderberry
Black elderberry, or Sambucus nigra, is a popular home remedy for allergies. Though it has shown limited data in studies, it does have anti-viral qualities. Black elderberry works especially well for colds, influenza, and herpes.
When it comes to allergies, it serves as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It also modulates the immune system.
More Home Remedies for Allergies
You can use herbal teas with ginger, turmeric, seabuckthorn, and yarrow. They can also help improve allergy symptoms. A Neti pot with saline irrigation is another great alternative.
Before using natural products and supplements, talk to a doctor with knowledge of research-based supplements. He will also be able to determine the optimal dose, best herbal combinations, and drug-herb reactions.
