Spring has arrived. If you have spring allergies like me, I’m sure you’ve already noticed the pollen in the air. Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, blocked airways, and wheezing. It hit me all of a sudden last weekend.I used to take conventional medicine for my allergies but had to jump from pill to pill, as each medication would lose its effectiveness over time. I’ve also grown to prefer taking natural alternatives to over-the-counter medication, as I personally think it’s a lot safer.
Regardless of your reasons for considering natural remedies, I’ll share with you some solutions to control those pesky allergic reactions.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with a multitude of natural herbs, including nettle leaf, butterbur, quercetin, and bromelain. It’s important to note that what works for one person may not necessarily work for someone else. Here’s what I’m currently taking to control my allergies:
- Butterbur
- WholeHealthMD states butterbur can treat seasonal allergies and control asthma attacks.
- A study of 168 people with allergies found butterbur significantly reduces allergy symptoms.
- Another study found butterbur produces effects similar to the drug Zyrtec.
- I take butterbur capsules twice daily.
- You can purchase butterbur here.
- Nettle Leaf
- WholeHealthMD reports nettle leaf can reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Over half of the people taking nettle leaf in a clinical trial reported moderate to excellent allergy relief.
- I take nettle leaf extract twice daily.
- You can purchase nettle leaf extract here. You can also purchase nettle leaf capsules, if you prefer pills over liquid.
Here are two other natural remedies that have a good reputation of controlling allergic reactions:
- Quercetin
- WholeHealthMD says quercetin prevents the release of histamine and reduces inflammation in the airways. Histamine causes congestion and allergic reactions.
- Bromelain
- Bromelain helps reduce inflammation, among many other things.
- Bromelain is usually used in conjunction with quercetin.
You can purchase quercetin with bromelain here. Or, if you prefer, you can purchase quercetin and bromelain separately.
If you’re seeking relief from seasonal allergies, give some of those natural herbs a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Personally, I swear by nettle leaf. I’d recommend taking either 1) butterbur and nettle leaf or 2) quercetin with bromelain and nettle leaf.
Have you tried natural remedies for your seasonal allergies? If so, what have you tried and did it help to reduce your symptoms?
(Image courtesy of leila-anne.)
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Delicious