10 Simple Herbal Allergy Helpers
Herbs can help with allergies. When symptoms flare we want to go for quick results, but allergy symptoms will increase over time unless we reprogram our bodies reaction to the offending allergen.
There are many different causes and reasons for allergies, but most result in the body over-triggering our immune systems. Our bodies go on alert against the offending weed, dust or food and then stay on defense longer and longer, becoming more sensitive with time, as they attempt to ward off the perceived danger.
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Different remedies work best for different allergies but there are some common ones that work in general. The area affected as well as time and environment conditions can clue us in to the right cause and remedy.
I have compiled a very simple list of helpful time proven natural remedies to speed relief and build your body’s defenses based on allergy symptoms. These are just a place to start.
Allergy Runny Nose: Onions and garlic, eat lots! (The homeopathic remedy of this is allium cepa if you can’t stand eating onions.) Homeopathic is easy, inexpensive and fast, available in your health store, but has to be very specific. (There are no side effects, but you should start seeing results within a few applications if it is the one you need.)
Skin Conditions: If you have skin problems that are due to allergies, many times taking a natural form of sulfur (MSM) can help immensely. (It also helps with stiff joints) Studies are showing a lack of sulfur in our soil, especially in dry areas, and also in our bodies.
Burdock and Chaparral are helpful for allergies, excellent for skin issues and cleansers of the blood.
Silica as an herbal supplement or in tea can help too. Silica is naturally found in horsetail herb (also known as shavegrass). It helps build collegen which helps our connective tissues for stronger hair, nails, bones and skin.
Allergy Sinus Congestion: Nettles, peppermint and gingko, Gingko increases circulation in the brain and has natural antihistamines which makes it a great allergy helper. Nettle strengthens the whole system’s defense against environmental allergies.
Oils for quick, temporary relief: Peppermint oil and/or lavender oil. Make sure it is therapeutic quality to use medicinally. One drop placed in hand and then rubbed gently on nose, temples and/or back of neck. Breathe in deeply to clear the sinuses for a couple hours. These can work as a face steam too. Place 1-2 drop in non-aluminum or plastic bowl, add boiling water and hold head over bowl under a towel until water cools or effects slow.
Tea and Honey: Much publicity has been given to the benefits of local raw honey, and it’s true. I am a walking testament to how well they work for allergies to outside sources, such as hay, grasses, trees and pollens. The bees pick up pollen from all of the irritants in bloom and so the honey they produce helps your body build up resistance to those allergens; very much like a vaccine works. That’s why the more local the honey the better.
Teas made out of the local herbs work the same way; your body is taking in small, diluted amounts and builds a tolerance to those herbs. Take your tea and honey together for a pleasant way to help allergies. Our Outback tea is based on this principle.
Environment: Look around your environment for any conditions or pollutants that may be weakening your immune system even if not directly related to your allergy. Help your body be stronger by getting rid of them, if possible. For example, formaldehyde in carpets, chemical cleaners, dust, mold, weed-killers, sunflowers, etc. can compromise your living area.
Affirmation: “The world is a friendly place. I am at peace with life.”
