Most people are aware of spring allergies, but many people also suffer from fall allergies. Whereas spring allergies are usually associated with pollens, fall allergies are triggered by molds, dust-mites from heater systems, wind and moisture. There are wonderful herbs that are very helpful for those that suffer from fall allergies. The below herbs are usually compatible with commonly used medications. Over-the-counter and prescription medications work well for some, while others find the side effects of grogginess and dryness worse than the watery eyes, itchy throat and sneezing. Herbs are a great option. Herbs not only relieve symptoms but they can actually build your immune system in the process. The positive side of taking herbs is that most people feel clearing in their nose, eyes and sinuses within 20 minutes. The downside is that you need to take herbs more often than conventional medications.
- Reishi mushrooms are super-powerful medicinal mushrooms and although they are a fungi, they help marvelously with mold allergies. They both stimulate the immune response and reduce the histamine production in the body. They are available in capsule form, which makes them easy to take, and are best taken two to three times a day. For children this wonderful herb comes in tincture (liquid form).
- Freeze-dried nettle is a green plant filled with chlorophyll that has been shown in clinical studies to be as effective as today’s allergy medicines. The positive side of taking nettles is that most people feel clearing in their nose, eyes and sinuses within 20 minutes, and nettles don’t have the side effects of most modern anti-allergy medicines, like sleepiness and dry mouth. The downside is that the effectiveness of nettles can wear off in four hours, so they need to be taken more often than conventional medicines. Nettles are an herb that performs well in capsule form so they are convenient to carry in your purse or your pocket. Nettles in tincture form have wonderful medicinal qualities but only have the antihistamine properties in freeze-dried form.
- Yerba Santa is a wonderful natural antihistamine that thins the mucus in the nasal passages and well the lungs. This herb is a wonderful as an expectorant to loosen phlegm. This herb is not effective in capsule form and must be used in a liquid called a tincture. The dosage is 25-35 drops diluted in water or juice three times a day.
If you want to use a ready-made herbal formulations here are some of my favorites: Herbalist & Alchemist- Sinus Support Compound, Gaia-Aller-leaf, or Herbpharm- Pollen Defense.
*please consult with your physician.
