Itchy watery eyes, wheezing, runny nose and sneezing are some of the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies. Such allergies are usually caused by the pollen in the air, which comes from various shrubs, flowers, grass and trees. Though there are lots of prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines available out there, but most of them fail to cure the root of the problem; instead, they just suppress the symptoms.
That is the reason why herbal remedies are getting more popular to treat seasonal allergies. Following are some of the most popular herbal remedies used to strengthen your immune system and to improve your body’s ability to fight against allergies.
Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Yarrow, Licorice and Astragalus
Grind one part yarrow, one part licorice root, one part elder flowers, one part Astragalus root, two parts alfalfa leaves and four parts nettle leaves together thoroughly until they turn into fine powdered form. Store it in an airtight container. Prepare a herbal tea by taking one tsp. of this mixture and by steeping it in eight ounces of boiling water. Sip the tea hot, one cup, three times a day. It improves your respiratory functions by alleviating congestion and inflammation, which are the root causes for seasonal allergies.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Add 1 tbsp. of raw, organic apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp. of local raw honey in one cup of warm water. Drink this mixture warm, 2-3 times daily. It can be particularly more beneficial when taken right before going outside, such as in the morning before you leave for work. It reduces inflammation and blocks the histamine reaction of your body.
Essential Oils
Add three drops of rosemary essential oil, 1-2 drops of tea tree oil and four drops of eucalyptus oil in a saucepan. Fill it with water. Then, bring it to boil at high heat. Turn off the heat after fifteen minutes. Inhale its steam deeply for five to ten minutes. For faster relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergies, consider draping a large towel over your head.
Stinging Nettle Herbal Tea
Nettle is a natural anti-histamine agent. You can prepare a very effective herbal tea to treat seasonal allergies by steeping one teaspoon of the crushed dried nettle leaves in one cup of boiling water for twenty minutes. It is safe, healthy and very beneficial in clearing nasal passages and congestions in the respiratory tract.
Goldenrod
The dried flowers and leaves of goldenrod can also be used in a similar way to prepare a herbal tea. You can drink one cup of goldenrod tea, 3-4 times a day. To enhance the taste of the tea, consider adding peppermint leaves. This herbal tea contains antiseptic, anti-catarrhal and anti-inflammatory properties that can be very helpful in soothing upper respiratory tract and mucus membranes in the throat – the two main target areas that are usually affected with seasonal allergies.
Elderflower
Mix one or two teaspoons of crushed elderflowers in one cup of water. Boil it at high heat for 10-20 minutes. Gargle with this herbal decoction, once or twice daily. Alternatively, you can also sip it as a tea. For optimum benefits, you must take certain precautions while using the above-mentioned herbal remedies for seasonal allergies. For example, you should follow a non-allergic diet and avoid common food allergens like excess sugar, dairy and wheat products.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.