Posted on November 5, 2007 in Herbs for Health
What is Allergy?
Allergy is a reaction between your immune system and a foreign body or an allergen. The body’s immune system or the defense mechanism works overtime fighting these allergens. These allergens may be harmless to others but may effect you severely causing discomfort to the body.
Causes of Allergy
Allergies can be caused due to
Symptoms of Allergies
Allergies cause problems like sneezing, runny nose, itching, rashes, swelling or even asthma. However, they are not necessarily fatal.
Herbal Treatment for Allergies
Nettle – is a good Anti- Allergy herb. It is a natural anti-histamine. It reduces the ability of the body to produce histamine. Histamine is a chemical produced by the antibodies in the body to fight against the allergens. Stinging nettle fights against allergy symptoms like cough, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.
Quercetin – Quercetin is a natural anti-oxidant and anti-histamine. It helps in relieving typical allergic symptoms and even asthma. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reducing itchiness and rash.
Butterbur – Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is an anti-inflammatory herb. It also decreases histamines and leukotrienes. It blocks the action of histamine released by the body during the allergic reaction. It treats fever symptoms effectively.
Astralagus – Astralagus Membranaceus is used to strengthen the body’s immune system. It is rich in anti-oxidants and protects cells against damage caused in allergies. It protects and supports the immune system in preventing colds and upper respiratory infections. It is also an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory herb.
Ephedra – or Ma Huang is an active ingredient in many traditional Chinese medicines used in the treatment of Asthma, hay fever and common cold. It is a thermogenic and a stimulant. It expands the bronchial tubes making breathing easier. Its diaphoretic properties help to expel exterior pathogens and regulate the functioning of lungs.
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Hi,
You have provided very nice information, but Ephedra is banned by FDA, as it is associated with heart attack or stroke….