Medicinal Herbs for Allergies

An allergic reaction can be as simple as a sneeze or cough to as radical as anaphylactic shock or death. Allergic reactions occur inside and outside the body. Homeopathic practitioners advocate herbal remedies that are nontoxic and have proven effective in boosting the immune system to fight off allergies.

Licorice Root

• Licorice root is one of the more popular herbs used for allergy relief. It reduces inflammation, supports the adrenal glands and, when steeped in hot water, can be consumed as a tea to work internally or applied externally to help alleviate dry, itchy or inflamed skin. If you don't like the taste of the tea, use the capsule form.

Ginger Root

• Ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties and fights the symptoms of hay fever, the most common allergy, frequently brought on by exposure to pollens, grasses, mites and secondhand smoke. When ingested, it can help clear a stuffy nose, reduce sneezing, soothe itchy eyes, nasal passages and the throat. You can apply it topically as a balm to relieve dry, itchy skin.

Chamomile

• Chamomile is probably the best-known medicinal herb in use today. It is rich in chamazulene, a compound with anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. When ingested, chamomile helps the body inhibit the histamine response to allergens. Like ginger root, it can also be applied to the skin to help soothe itchiness and reduce redness.

Butterbur

• Butterbur is more popular in Europe than in the United States, but it is slowly gaining popularity as word of its healing qualities spreads. Butterbur has a chemical ingredient called petasine that has been found to soothe inflammation and block histamine.

Marshmallow

• Marshmallow works internally on several fronts. The copious amounts of mucilage it contains coat inflamed mucous membranes, relieving irritation and making it easier to breathe without coughing. It also contains decongestant properties and will aid the body in expelling excess mucus. Finally, marshmallow is a digestive aid that soaks up toxins in the body and helps propel them to the bowel for elimination.

Elder Flower

• Elder flower is a popular herb in the Western world for its natural decongestant properties. It soothes irritated sinus and mucous membranes while acting as a natural astringent to dry up excess mucus. If you are collecting your own flowers, care must be taken to collect only the black elder flower as the red elder flower is considered toxic.