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Holistic Allergy Remedies

Allergies afflict millions of people yearly with an assortment of irritating symptoms that can include itchy and watery eyes, repeated sneezing, runny nose, sinus headaches and hives. Sometimes shortness of breath and wheezing are present as well. Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly reacts to a substance as if it were dangerous and releases histamines that cause allergy symptoms. Allergies can't be cured, but symptoms can be treated. Many people turn to holistic medicine to do this. Holistic medicine should be used in conjunction with medical treatments, not instead of them.

  1. Herbal Remedies

    • If you visit an herbalist for your allergies, she or he will probably tailor your treatment to your type of allergy and symptoms. Your hay fever may be treated with infusions of chamomile tea, which is used to shorten the duration of attacks. For itchy eyes, you may receive eyebright, which is a useful herb with astringent and antimucosal properties that is often used to relieve conjunctivitis. If you have sinus headaches triggered by allergies, nettle extract may be used for its abilities as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory. Ginger root, which may be taken in a refreshing tea, also has anti-inflammatory qualities. To help a stuffy nose, your herbal healer may advise you to inhale eucalyptus steam. The anti-congestive properties of eucalyptus, which is used in many pharmaceutical preparations, are well-documented; it also has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic qualities. The herbalist may also recommend licorice root, which is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • The homeopathic treatment of allergies tries to reduce symptoms, but it also examines the individual's life circumstances, feelings aroused by the attack, and situations which relieve or worsen allergy symptoms. If you go to a homeopathic practitioner for help with allergies, he or she may prescribe a "clean" diet such as a raw foods diet and suggest that you steer clear of wheat. Homeopathic medicines for allergies, which use miniscule amounts of substances intended to trigger the body's healing response, may include the seed of the sabadilla plant and thuja, made from evergreen twigs.

    Precautions

    • Never start a regimen of herbs or vitamins without consulting with your doctor; these substances can interfere with prescription drugs. If you have severe allergies or asthma, never reduce or discontinue medicines without talking to your doctor, and continue to carry emergency treatments such as inhalers or adrenaline injectors. Herbs can have side effects; to learn more about them, visit the U.S. Library of Medicine in the Resource below. In particular, you should use caution if inhaling eucalyptus steam; pregnant women, people with central nervous system disorders and congestive heart problems, infants and children should not use it at all.

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