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Ginger Remedy for Seasonal Allergies

If you're one of the millions of people coping with allergies, consider heading to the produce section rather than the drugstore next time you need relief from sniffling, sneezing, itching and red eyes. Ginger, the knobby root that's much-used in Asian cooking, may do more to ease your allergy suffering than commercial allergy remedies.

  1. What Are Allergies?

    • The mucous membrane lining of nasal and bronchial passages includes immune cells known as mast cells. The receptors on top of the mast cells call for the release of the body's natural histamines when a spiky grain of pollen latches onto the mucous passages. Your allergy symptoms are the body's attempts to expel these intruders by any means necessary—sneezing, tearing up, etc.

    Why Holistic Remedies Rather Than Allergy Drugs?

    • Allergy drugs treat these symptoms, but they don't do anything about the underlying causes. Natural remedies work by shoring up the body's defenses before the alien allergy invaders arrive. Herbal remedies help create a state of healthy balance that makes you less susceptible to allergies.

    Ginger Power

    • Ginger's healing power works on multiple levels, so it counters a host of different allergy symptoms. Ginger is a natural antihistamine, so it relieves allergy problems centered in the sinuses. Since it also has anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the achy feeling that may accompany allergy attacks. If your allergy attacks include digestive disorders, ginger calms the stomach. Ginger can counteract nausea and relieve gas and bloating. If you think your allergy symptoms may be the precursor to a cold, you receive protection, because ginger helps prevent viruses.

    How to Take Ginger

    • If you enjoy the taste of fresh ginger, throw a few pieces into a healthy stir-fry dish. Ginger teas are another excellent way to draw on this root's many anti-allergy benefits. If you don't like the taste, purchase a ginger supplement in tablet form—just be sure it contains gingerol, the active ingredient in the fresh herb. If you're a fan of aromatherapy, inhaling ginger essential oil allows you to bring its benefits directly to your ailing sinuses. Ginger has no known side effects.

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