Taking mind-fogging, expensive allergy drugs or getting painful allergy shots is a nuisance. Better: Natural remedies safely and often economically alleviate seasonal or year-round environmental allergies. Here are the remedies you should know about…
Allergy symptoms flare up when the immune system overreacts to pollen, dust, mold or other substances by releasing the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE). As IgE binds to cells in the respiratory tract and eyes, these cells release the inflammatory chemical histamine, which triggers sneezing, a runny nose, scratchy throat and itchy eyes.
Antihistamine drugs block histamine but only temporarily—and even “nonsedating” types may cause drowsiness. Decongestants suppress symptoms for a few hours but often cause headache and a rapid heartbeat. Allergy shots work long-term but require years of weekly to monthly injections.
Preferred: Natural treatments address the root cause of allergies by modulating the immune system, which curbs the release of IgE and helps prevent the allergic response. If symptoms do appear, natural therapies bring relief. Unless otherwise indicated, the products below are sold in health-food stores and online and generally are safe for everyone.
The following nutritional supplements help deter the allergic response. If you have a chronic health condition, use any medication or are pregnant or breast-feeding, check with your doctor before taking supplements. Be patient—improvement may take several months.
During the seasons when you typically have symptoms—or year-round if needed—take all three of the following…
Vitamin C with flavonoids. Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may act as an antihistamine. Effects are enhanced when it is combined with flavonoids (antioxidant plant pigments, also called bioflavonoids), which strengthen respiratory cells. Choose a brand that contains both, such as Thorne Research Vitamin C with Flavonoids (208-263-1337, www.Thorne.com), available through holistic health-care providers. Dosage: Excess vitamin C causes loose stools, so start with 500 milligrams (mg) daily…increase by 500 mg each day until stools become loose…then reduce by 500 mg and continue at that dosage. Do not exceed 2,000 mg daily.
Fish oil. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil eases inflammation and strengthens respiratory cells, reducing their reaction to allergens. Its most beneficial components are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—but their concentration varies by brand. Select a brand that requires taking the least amount of fish oil to receive the therapeutic dose of EPA and DHA. Recommended: Carlson Laboratories Super Omega-3 (888-234-5656, www.CarlsonLabs.com). Dosage: 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg per day of combined EPA/DHA. Do not use if you are allergic to seafood or if you take a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Quercetin with bromelain and curcumin. Studies show that the flavonoid quercetin inhibits histamine release. It is most effective when taken with the anti-inflammatories bromelain (an enzyme) and curcumin (an antioxidant). These can be bought separately or in a combination formula, such as Vital Nutrients BCQ (888-328-9992, www.VitalNutrients.net), available through holistic health-care providers. Dosage: Daily, take 250 mg to 500 mg of quercetin…100 mg to 300 mg of bromelain…and 600 mg to 2,000 mg of curcumin. Do not take bromelain if you are allergic to pineapple.
For additional preventive power, also take these during your allergy season or year-round…
N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). Take this congestion-relieving amino acid if you are sensitive to household cleaning products, air pollution or a rise in the ozone level. Good brand: Jarrow Formulas N-A-C (310-204-6936, www.Jarrow.com). Dosage: 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily.
Probiotics. Studies show that these beneficial digestive bacteria decrease IgE and increase immunoglobulin G (IgG), an antibody that counteracts the allergic response. Choose a probiotic brand that contains the strain lactobacillus…and at least five billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per dose, such as Jarro-Dophilus EPS (310-204-6936, www.Jarrow.com). Dosage: Take daily as directed on the product label.
If allergies do flare up, continue the supplements above. Also use any or all of the following—just be sure to consult your doctor first…
Pe min kan wan and bi yan pian. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, these herbal combinations help reduce phlegm and sinus inflammation. Plum Flower makes supplements of both (www.MorningstarHealth.com). Dosage: Take both as directed on the product labels until symptoms abate or for a maximum of one week. Do not combine with allergy drugs—that could increase antihistamine side effects.
Nettle tea or chamomile tea. These herbs may alleviate nasal congestion, runny nose and watery eyes. Use three tablespoons of fresh herbs, one heaping tablespoon of dried herbs or two tea bags per eight-ounce cup of boiling water, steeping for one to two minutes. Drink two to three cups daily as needed. These herbs can be taken while using allergy medication. Do not use chamomile if you are allergic to ragweed, celery or onion…take a blood thinner…or expect to have surgery within two weeks. (Check first with your doctor if you have a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or uterine cancer).
Eucalyptus aromatherapy. To clear a stuffy nose, fill a sink with hot water, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, lean over the sink while covering your head with a towel to trap the steam, close your eyes and inhale for three to five minutes. Repeat daily as needed.
Nasal irrigation. This removes allergens from nasal passages. Use a saline spray bottle…or a neti pot (a small narrow-spouted handheld pitcher) filled with salt water, following the manufacturer’s instructions (including the use of sterile water, such as boiled tap water or distilled water). Irrigate once or twice each day for two weeks, then several times a week thereafter.
