Allergies are a yearly battle for many people; with symptoms ranging from a runny nose to a racking cough, it's no surprise that many are driven to popping antihistamine pills like they are Skittles! However, there are herbal options available for those who want to take a more natural approach.
If you are afflicted with hay fever, you know how it goes - the sore, scratchy throat, the sneezing, the endless crumpled tissues. All you want is for the episode to be over. Try taking chamomile tea; it can reduce the length of your hay fever attack. While you're waiting for it to take effect, try eyebright. It will relieve your symptoms.
Take nettle for that persistent cough; it is an expectorant (this means it will loosen phlegm) and help clear up your sinuses as well. If your inflamed sinuses come with a whopping headache, like mine do, St. John's Wort will help relieve this painful symptom.
Butterbur is an herb that will cover almost all of the hay fever symptoms. It has been used for generations as a folk remedy and can be taken in tablet form. It is not advisable to take the raw herb or to take it in a tea, because there is evidence that the raw form may cause cancer.
Apples, black tea, red grapes, and red onions all contain quercetin, an antihistamine. You can also find it as a supplement. Vitamin C also has antihistamine and can be found in citrus fruits, broccoli, mangoes, and onions. Dark green vegetables are another great source of this vitamin.
Next time you're hit with hay fever, don't reach for the pills - take a few herbs instead. Instead of masking the symptoms, they actually treat the problem.
