Many people don’t think about allergies until they are actually affected by them—the itchy watery eyes, stuffed up nose and sneezing. You all know the picture. But, the trick to surviving allergy season is to begin preparing your body six to eight weeks before the season actually begins. You might find that you react to plants in the spring, summer, or fall. Whenever you react, just make sure you start preparing one and a half to two months ahead. Luckily, there are plenty of medicinal plants and supplements that can help you do just that.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant with a long history as a lung, kidney and blood tonic. It has an anti-inflammatory and strengthening effect on the lungs, which can lower the body’s reaction to perceived toxins. Traditionally, nettle has been taken as a tea and is highly recommended in this form. Many people also experience good results with freeze-dried capsules.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a kitchen spice commonly used in Indian cooking, is a multi-faceted medicinal herb. A favorite for its overall anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body, it is especially helpful for the lungs. Turmeric is also a digestive stimulant, has blood-cleansing properties, and aids the liver in detoxification and the digestion of fats. It’s important to enhance the function of other organs of elimination, since the lungs of allergy sufferers may be somewhat impaired by the presence of inflammation and excess mucus.

Many may be familiar with garlic’s (Allium sativa) immune enhancing and anti-microbial effects, but few realize what a wonderful anti-inflammatory lung tonic it can be. This may be due to garlic’s high levels of quercetin, which inhibits inflammatory activity. When garlic is eaten, it is excreted directly through the lungs (exactly where we want it to go), hence the possibility of “garlic breath” when taken in high doses. Nevertheless, it’s recommended that garlic be eaten daily as a food rather than taken as a supplement, which may be less active.

Another food supplement high in quercetin, as well as protein, B vitamins and antioxidant compounds known as flavanoids is bee pollen. Bee pollen has been used extensively to promote energy and stamina and has proven helpful to allergy sufferers. Regular intake of bee pollen may help the body build resistance to hay fever and other airborne allergens, reducing symptoms considerably. Many natural health practitioners believe that local bee pollen is most beneficial. A small percentage of people have an allergic reaction to bee pollen that results in an itchy throat, so starting with a small dose is recommended. Discontinue use if any negative effect is perceived.

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are critical for the health of every cell in the body. EFAs are responsible for the integrity of cell walls, and the stronger the cell wall, the less permeable the cell is to potential allergens. EFAs are also potent inflammatory mediators and are an important part of an anti-allergy diet (1). A diet high in cold-water fish, such as wild salmon, mackerel and sardines, or supplemented with fish oils is recommended. Vegetarians can supplement their diet with high quality flax oil to receive similar benefits.

Lastly, we can’t forget good old vitamin C, “a powerful, natural antihistamine and antioxidant found in the lining of the lungs’ airway passages” (2). Taking vitamin C regularly can help keep the lungs healthy and reduce the inflammatory reaction.

Though there are many other herbs that can be used for allergies in general (including mullein, goldenrod and licorice; see tonic tea recipe) and each individual will have a unique symptom picture, these suggestions are a great place to start. It’s also important to examine foods that may be allergens, (or at least exacerbate symptoms) such as wheat and dairy, in one’s diet and consider eliminating them. Remember that lasting changes in the body don’t happen overnight. Herbs and supplements work best when used consistently over time. Start early, stick with it, and may this growing season find you smiling more often than sneezing!

Sources: (1) Murray, Michael T., Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Prima Publishing, 1996; (2) Duke, James. The Green Pharmacy. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1997; (3) Hoffman, David, Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

ALLERGY TONIC TEA
Ingredients:
2 parts nettle leaf
1 part mullein leaf
1 part goldenrod leaf and flower*
½ part licorice root**

Instructions:
Add one heaping teaspoon of tea mix to one cup of boiled water. Cover and steep for at least twenty minutes. Drink two to four cups a day, hot or cold.

*Many people mistakenly believe they are allergic to goldenrod when it’s actually ragweed to which they’re allergic. That said, “goldenrod may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family” (3).

**Daily use of licorice root can cause water retention, a concern for people with high blood pressure. Fennel or anise seed can be used in its place.

Sandi Ford, Clinical Herbalist, has been working with plants for beauty, food and medicine for over fourteen years. She maintains a clinical practice and teaches at various herb schools in Asheville, NC. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Health and Nutrition Education and is available for consultations and classes at 828-299-1479, or email healingsavvy@hotmail.com.

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