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Alternative Relief of Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Spring will soon be in the air, and for twenty percent of Americans that means an onslaught of airborne allergy symptoms. If those first signs of spring flowers and pollen make you want to hunker down inside your house with a box of tissues, consider some alternative allergy remedies this allergy season.
Conventional allergy treatments include antihistamine medications and/or desensitization “shots.” Shots can be expensive and time consuming, and antihistamines may have undesirable side effects. Some natural alternatives are herbs, acupuncture and supplements.
Allergies happen when a person’s immune system encounters a normally harmless substance (such as pollen) and overreacts. The overzealous immune system then tries to expel the substance from the body, causing sneezing, watering eyes, itchy throat, coughing and nasal congestion. These are all symptoms of a histamine reaction, and taking antihistamine medications can reduce the intensity of the allergy.
Quercetin is an antioxidant compound found in some fruits and vegetables, especially onions and berries, which has been found to reduce inflammation and inhibit the release of histamine. Taken as a dietary supplement, it can help allergy sufferers feel better without the drowsiness or sleeplessness associated with OTC allergy pills.
An herb with antihistamine qualities is Butterbur, which is actually related to the ragweed family. Like Quercetin, it is a histamine blocker, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Some preliminary clinical studies have shown it to be as effective as some popular allergy medicines at reducing allergy symptoms, but long term studies have not been undergone. There may be side effects associated with Butterbur, including headache, drowsiness and indigestion, but the effects are reported to be fewer than that of OTC allergy pills.
Other herbal remedies or supplements include bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, and nettle leaf (also called stinging nettle.) They are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, and may decrease mucus and allergy symptoms.
Acupuncture is also gaining popularity among allergy sufferers. The treatment is thought to quiet the over-stimulated immune system, stopping allergies where they begin. Free of side effects, acupuncture is a safe addition to any other allergy treatment, and has no drug interactions or depletions.
People who suffer from seasonal allergies should keep their immune systems healthy with a diet rich in antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Some people with environmental allergies may also be allergic to certain foods, and eating these foods during allergy season can intensify allergies. For example, people allergic to grass pollen may also be sensitive to tomatoes, peanuts, wheat, apple, carrot, celery, peach, melon, eggs and pork. Allergy testing can help people identify their triggers and take measures to prevent the worst allergy symptoms.
Resources:
“Allergy Remedies,” About: Alternative Medicine, May 2006.
“Butterbur; An Herbal Allergy Treatment?” Mayo Clinic.com, August 2006.
“Natural Allergy Relief,” Web MD.com, April 2006.
“Natural Allergy Relief-Homeopathic Treatments,” Psychology Today, March 2000.
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