Taking over-the-counter allergy medication is one way to cope with the
symptoms of allergies this spring. But many people find the side effects
difficult to deal with – drowsiness, or on the other hand, hyper-wakefulness
– and many cannot work properly while taking antihistamines. If
you suffer from allergies why not give a natural remedy a try? Here’s
how natural remedies may make a difference to your health and wellbeing.
What Are Some Natural Remedies for Allergies?
Some natural remedies for allergies include
butterbur,
stinging nettle,
bromelain, as well as
quercetin,
echinacea,
goldenseal,
pine bark extract,
vitamin C,
honey, and
cat's claw.
Butterbur has been shown in several studies to be
as effective as a traditional antihistamine but without the side effects. Taken in
tablet form, it may help your allergy symptoms.
Stinging nettle is another natural remedy that many use to treat allergies.
A supplement made up of the extract of stinging nettle leaf is a natural
antihistamine that contains quercetin, vitamin K, and carotene.
Bromelain
reduces inflammation and can ease congestion by thinning the mucus in the nose.
Another good option is quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid that is found
in wine and certain fruits and vegetables. Quercetin
blocks histamine release and suppresses the allergic response that causes your symptoms.
What Causes Allergies?
You suffer from allergies when your immune system reacts against a threat
– in the case of seasonal allergies this threat is pollen or grass
seed. The immune system response provokes symptoms like a runny nose,
congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
When you take an anti-allergy medication you are blocking the release
of chemicals that cause this reaction. Natural remedies work in the same
way to reduce the level of histamines and lessen the severity of allergy symptoms.
Are Herbal Remedies Safe?
One of the reasons people take natural remedies is to avoid the side effects
associated with drugs. Most herbal remedies are free from side effects
but they may cause interactions with other medications – check with
your doctor if you are unsure. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult
your doctor before taking any medications – natural or otherwise
– for your allergies. You may need to try a few different remedies
to find one that works for you.
Call
Decatur Pain & Rehab at (404)620-4020 to learn more about our
medical pain relief services and
chiropractic care.