Allergy Relief Natural

by LISABETH FAUBLE

Around 30% of adults and 40% of children in the U.S. experience seasonal allergies from pollen released by grasses, weeds, wildflowers and trees.1 Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, but they actually stem from the body’s natural protective reaction to airborne irritants that enter the body.

These irritants cause the body to release histamines, which trigger common allergic responses like runny or stuffy nose; sneezing; itchy throat, nose and ears; and red, watery eyes. If symptoms become severe enough, they may lead to mouth-breathing, sleep apnea, snoring and low energy.

Many people use over-the-counter antihistamines to address allergy symptoms. However, these therapies may have undesirable side effects, including sleepiness, dry mouth and eyes, headache and dizziness. Some antihistamine side effects may even mimic allergy symptoms like cough and sore throat. Fortunately, you can minimize allergy symptoms and avoid side effects by using the following natural approaches to allergy relief.

Herbs — Burdock Extract and Stinging Nettle

Burdock is a root vegetable with edible stems and leaves common in Japan, China and Korea. Burdock supplements are thought to help minimize allergy symptoms by regulating histamine levels in the body. One 2021 study in the Journal of Food Biochemistry found that burdock extract “exerts a strong antiallergic activity” in rat and in vitro testing and could help with seasonal allergies.2 Pregnant women should not eat or take burdock as it may impact fetal development 3

Stinging nettle has been used as a holistic remedy for thousands of years throughout North America, Europe and Africa. Many claim it helps with allergy symptoms. While the fine, prickly hairs on nettle’s stems and leaves contain histamines that cause irritation when touched, nettle supplements provide natural allergy relief

STRUGGLING WITH ALLERGIES?

WHETHER THE CULPRIT IS SEASONAL ALLERGIES, DUST, PET DANDER, MOLD, MITES OR OTHER IRRITANTS, NATURAL RELIEF STARTS WITH A QUICK TRIP TO YOUR LOCAL HEALTH FOOD STORE.