Effective Herbal Seasonal Allergy Remedies: You Don't Need Claritin
Introduction
Allergies are characterized by an excessively strong immune reaction, where the immune system combats an allergen or antigen. This triggers mast cells to discharge histamine into the bloodstream. Compounds that inhibit mast cells from releasing histamine are recognized as anti-allergic agents.
Seasonal allergies are not really a concern outside of the industrial world. There are strong correlations with seasonal allergies to our overly clean lifestyle and overuse of antibiotics.1 Vitamin D deficiency is another correlating factor in those with seasonal allergies. 2
The drugs utilized to treat allergy are mast cell stabilizers, steroids, anti-histamine, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and decongestants. Anti-histamine drugs have side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, blurred vision, etc.
The use of medicinal plants for the effective and safe management of diseases has recently received much attention. When I hear “medicine herbs” and “herbalist”, my instinct is to think “quack”, or as said in The Big Bang Theory, “whack-a-doodle”. There is actually ample scientific evidence available for the anti-histaminic properties of many herbs and are safe to use as antiallergic agents.
What came as a huge surprise to me was that herbs like butterbur, ginger, and spirulina have all been tested against common season allergy OTC medicines like Claritin®, Zyrtec®, and Allegra®, and the herbs were proven to be as effective (in some cases more effective) AND without the negative side-effects, the most-common being drowsiness. In fact, and this was explained to me by both doctors and medical students: “non-drowsy Claritin” actually does make people drowsy! It’s just a marketing ploy they’re somehow allowed to get away with because it is less drowsy than previous generation anti-histamine drugs. The reason the drugs cause drowsiness where the herbs don’t is because the drugs cross the blood-brain barrier and affect that part of the brain that keeps you alert and awake.
Let’s first define our terms…
Allergic rhinitis is a diagnosis where your nose gets irritated by something you’re allergic to, such as pollen, which causes sneezing and other symptoms. Allergic rhinitis is also known as “seasonal allergies”, pollinosis, and hay fever.
Mast cells are a type of white blood cell most commonly known for their role in allergic reactions and in the defense against pathogens. They are part of the body's first line of defense against infection. In allergic reactions, mast cells are known for releasing histamine and other chemicals. When an allergen (like pollen, dust, or pet dander) binds to antibodies on the surface of mast cells, it triggers these cells to release histamine.
Histamine is a naturally occurring compound in the body that plays a key role in many biological processes, best known for its involvement in the immune system's response to foreign pathogens and in allergic reactions. When the body encounters a potential threat, like an allergen, histamine is released from storage cells, predominantly mast cells and basophils. It also contributes to common allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, swelling, and redness, as part of the body's attempt to expel the allergen. Histamine is a vital compound in the body, crucial for an effective immune response. However, in the case of allergies, its overproduction leads to the symptoms that characterize allergic reactions. Anti-histamines are used to bind to histamine receptors, preventing histamine from exerting its effects, and thereby alleviating allergy symptoms.
How to take herbs:
Adults: 1 - 2 tsp per day for dry powdered herbs. Twice as much for fresh herbs. For Children: Ratio against the size of an adult.
Maintenance: 2 - 3 times per day.
Acute issues: 3 - 6 times per day.
Early, often, and after an allergic event.
Disclaimers to cover my 6:
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am not a medical doctor or healthcare professional. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
Also please note the important following points:
Don’t use herbs in children younger than three without the guidance of an experienced herbalist.
Some herbs are not safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing a baby without consulting someone very knowledgeable on the subject.
Don’t mix herbs with pharmaceuticals without consulting someone knowledgeable about both. Herbs and drugs can and do interact. Sometimes those interactions enhance the beneficial aspects of pharmaceuticals and sometimes they negate its effects. Either way those interactions can very dangerous.
Where to get these herbs?
It’s difficult to find reliable sources for herbs and supplements, because they are not regulated, which makes it easy to get ripped off either by fillers or supplements that are processed in such a way that makes them ineffective. Large herbal companies are also not careful about harvest the proper part of the plant- they just harvest the entire plant all together, and it may not even be the best time for harvesting.
Also, be cognizant of the fact that buying herbs from grocery stores for cooking purposes is not the same as getting herbs from herbal companies for medicinal purposes. They are harvested, processed, dried, and stored differently.
For most of these, you can grow them at home. Grow your own herb garden! Whether the leaves, flower, or root is the medicine will vary between herbs, so be wary of which part to use. Some of the herbs are easy to make into teas, others are only useful fresh or dried as opposed to cooked.
If you don’t want to grow any of these yourself and/or you don’t want to wait, I suggest using: HomeGrown Herbalist, which is also a great resource for a lot of this knowledge. Other reliable companies are Monterey Bay Herb Co. and Mountain Rose Herbs.
Now on to the herbs and their beneficial properties to beat those spring allergies…
Herbs with anti-histamine properties
1. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Stinging nettle, or nettles, is one of the best anti histamine herbs.
As the name implies, the plant will sting you. But once it is cooked, the sting is gone, and the plant's leaves become a powerful remedy, especially effective for cold symptoms associated with spring allergies.
What makes Stinging Nettle remarkable is its ability to stabilize mast cells, hindering histamine release, thus alleviating allergy symptoms. This herb is not only a natural antihistamine but also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
It is important to note that the leaf is the medicine. Some studies done on this herb have had inconclusive results, but those were studies done on the root.
2. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
This herb stands out for its effectiveness, which rivals that of conventional antihistamines, without some of their common side effects.
In a notable clinical trial, Butterbur was compared with cetirizine, (Zyrtec®), to evaluate its effectiveness in allergy treatment. The study involved 131 individuals who received either Butterbur or cetirizine over two weeks. The findings revealed that Butterbur's effects were similar to Zyrtec® in managing seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, an advantage of Butterbur was the absence of drowsiness, a common side effect associated with many antihistamines.
Further studies have reinforced Butterbur's standing, showing it to be significantly more effective than a placebo and comparable to other common allergy medications like Zyrtec® and Allegra®. This makes it a viable option for both occasional and chronic allergy symptoms.
The efficacy of Butterbur is attributed to a compound within the herb that exhibits anti-allergic properties, particularly by inhibiting the activation of mast cells.
Safety and Precautions:
While Butterbur presents as a promising herbal remedy, it's crucial to approach its use with caution. Raw butterbur extracts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are harmful to the liver and potentially carcinogenic. Therefore, it is imperative to use butterbur products that are certified to be PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free). PA-free butterbur is available in both pill and extract form, such as Petadolex.
Additionally, individuals who have allergies to plants like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies may also have a sensitivity to Butterbur and should avoid its use.
3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
A significant study compared the effects of 500mg of ginger extract with loratadine (Claritin®). The findings were noteworthy: both ginger extract and loratadine significantly decreased allergy symptoms with no significant different between the two. However, ginger stood out for causing fewer side effects than Claritin®- the researchers noted specifically: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and constipation.
4. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis)
A 2020 study comparing spirulina with the medical antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec®) in 53 patients with allergic rhinitis found that spirulina was more effective in improving allergic symptoms. The researchers noted that to benefit from these effects, a person requires a high dose of around 2 grams of spirulina in four daily doses.
5. Brigham Tea (Ephedra viridis)
The herb’s antihistamine properties make it effective for sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes. It is also a natural decongestant and has bronchodilation properties, easing breathing difficulties, which is beneficial for those with respiratory allergies. It’s useful for runny noses, sneezing and other histamine-related issues and is rich in minerals. The green twiggy branches are the medicine, with no leaves to remove.
Brigham Tea contains natural stimulant compounds. While this can be beneficial for increasing alertness and reducing fatigue, it's essential to use it judiciously, especially for individuals sensitive to stimulants.
Safety and Precautions:
It's crucial to note that Ephedra, the genus to which Brigham Tea belongs, has been under scrutiny due to concerns related to its stimulant effects, particularly the compound ephedrine. While Ephedra viridis is generally considered to have a milder effect compared to other species in the genus, it's important to use this herb cautiously, especially for individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or those who are pregnant or nursing.
In some regions, the use of Ephedra-containing products is regulated due to potential health risks. As with any herbal remedy, consulting with a healthcare professional before use is advisable to ensure safety and appropriateness.
6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is another antihistamine herb that’s important for allergic rhinitis. This herb contains a polyphenol known as rosmarinic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
In a clinical trial, participants with allergies were given rosmarinic acid supplements or a placebo. After 21 days, those who received rosmarinic acid reported fewer allergy symptoms. This improvement was attributed to a decrease in inflammatory cells like neutrophils and eosinophils in the body, which are often elevated during allergic responses.
Further supporting these findings, a laboratory study observed that rosmarinic acid was effective in inhibiting allergic airway inflammation caused by common allergens like house dust mites.
7. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is one of the best herbs for seasonal allergies. It plays a key role as an antihistamine herb.
A lab study investigating the effects of garlic extract found significant reductions in airway inflammation, a common symptom in allergic reactions. Specifically, the study noted that garlic helped decrease levels of peribronchial lung eosinophils, IgG1 in both lavage fluid and serum, and the severity of mucous-producing goblet cells, as well as overall peribronchial and perivascular inflammation. These findings suggest that garlic can be effective in mitigating the respiratory symptoms associated with allergies.
Another lab-based study revealed garlic's ability to inhibit specific enzymes and pathways involved in the body's allergic response, suppressing the overall reaction.
Besides its use in extract form for specific treatments, incorporating garlic into your regular diet can also contribute to its overall health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, antioxidants, immune system support, anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial and antiviral properties, cancer prevention, detoxification, bone health, improved endurance, and improved skin health.
8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
A research review found that Turmeric possesses anti-allergic properties capable of inhibiting histamine release from mast cells. This action is similar to that of antihistamines, making curcumin an effective natural remedy for allergic reactions.
A clinical trial focusing on turmeric's impact on chronic respiratory system inflammatory disease in those with mild-to-moderate symptoms. The curcumin group reporting significant improvements in reduced airway obstruction. This improvement is attributed to turmeric's anti-inflammatory effect, which contributed to enhanced lung function.
9. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod, often mistakenly blamed for ragweed allergies due to their simultaneous blooming, is actually a beneficial herb for combating allergic reactions. With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine properties, Goldenrod stands out as a natural remedy for allergies.
Perhaps most importantly for allergy sufferers, Goldenrod has natural antihistamine properties. This means it can help to mitigate the body's histamine response that is central to allergic reactions. Goldenrod's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the inflammation commonly associated with allergic reactions, providing relief from symptoms like swelling and redness. The antioxidants in Goldenrod support the body's natural defense mechanisms, potentially reducing the severity of allergic responses.
The best parts of the Goldenrod plant for medicinal use are the aerial parts – specifically the leaf and flower. For maximum potency, these should be harvested just before the blossoms open. These parts can be used to make a fresh plant tincture or brewed as a tea. These preparations allow for the extraction of Goldenrod’s beneficial compounds, which can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
While Goldenrod itself is not typically the cause of allergic reactions during the late summer and early fall, individuals who are allergic to various flowers in the Asteraceae family (which includes daisies, chrysanthemums, and others) might also have a sensitivity to Goldenrod. As with any herbal remedy, it's important for those with known plant allergies to proceed with caution.
10. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a herb with very high levels of vitamin C along with a variety of other anti-inflammatory compounds, which work together to help blocks histamine and also prevents the release of histamine from mast cells. Use it liberally in food during cooking or prepare a tea with it.
Conclusion
As we navigate our health journeys, natural herbs offer a promising path, especially for those grappling with seasonal allergies. These can be conveniently taken as teas, tinctures, or capsules, providing your immune system a healthful boost without the concern of negative side effects like drowsiness. I've shared my top ten herb discoveries here, each with its unique potential against seasonal allergies, and plan to use some of these this spring. I hope to avoid the annual sinus pressure in my brow, weeks of watery eyes, stuffiness and sneezing!
Do remember to heed the cautions mentioned. And keep in mind, this is just the beginning – there's a whole world of herbal remedies out there! In a future post, I'll dive into herbs that double as decongestants and expectorants. This spring, why not experiment with some of these natural alternatives to the usual OTC pills and observe how your body thanks you in its response? I'm eager to hear about your experiences and discoveries using natural herbal remedies on your health journey.
