Allergies
An allergy is an immune system response to a typically harmless substance, known as an allergen. When someone with an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and reacts by producing antibodies. This response can cause a range of symptoms, from mild inflammation to severe, life-threatening reactions.
Types of Allergies:
- Food Allergies: Nuts, cow’s milk, sesame, fish, tree nuts, shellfish.
- Inhalant Allergies: Pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites.
- Skin Allergies: Contact dermatitis from insect stings, latex, certain metals.
- Medication Allergies: Reactions to specific medications.
Symptoms:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth or throat.
- Hives or itchy skin.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Nasal congestion, runny nose, or sneezing.
- Coughing or wheezing.
Causes:
- Genetic Predisposition: Family history of allergies.
- Environmental Factors: Pollution, pet dander, certain chemicals.
- Exposure to Allergens: Foods, medications, environmental irritants.
Borage
Borage (Pueraria montana var. lobata): Known for its rapid growth and medicinal properties. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), anti-inflammatory properties and potential to stimulate allergen tachyphylaxis make it a promising supplement for allergy relief.
Key Findings:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: GLA in borage oil may help reduce inflammation, potentially relieving symptoms like itching, swelling, and redness.
- Tachyphylaxis: High-dose borage oil supplementation can stimulate tachyphylaxis, desensitizing the body to allergens and reducing allergic reactions.
- Skin disorders: Borage oil may help treat skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis, improving skin health and reducing symptoms.
Potential Side Effects:
- Some individuals may still experience allergic reactions to the oil itself
Butterbur
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North America.rich our growing community.
The herb that has been traditionally used to alleviate allergy symptoms, particularly those associated with hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
- Effective Relief: Butterbur extract can relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes, making it a natural alternative to antihistamines.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Inhibits the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
- Clinical Evidence: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed dose-dependent efficacy of butterbur extract (Ze339) in treating intermittent allergic rhinitis.
- Limitations: Not proven effective for allergic skin reactions, chronic obstructive bronchitis, insomnia, upset stomach, urinary tract symptoms, asthma, and other conditions.
- Non-sedating: Suitable for those who experience drowsiness or other side effects from conventional allergy medications.
- Year-round Use: Can be used throughout the year, not just during peak allergy seasons.
- Additional Benefits: May help reduce inflammation, prevent migraines, and protect the brain and heart from damage.
Chaga
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a fungus that grows on tree trunks, particularly birch trees, in the Northern Hemisphere.
Chaga mushroom has been studied for its potential benefits in managing allergies. The key compounds are responsible for its anti-allergic effects.
Key Compounds
- Inotodiol: A triterpenoid that stabilizes mast cells, reducing the release of histamine and other allergic mediators.
- Antioxidants: Helps neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to allergic reactions.
Research Findings
- Reduce IgE Levels: Lowering IgE antibodies, responsible for allergic reactions, can alleviate symptoms.
- Inhibit Th2 Responses: Chaga’s immunomodulatory effects may help balance the immune system, reducing overreaction to allergens.
- Stabilize Mast Cells: Inotodiol’s activity can reduce the release of histamine and other allergic mediators, leading to fewer and less severe symptoms.
- Reduced Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties may help decrease symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
- Improved Immune Balance: Modulating the immune system may prevent overreaction to allergens, leading to fewer and less severe symptoms over time.
- Complementary Approach: Can be used alongside conventional allergy medications, but consult with a healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the oldest and most widely used herbal remedies, with a history dating back thousands of years.
German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) dried flowers of chamomile contain a range of terpenoids and flavonoids, which may reduce inflammation, making it a potential aid in soothing allergy-related discomfort.
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Helps reduce swelling and congestion in nasal passages and sinuses.
- Sedative effects: Promotes relaxation, alleviating anxiety and discomfort from allergy symptoms.
- Antihistamine-like effects: May counteract histamine released during allergic reactions.
Precautions and Considerations:
- Allergic reactions: Risk for individuals allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
- Interactions with medications: May interact with blood-thinning medications and cyclosporine.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Quality and preparation: Choose high-quality products and follow preparation guidelines.
Osho
Osha root, also known as bear root, Porter’s lovage, or mountain lovage, is a perennial herb native to the Rocky Mountains and northern New Mexico. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine by Native American and Hispanic cultures.
Osha root has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Potential Benefits:
- Mucus clearance: Osha root’s ability to clear mucus from sinuses and lungs may help reduce congestion and relieve allergy symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory: Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as itching, sneezing, and congestion.
- Antiviral: Osha root’s antiviral properties may help combat viral infections that can exacerbate allergies, such as the common cold.
Precautions and Contraindications:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using Osha root due to potential risks and lack of sufficient research.
- Combination with other medications: Consult with a healthcare professional before using Osha root with other medications, as it may interact with bronchodilators.
- Quality and sourcing: Ensure that any Osha root products come from a reputable source and are certified by a trusted third-party testing organization.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a plant native to the Americas, characterized by its yellow flowers that open at sunset and close during the day. Native Americans used evening primrose for various purposes
The oil extracted from its seeds contains omega-6 fatty acids, particularly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which has shown potential in alleviating various allergy-related conditions.
Benefits:
- Eczema and Allergic Reactions: Evening primrose oil has been used to treat severe eczema, including eczema herpeticum, with remarkable success stories. It may help remove allergens, relieve inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
- Anti-Asthmatic Effects: High-dose evening primrose oil and borage oil have been shown to stimulate allergen tachyphylaxis in sensitized guinea pigs, indicating a potential mechanism for preventing allergen sensitization and alleviating asthma symptoms.
- Solar Urticaria: Evening primrose oil has been reported to effectively alleviate solar urticaria, a skin allergy to sunlight, in a personal account. The exact mechanism is unclear, but it may be related to the oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Precautions:
- Consultation: Essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using EPO, especially if you have severe allergies or are taking medications.
- More Research Needed: Further studies are required to fully understand the effects of EPO on allergies.
Borage (51-52), Butterbur (166-168),
Chaga (268-270), Chamomile (59-60), Echinacea
(116-117), Osha (191-193), Peppermint (118-119),
(72-73), Evening Primrose (75-77), Garlic (80-81),
Reishi (273-275), Sassafras (254-255), Self-heal
Goldenrod (81-83), Listerine (293), Lovage (104-
(122), St. John’s Wort (33-135), Thyme (140-141),
105), Mormon Tea (111-112), Reishi (273-275),
Turkey Tail (275-276), Usnea (277-278), Western
Self-heal (122), Stinging Nettle (135-136), Yerba
Red Cedar (259-261), Wild Rose (238-239)
Santa (213-214)