Seasonal allergies are a common occurrence in today’s world.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, around 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies each year, or around 15% of the population.
This article looks at the scientific research behind the best herbs for allergies.
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What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
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.
Allergy symptoms typically include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy skin, watering eyes, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
Allergies can be triggered by a variety of airborne allergens, including:
- Pollen
- Animal dander
- Dust mites
- and Mold
Best Herbs for Allergies:
Herbal remedies can provide an alternative, natural way to treat allergic rhinitis. If used sensibly, these natural remedies can not only reduce allergy symptoms but prevent them altogether.
Our list includes antihistamine herbs, as well as flavonoids and other plant constituents.
Below is a roundup of the best herbs for allergies and various respiratory issues.
1. Stinging Nettle
Research shows that stinging nettle may have the ability to reduce symptoms caused by seasonal allergies and hay fever. In fact, it’s one of the best anti histamine herbs.
In vitro studies show that stinging nettle has the ability to stabilize mast cells. It’s thought that this stabilization effect blocks histamine receptors and stops immune cells from releasing inflammatory molecules that trigger allergic reaction symptoms.
A clinical trial with 98 participants showed that stinging nettle was rated as being more effective than placebo in treating allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Another human clinical trial showed that stinging nettle root helped to reduce nasal smear eosinophil count (a key marker used in diagnosing allergic rhinitis). While both the placebo group and the stinging nettle group experienced a decrease in total allergy symptoms, the findings were labeled as inconclusive.
The researchers noted that their research limitations for this study underscore the need for larger, longer-term studies on nettle for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
It should also be noted that the study utilized an extract made from stinging nettle root. Typically the leaf is the part utilized for stabilizing the body’s immune response.
Summary:
Stinging nettle leaf appears to be a promising natural remedy for seasonal allergies. However, long-term human clinical trials are needed to ensure the efficacy of nettles for allergies.
2. Plant-Based Flavonoids
Citrus flavonoids are a well-known natural remedy for seasonal allergies.
Common citrus flavonoids include:
- Quercetin
- Rutin
- Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone
Research on citrus bioflavonoids, particularly quercetin, has shown them to exert a natural antihistamine effect on the body. Additionally, they can have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects that can decrease the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Quercetin is a naturally occurring polyphenol flavonoid, found in some quercetin rich herbs, fruits, and vegetables, including onions, capers, apples, berries, tea, tomatoes, and grapes. A recently published research review on quercetin found that it can regulate Th1/Th2 stability, and decrease the antigen-specific IgE antibody released by B cells. This helps to temper the body’s immune response to allergens, which reduces allergy symptoms.
Rutin is a flavonol abundantly found in plants, such as passionflower, buckwheat, tea, and apples. From a molecular standpoint, rutin is very similar to quercetin, with the main difference being that rutin contains a sugar molecule. Thus, it works in the body in a similar fashion. Research shows that rutin can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Hesperidin methyl chalcone is a flavonoid found in citrus fruit that can help to reduce allergy symptoms. Research suggests that it has the ability to reduce the body’s inflammatory response.
Summary:
Research suggests that plant flavonoids can help modulate the body’s inflammatory response. This can help reduce the severity of allergic symptoms. Human clinical trials are needed to verify these findings.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is another antihistamine herb that’s important for allergic rhinitis. This herb contains a polyphenol known as rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to help with allergies.
A recent research review found that rosmarinic acid can help to reduce inflammation and allergies.
A clinical trial looked at the impact of rosmarinic acid in individuals with allergies. The study participants were given either rosmarinic acid or a placebo. After 21 days, the rosmarinic acid group reported that they experienced fewer allergy symptoms. The researchers noted that this was thought to be due to a reduction in neutrophils and eosinophils.
A lab-based study found that rosmarinic acid helped to inhibit the allergic airway inflammation induced by house dust mites.