A considerable amount of the U.S. population has experience with botanical solutions for the relief of nasal allergies. While clinical trials have shown a promising future for these products, more testing is needed to realize the safety and reliability of the substances used. In a 2008 study published in the "Nutrition Journal," several botanical products have frequently been used with success for the treatment of nasal allergies.
Cinnamon
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as cinnamon, is used in many households as a cooking spice. Cinnamon is made from the bark of the cinnamon tree and has been historically used to help with diarrhea and menstrual disorders. A cinnamon extract has been reported to inhibit the release of histamine, and this botanical product is used for the treatment of nasal allergies. The University of Michigan Health System reports that some individuals can develop a skin rash or bronchial constriction after contact with cinnamon. Consult a doctor before using cinnamon as a nasal allergy treatment.
Acerola
Malpighia glabra, the scientific name for acerola, is a shrub that produces small, cherry-like fruit. This fruit carries a large amount of vitamin C and is used in countries like Brazil for dysentery and fever. The "Nutrition Journal" states that acerola is helpful in restraining the effects from allergen exposure. Raintree.com warns that acerola has created an allergic reaction in some individuals similar to a latex allergy. If you have a latex allergy, consult a doctor before using acerola for nasal allergy symptoms.
Spanish Needles
Spanish needles is a small, flowering herb that is also known as Bidens pilosa. According to the "Nutrition Journal," Spanish needles has an anti-allergic reaction on mast cells and helps control the inflammatory response. The exact active ingredients responsible for helping with nasal allergies are unknown, but this botanical is successful in nasal allergy treatment, concludes the "Nutrition Journal" study. Consult a doctor before use to ensure that there is no contraindication with medicine you are currently taking.
Guduchi
Tinospora cordifolia is an herbal extract often called guduchi. This extract has been used in Ayurvedic Indian medicine to raise white blood cells for an increase in immunity, as well as combating allergic reactions. The Bastyr Center for Natural Health, located in Seattle, Washington, discusses a study that shows guduchi is a safe and effective botanical product for the treatment of nasal allergies. More studies are needed to compare results with current treatment practices.
References
- "Nutrition Journal"; Clinical and Biochemical Effects of a Combination Botanical Product (ClearGuard™) for Allergy: A Pilot Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial; Jonathan Corren et al.; July 2008
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Herbal Extract Relieves Allergies
- University of Michigan Health System: Cinnamon
- Raintree: Database Entry for Acerola
- Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk: Bidens Pilosa
