An allergy is an inappropriate response, whereby the body's immune system wrongly identifies a substance as toxic and launches an attack on it. Some herbs can help reduce allergy frequency and severity; however, herbs can be toxic in high doses. Also, the recommended intake for most herbal products is meant for adults and not children, so it is important to consult your child's health care practitioner before starting him or her on any new herbal supplement.
Nettle
Nettle is an herb and according to the National Institute of Health, a nettle extract has been shown to inhibit several inflammatory events that cause symptoms of seasonal allergies. In fact, nettle works as a natural antihistamine. This is important because histamine is the inflammatory substance that is produced during an allergy attack, and it is the substance that is responsible for allergy symptoms. Phyllis Balch says in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that nettle has been found to be particularly helpful for reducing inflammation of the sinus cavities For therapeutic purposes, nettle can be made into a tea or taken as a supplement.
Garlic
Garlic is a powerful immune system enhancer, which is important because a weakened immune system will be more sensitive to aggravating substances, and more likely to react to allergens. Garlic also aids digestion, which is important because when food is not digested properly, it can result in large food particles entering the blood stream. When the immune system notices these food particles in the blood, it attacks them and allergic symptoms result. Balch recommends taking a kyolic-aged garlic supplement, because it is thought to be the most medicinally effective. If you want to reduce the amount of supplements you give to your child, using garlic liberally in cooking may also be beneficial.
Quercetin and Bromelain
Quercetin is a substance found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, says that it is a natural, yet powerful antihistamine. Balch says that a quercetin supplement can enhance the immune system and decrease the immune system's reaction to certain foods, pollen and other allergens. Bromelain, which is a substance that is derived from pineapples, has been found to reduce inflammation. It also enhances the absorption of quercetin and therefore increases the effectiveness of quercetin supplements. For the best results, choose a supplement that contains a combination of these two products.
Eucalyptus and Thyme Leaves
If your child suffers from nasal congestion or swollen, puffy eyes, then steam inhalation therapy may be helpful. Balch recommends boiling a cup of water and adding an ounce of either eucalyptus or thyme leaves to the water. Inhaling these herbs can help clear sinuses and ease congestion.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
- PubMed.gov: Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis; B, Roschek Jr. et al; July 2009
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