Allergic rhinitis, or nasal allergies due to hay fever, dust or food allergies, is a common complaint among a large portion of the population. Allergies are a reaction of the immune system to protect the body against a perceived pathogen or invading agent. Conventional medicine has claimed that allergies are incurable. Although that may be the case, many herbs and products made from herbs have been found helpful in treating the symptoms of allergies, reducing redness, swelling, sneezing, discharge and a host of other bodily symptoms.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper with its active ingredient capsaicin, is known to have a wealth of medicinal uses, including and not limited to the ability to clear the sinuses, reduce inflammation and swelling in the nose and sinuses and dry up excess post nasal drip, the possible result of allergic rhinitis, according to Jethro Kloss in his book, "Back to Eden." Mixing a tea of warm water and a pinch of cayenne and sipping it will help to keep airways clear. Or add a pinch of red pepper to foods for a similar response.
Eucalyptus Oil
According to the Peace Health website, eucalyptus oil is used for steam inhalation to clear congestion in the nose and sinuses. It's action works by reducing swelling in the tissues. Do not use eucalyptus oil if you are using homeopathic remedies due to its ability to interfere with their action.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek has astringent properties, helping to relieve congestion by assisting the body to eliminate mucous in the chest by loosening tightness in bronchial tubes encouraging expectoration.
Barberry
Barberry is known for its anti-microbial properties and acts on the immune system, stimulating it and helping to fight infection, points out Kloss. Goldenseal herb has similar properties, but if you have hay fever allergies, you should avoid taking goldenseal in herbal form.
Anise
Anise, a licorice flavored herb may be used as an expectorant to break up tightness in the chest and bring up mucus.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm powder made from the bark of the slippery elm tree soothes the throat and the digestive tract as well as all mucus membranes in the nasal passages and sinuses, according to Penny C. Royal in her book, "Herbally Yours," bringing relief through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Black Pepper
Black peppercorns combined with honey warms the body and breaks up mucus, preventing additional mucus from forming.
Fresh Horseradish
Fresh horseradish clears the sinuses and nasal passages, breakup up congestion and stops post nasal drip.
Arum Triphyllum
Another homeopathic remedy obtained from the herb Jack-in-the-pulpit, this remedy is useful for relieving burning of the mucus membranes, the nose and upper lip due to acrid discharges, explains Boericke. Nasal discharge may be streaked with blood. It also reduces reactions from hay fever with pain centered at the root of the nose and scabs in the nose. It treats swelling in the throat, hoarseness, and cracks that form at the corners of the mouth due to allergies.
Wyethia
A homeopathic remedy made from natural herbal sources, wyethia is used for itching in the back of the nose and throat due to hay fever allergies, according to William Boericke in his book, "Materia Medica and Repertory." It reduces swelling in the throat, and relieves a constant desire to swallow and clear the throat.
References
- "Back to Eden", Jethro Kloss, 2006
- "Materia Medica and Repertory", William Boericke, 1987 Indian edition
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
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