Allergies result from the immune system's overreaction to a harmless antigen (a type of protein from grass and flower pollens, etc.). In some individuals, the antigen initiates an allergic reaction, and is now considered to be an allergen. There are various over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat allergies, but there are also more natural alternatives worth exploring.
Echinacea
Although Echinacea is popularly associated with treating the common cold, a review of scientific literature published between 1980 and 2003 revealed that it is one of the most common herbs used to treat allergies. This make sense when considering that Echinacea promotes the activation of macrophages. This property supports a positive role for Echinacea in promoting proper immune function in allergies. The basic concept is that if macrophages can do a better job at correctly identifying harmless antigenic substances, then the whole allergic process may be staved off in the first instance.
Quercetin
The flavonoid Quercetin is found in plants and has both antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, quercetin-type flavonoids are well-documented for their ability to inhibit the activation of mast cells and the resulting allergic symptoms. Japanese research showed that quercetin significantly inhibited histamine release in mast cells from individuals with perennial allergic rhinitis. This beneficial effect of Quercetin was almost twice that of a drug used for the same purpose. Quercetin mechanism of action is inhibiting mast cells from releasing histamine and other inflammatory molecules.
Butterbur
Butterbur herbal extract is effective in the clinical treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). In research, Butterbur has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing allergic symptoms. This was likely the result of its concurrently and significantly reducing histamine and leukotrienes levels after only five days of use. In a double-blind study, Butterbur extract was even shown to be as effective as an established antihistamine drug (cetirizine) in treating allergic rhinitis, but without the sedative effects of the antihistamine.
References
- "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunologys used to Treat Allergies": Complementary and Alternative Interventions in Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology
- "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology": Histochemical and Functional Characteristics of Metachromatic Cells in the Nasal Epithelium in Allergic Rhinitis: Studies of Nasal Scrapings and Their Dispersed Cells
- "International Immunopharmacology": Anti-Inflammatory Activity of an Extract of Petasites Hybridus in Allergic Rhinitis
