Hypersensitivity reaction to an allergen or allergy implies that the immune system is over reacting to a substance that generally does not call for any such reaction. There may be mild or severe. Hives on skin, itchiness, sneezing etc. are mild allergic reactions while inability to breathe and such other serious conditions are the severe allergic reactions. Pollen, dust mites, animals (hair or fur of animals etc.) and particular foods are some of the common triggers of allergy. Persons who are allergic may be having it during a particular time of the year (say, when pollen count is high) or throughout the year. Though the best way to prevent allergies is to avoid the causatives some special herbs may also help alleviate the severity of the allergic reactions.
Herbal aromatherapy treatments have been found to be useful in cases of allergies. Plant pollen, peanuts, mold spores, chocolate, eggs, milk, seafood like prawns and shellfish, animal dander, dust mites- all can cause allergy. The aromatherapy herbs have natural immunity building abilities and hence they can be used to build up the body’s resistance power to counter the effects of such allergens as mentioned above.
Lemon, chamomile (Roman) and eucalyptus are some herbs whose essential oils can come of immense usage in combating allergic reactions. Upon detection of an allergic reaction coming up owing to any factor any of the essential oils may be added into a tub of hot water and the area of allergic reaction development is to be kept soaked for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Herbs not only provide relief when used topically. They can offer resistance to the allergens inside out too. Humans have been suffering from allergies since long and remedies to the common problem had been researched upon from natural products and herbs to prepare powerful allergy curatives.
Garlic or Allium sativum, an old culinary spice, is one such herbal product that has been perceived as having lot of medicinal use including providing relief from congestion of colds and hay fever caused by allergic reaction to pollen. Echinacea is another herb that can help provide relief from allergy symptoms. This has been used since long in traditional Native American medicine. The herb possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can effectively relieve upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.
The horseradish, a mustard family member finding usage as a condiment in European and Asian cooking possesses therapeutic properties relating to allergy prevention too. This being extremely spicy is preferably taken in smaller doses. It works towards clearing up nasal and chest congestions while helping clear respiratory passages by getting rid of excess mucus. Cough symptoms and sinusitis are effectively taken care of the herb. This acts as a strong anti allergic herb.
There is also a long tradition of using the herb nettle for providing relief from allergy and hay fever symptoms. This is also a rich source of iron, Vitamin C and chlorophyll which act as nutrients for the system. Thus, this provides the benefit of nutrition too alongside offering allergy protection.