When some trees and grasses begin to pollinate, releasing allergens into the environment, seasonal allergies can attack with a sudden fury. Many people’s immune systems react to this by misinterpreting the plant material as an invading protein, resulting in the creation of substances like histamine – an endogenous chemical substance that irritates and inflames the mucus membrane linings of the nose, eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.
Most patients with seasonal allergies who see their doctor are all too acquainted with the symptoms of seasonal allergies, which can show in a cyclical pattern:
Strengthen Immune Barriers: Gut Healing and Mucus Membrane Tonics
Immune barriers like the mucus membranes of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts, as well as the microbiota, can help regulate immune responses in allergic illness, especially in the context of dysbiosis.
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) has been used for centuries to treat inflammatory gastrointestinal and upper respiratory conditions. Goldenseal was developed to treat inflammation of the mucus membranes. When it comes to strengthening and tonifying the body’s mucous membranes, especially those with which the herb comes into close touch, experienced herbalists recognize the value of goldenseal.
Goldenseal’s main alkaloid, berberine, is a significant pharmacological component found in numerous plant species that have traditionally been used to treat various types of gastrointestinal inflammation (e.g. Phellodendron & Berberis spp.). Berberine has been documented in several studies to modify the gut microbiota by enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, which has positive impacts on human intestinal health, including anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory properties.
Setting up a healthy Th1/Th2 immunological balance can also help to quiet an overactive immune system and reduce allergy symptoms. 4 Th1 and Th2 T cells are two kinds of T cells that generate distinct types of cytokines. 23 Cytokines are immune system chemical messengers that help to initiate critical immunological processes including inflammation during the innate immune response
Echinacea root’s immune-boosting properties are well-known, and it may have a role in avoiding seasonal allergy symptoms in addition to decreasing symptoms like pharyngitis and runny nose during infection. Echinacea is perhaps best employed as an immunomodulator, inducing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines selectively and assisting the immune system in restoring Th1/Th2 balance in diverse disease conditions.
Professor Kerry Bone has compared Echinacea’s function to having adaptogen-like effects on the immune system, since research shows that cells exposed to Echinacea induce immunological status to increase, triggering a quicker immune response to danger. Echinacea, on the other hand, can decrease the size of the immunological response when cells are overstimulated. 7 Several processes are known to be involved, but one of the most significant is the interaction of alkylamides with cannabinoid receptors (especially CB2 receptors) present on immune cells and the spleen.
Many plants and phytoactives can help regulate excessive histamine release, preventing or reducing the occurrence of seasonal allergy symptoms.
Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) seeds have a spicy, peppery flavor and are commonly used in curries, cheeses, and breads. In India and the Middle East, black cumin seed has long been used to relieve the symptoms, including digestive issues, female reproductive system problems, fever, general weakness, cough, hay fever, and asthma.
In Arabic, the popular name for Black Cumin (Habbat-elbarakah) means “seeds of blessing.” Avicenna referred to it as the seed that increases the body’s vitality and aids recuperation from fatigue and dispiritedness
Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) been used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine to “clear heat and to dry dampness,” which is said to be in excess during allergy season. The root is rich in the flavonoid baicalein, which is similar in structure to quercetin and has similarly potent anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.
Many plants and phytoactives can help regulate excessive histamine release, preventing or reducing the occurrence of seasonal allergy symptoms.
Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) seeds have a spicy, peppery flavor and are commonly used in curries, cheeses, and breads. In India and the Middle East, black cumin seed has long been used to relieve the symptoms, including digestive issues, female reproductive system problems, fever, general weakness, cough, hay fever, and asthma.
In Arabic, the popular name for Black Cumin (Habbat-elbarakah) means “seeds of blessing.” Avicenna referred to it as the seed that increases the body’s vitality and aids recuperation from fatigue and dispiritedness
Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) been used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine to “clear heat and to dry dampness,” which is said to be in excess during allergy season. The root is rich in the flavonoid baicalein, which is similar in structure to quercetin and has similarly potent anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.
Anti-allergic effects have been investigated both in vivo and in vitro, including downregulation of different inflammatory mediators, prevention of anaphylaxis, and substantially reduced histamine release following treatment when compared to controls. Baicalein was shown to relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms and histological alterations of the nasal mucosa in one animal research, as well as suppress inflammatory responses by inhibiting the JAK2-STAT5 and NF-B signaling pathways.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a blooming perennial plant that is easy to cultivate and adapts to a variety of climates. It’s high in Vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. It also contains amino acids, calcium, carotene, chlorophyll, fiber, iron, potassium, and zinc.
Medicinally, Alfalfa has been used to address kidney, bladder, liver, and prostate problems. It’s a natural way to combat these and other diseases, such as high cholesterol, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, and even upset tummies, due to the vitamins it contains. Aside from the illnesses it helps avoid, it can also assist to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Anti-allergic effects have been investigated both in vivo and in vitro, including downregulation of different inflammatory mediators, prevention of anaphylaxis, and substantially reduced histamine release following treatment when compared to controls. Baicalein was shown to relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms and histological alterations of the nasal mucosa in one animal research, as well as suppress inflammatory responses by inhibiting the JAK2-STAT5 and NF-B signaling pathways.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a blooming perennial plant that is easy to cultivate and adapts to a variety of climates. It’s high in Vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. It also contains amino acids, calcium, carotene, chlorophyll, fiber, iron, potassium, and zinc.
Medicinally, Alfalfa has been used to address kidney, bladder, liver, and prostate problems. It’s a natural way to combat these and other diseases, such as high cholesterol, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, and even upset tummies, due to the vitamins it contains. Aside from the illnesses it helps avoid, it can also assist to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Albizia lebbek (Albizia) stem bark is another herb with a long history of use in Ayurveda as an anti-inflammatory, especially for respiratory allergies. It has potent mast cell stabilizing properties, possibly due to modulation of histamine release and cytokine expression in antigen-IgE activated mast cells. Albizia, like Chinese Skullcap, has been found to have anti-allergic properties in animal models, with dosing reducing sneezing and nasal rubbing in sensitized rats, as well as suppressing histamine levels in the nasal mucosa.
Other herbs that may help manage seasonal allergies include leukotriene inhibitors like Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) and corticosteroid modulation with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Licorice (Garcinia cambogia) (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Although there is minimal evidence, the usage of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) may help with excessive mucus production and watery eyes.
Albizia lebbek (Albizia) stem bark is another herb with a long history of use in Ayurveda as an anti-inflammatory, especially for respiratory allergies. It has potent mast cell stabilizing properties, possibly due to modulation of histamine release and cytokine expression in antigen-IgE activated mast cells. Albizia, like Chinese Skullcap, has been found to have anti-allergic properties in animal models, with dosing reducing sneezing and nasal rubbing in sensitized rats, as well as suppressing histamine levels in the nasal mucosa.
Other herbs that may help manage seasonal allergies include leukotriene inhibitors like Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) and corticosteroid modulation with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Licorice (Garcinia cambogia) (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Although there is minimal evidence, the usage of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) may help with excessive mucus production and watery eyes.
There are clearly numerous alternatives, but regardless of whatever herbs are chosen, it is critical to emphasize consistency of usage and ensure that the therapeutic dose is maintained. Finally, no matter how powerful herbal medications are, patients will not be able to attain their full healing potential until the foundations of health are addressed. Limiting histamine consumption through diet, eating mostly freshly cooked meals, and living a healthy lifestyle are all key factors in determining the prevalence of seasonal allergy symptoms.
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