Herbs for Allergies (Parts 1 and 2)

Last week we were very busy creating new products (more details later) so we were unable to make our post. So today we are going to give double the information.

It is the spring season in the United States and each year it seems as if the "War on Pollen" is getting worse. Most if not all of us are waking up with itchy throats, trying to catch our breaths after sneezing multiple times a day, and/or experiencing vision issues from dealing with runny eyes/dry eyes. There are herbs that can help treat these symptoms. Yes there's Zyrtec and Allegra, but for those who would like to try the more natural approach, these two herbs are helpful:

1. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

• What it helps with: Hay fever, sinus headaches, allergic rhinitis.

• How it works: Acts as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.

• Note: Use only PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) supplements to avoid liver toxicity.

For intermittent allergic rhinitis, taking 50 mg of butterbur extract containing 8 mg of petasins 2–3 times daily for 2 weeks reduced symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and itching compared to a placebo. Common side effects of butterbur include burping, stomach upset, and headache, as well as allergic reactions, including itchy eyes and wheezing. People with allergies to ragweed and daisies (common causes of seasonal allergic rhinitis) may have allergic cross-reactivity to butterbur.

2. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

• What it helps with: Sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.

• How it works: Contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory compounds.

• Form: Common in teas, tinctures, and capsules.

Stinging nettle, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America. It is known for its distinct stinging hairs on the leaves and stems, which can cause itching, redness, and swelling when touched. Despite this, stinging nettle has a long history of medicinal use due to its rich nutritional profile and potential health benefits. It is often used as a herbal remedy to alleviate symptoms of various ailments, including allergies. This plant acts as a natural antihistamine, blocking the body's ability to produce histamine, a chemical that triggers allergy symptoms. There is no standardized dose for stinging nettle, but general guidelines suggest 2 to 4 cups of stinging nettle tea per day or 1 to 2 grams of dried leaf consumed three times daily. Capsules and tablets usually come in 300 to 500 mg dosage and are typically taken several times a day during allergy season.

Our recommendation for taking any herb is no more than SIX WEEKS. Then stop taking the herb for at the minimal TWO WEEKS to avoid resistance to that herb. As usual, please discuss with your doctor about any herbs you use.

Earlier in the post we mentioned more products. We are commited to providing ways to benefit the human body so next we will be adding candles and more beauty products. If you want to know before anyone else what will be released you have to sign up for our emails.