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Is Herbal Allergy Medicine a Safe and Effective Alternative to Drugs?
By Alex Christie (BA Hons, LCHE, MARH, B.Inst.A.T.)
Herbal allergy medicine is the forerunner of modern orthodox medicine which takes many drugs from plant sources but uses them in isolation. When using herbal allergy medicine, however, we use the whole plant which contains a complex mixture of compounds that work together to give a gentle healing effect. For example, the drug Aspirin was derived from Willow Bark, traditionally used as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory, but which also has antacid properties and can be used by patients with acid stomach problems.
Our knowledge of herbal allergy medicine plants comes from our ancestors who found the most effective plants to heal their illnesses. The earliest written records relating to the use of herbal allergy medicine date back to China in 2500BC. Nowadays, we make use of plants whose traditional uses are backed up by modern scientific research and clinical trials.
Hayfever, for example, is caused by flower and tree pollens in early spring, grass pollens in late spring, weed and shrub pollens in summer, and possibly moulds late summer and autumn.
Typically, hayfever is treated with antihistamines and by avoiding direct contact with the offensive allergens. However, although antihistamines temporarily bring relief, they need to be taken constantly and never address the cause of the allergy.
There are many herbal allergy medicines that are beneficial in the treatment of seasonal allergies.
• Echinacea and Goldenseal are herbal allergy medicines that can help keep the condition stable. Echinacea is anti-viral; Goldenseal is anti-bacterial and soothes the mucous membranes of the throat and sinuses. Both herbs help to support immune response, which often becomes compromised due to prolonged allergic reaction. Herbal allergy medicines such as Echinacea and Goldenseal are also effective for treating, as well as preventing, sinusitis or actual sinus infection that often accompanies hayfever symptoms.
• Licorice root is traditionally used as a herbal allergy medicine to treat allergy and asthma. It also has a strengthening effect on the adrenal gland, which is weakened during the hayfever reaction. Licorice root extract may be taken during the hayfever season to treat, as well as lessen, the symptoms of allergy. If you have high blood pressure or tend to retain water, this herb is not a good idea for you.
• Hayfever may also respond to Vitamin C (a mineral ascorbate is effective) with bioflavonoids in a dose of 500 mg, three times daily between meals. The bioflavonoids are particularly effective because they have an anti-inflammatory effect on the sinus cavity.
Having a properly functioning immune system is critical. Herbal allergy medicine assists with fighting infections, as well as keeps infections at bay in the first place.
Herbal allergy medicine is suitable for people of any age, including children who respond especially well to the gentle actions of herbs.
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