Herbal medicine for allergic rhinitis

According to the traditional definition, allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to inhaled substances such as pollen and dust. It is often divided into two types; seasonal perennial allergic rhinitis. Perennial rhinitis can occur in any season and can also be caused by an inhaled allergic substance. Hay fever or seasonal rhinitis, on the other hand, are caused by external irritants.

Allergic rhinitis has the same symptoms as common colds. However, it is not primarily caused by a virus. When a person inhales an allergen, their immune system goes into emergency mode and releases substances called IgE and irritant chemicals such as histamines into the person's nasal passages. When this happens, the person's eyes, nose, and sinuses become itchy and blocked. It is known that approximately 1 in 5 people in the United States are affected by this disease. The symptoms can be mild or severe.

Herbs have earned a reputation for treating diseases and strengthening the body's immune system. Herbs like butterbur or petasites hybridus are known to treat bronchitis and asthma. It helps with respiratory diseases and relieves the most severe symptoms. A study also found that 125 out of 125 people who received butterbur and Zyrtec were rhinitis free. The study also found that butterbur extract is as effective as Zyrtec.

Butterbur should be taken with caution as this herb is known to cause headache, drowsiness and upset stomach. Another herb that relieves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis is the gold seal. Some independent laboratory studies have shown that berberine, an active ingredient in goldenseal, has immunostimulating and antibacterial properties.

Although officially not considered an herb, spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, has properties that can help prevent harmful allergic reactions. This alga has been tested to prevent the release of histamines, which are known to relieve the irritant symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Dealing with summer allergies

Who doesn't love a good summer allergy? There's nothing like warmth, moisture and constant sneezing and itching to make your summer unforgettable.

What causes summer allergies? We know that some people sneeze in the air, but why? Unfortunately, not all immune systems are built equal. Some are more sensitive than others, which is why some immune systems see all of the pollen in the air as germ invaders ready to devastate the body. Instead of politely telling the pollen that it is a body and not a plant that needs fertilization, the immune system hits all hands on deck, attacks the pollen and releases them histamines, the itchy eyes, sneezing / nasal and trigger sinus problems that are so well known to allergy sufferers.

One of the best things about pollen is the fact that it can travel very far and can drive the immune system crazy. This means that even if you don't live in an area with a lot of allergens (ragweed, tumbleweed, amaranth, etc.), you can still suffer from allergies if pollen migrates to your area.

What are your best treatment options if you just pray that the cold weather will come back?

Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin are probably your first option. Most over-the-counter allergy medications are now available in relatively reliable, non-sleepy formulations, especially as more prescription antihistamines are now available over-the-counter. Antihistamines logically block the formation of histamines that cause allergic symptoms. (If you can't stop the immune system from attacking the pollen, you can at least eliminate the arsenal, right?)

Decongestants help clear the mucus from the sinuses, which can relieve swelling. Other miserable symptoms may include expectorants like Mucinex and various nasal sprays and decongestants.

With very severe allergies, some patients receive allergy shots. They help your body develop tolerance to the allergen until it stops responding. Unfortunately, it doesn't last forever, but it can be a more effective and sustainable remedy than some allergy medication.