What Are the Different Types of Herbs for Allergies?

Different herbs can help relieve the symptoms of allergies. Some herbs for allergies are natural antihistamines that suppress the body’s reaction to an allergen and reduce the symptoms causing the discomfort. These herbs for allergies include butterbur, stinging nettle, chamomile, thyme, and echinacea. Other herbs can relieve sinus and bronchial congestion caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, perfume, hay, mildew, and chemicals. Capsicum, commonly known as hot pepper, is an herb with a proven reputation for drying up congestion.

There are many different kinds of allergies, and the symptoms they cause can make some people miserable. Some allergies cause itching, and there are herbs that can be used internally and others that can treat an itch by topical application in a wash, salve, or poultice. Calendula, witch hazel, and mullein are herbs for allergies that can be applied externally to itchy skin to provide relief. Uncooked ground oats can be added to bath water to ease itchy skin. Chickweed, plantain, and yellow dock are herbs for allergies that can be taken internally to relieve itching.

Many allergies affect the respiratory tract. Allergies can result in severe sinus congestion, headaches, a runny nose, cough, nausea and a host of other symptoms. Pollen, dust mites, perfume, and chemicals are just a few of the possible substances that can cause this kind of allergic reaction in susceptible persons.

Gingko, butterbur, and stinging nettle have been known to be as affective in treating allergies as antihistamines sold at the drugstore. They can ease the symptoms of allergies that cause respiratory discomfort including congested sinuses and watering eyes. Licorice can relieve a cough, and slippery elm can ease a sore throat.

Some people are allergic to certain foods. Nuts, milk, wheat, eggs, and fish are the foods that most often cause allergies. A food allergy can be life-threatening and in a severe case medical care should be sought immediately, but for a mild case, there are some herbs for allergies that can be effective at limiting the body’s response to the allergen and easing the symptoms.

Tea made of fennel, peppermint, marshmallow root, chamomile flowers, and licorice root can ease the indigestion, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and other gastrointestinal complaints a food allergy can cause. Drinking tea made from herbs that support the liver and stimulate bile production can often help digest the food allergens so that they are metabolized faster. This sometimes prevents symptoms from becoming established. Herbs that promote liver function include burdock root, dandelion, ginger root, artichoke leaf, and licorice root.