By Lorna Driver-Davies and Jill Davies
Any help to calm or reduce the excessive histamine production will be important for hayfever sufferers. The unpleasant inflammatory responses of constricted breathing, itchy eyes, runny nose and all the rest are exhausting. These histamines are released when the airborne plant proteins (pollen etc) irritate the lining membranes of the nose so herbal practitioners generally put several plants together in a formula in order to address this and other factors.
What herbs may help?
Dandelion root supports detoxification to move on the allergen
Nettle contains histamine and will block the body’s own histamine production and slowly desensitizes the pollen effects; equally it is an anti-inflammatory, plus it is able to increase urine production and thus speedily remove the collected toxins
Burdock and chicory root will help to remove and neutralize the pollen via the the liver and bloodstream
Extra immune support:
Echinacea will help ‘neutralize’ toxins and will effectively remove them via the kidneys
Echinacea moderates the immune system’s over-production of the anti-body immunoglobulin and will help dry up the spongy and irritated mucous membranes
Food support ideas
The biochemistry within food can really make a difference. ‘Bromelain’ supplement (taken away from food) is a great anti-inflammatory and nasal decongestant. Quercetin and rutin rich foods will also help by reducing excessive histamine release. Onion (red), apple (keep skin on), citrus fruits, broccoli, berries are all quercetin rich. Search out local honey and use it year round but most importantly for 1-2 months before your normal hay fever onset time frame. The idea behind this is to introduce local pollens into your system and gently de-sensitize your immune reaction to them. Of course any other known allergens like wheat and dairy must be avoided so as not to compound the situation. Why not make fresh herbal teas from wild herbs like fresh plantain and nettle? Use a handful of both or either (use gloves if nettle of course!) per mug of boiling water. Leave for 15-20 minutes to brew before drinking.
Foundational support
Our adrenal glands play an important role in hay fever allergy responses, so supporting the adrenals before and during your particular reaction to pollens, spores, dust etc. will be essential. The more histamine that is released, the more cortisol it takes to control the inflammatory response and the harder the adrenals have to work to produce more cortisol. Those with already weak and over-exhausted adrenal glands will be worse off. So supporting, feeding and nurturing the adrenals with the adaptogenic herbs like Siberian ginseng, Ashwagandha or Rhodiola makes real sense.
See your health professional for personalised advice.
By Lorna Driver-Davies and Jill Davies.
The photo shows Lorna collecting dandelion. Lorna runs a nutritional therapy clinic in Brighton & London UK.
