A Natural Approach to Allergies and Hay Fever

Allergies can produce great discomfort. In the US alone, approximately 28 million people suffer from hay fever, which doesn’t include all the people who are allergic to pet dander, dust, foods, and bee stings.

Allergies are the consequence of an immune response gone crazy. Things like dust, pollen, dust mites, and so forth are not harmful like pathogens. However, in the allergic person, these substances produce an intense immune system response. From debilitating to a simple annoyance, allergy symptoms aren’t any fun.

Thankfully, there’s a position for natural treatments in allergy management. The following are some natural approaches that might help lessen allergy symptoms. (Note: the natural treatments discussed below are not intended to be used to treat or prevent anaphylaxis, a deadly form of allergic reaction that’s a medical emergency.)

1. Ginkgo
Ginkgo for Memory: Interestingly, Ginkgo consists of a number of elements that inhibit a chemical made by the body during an allergic response: platelet-activating factor, or PAF. When your body produces PAF in response to an allergen, the PAF initiates a chain of events that cause allergic symptoms and inflammation. Suppressing the PAF means that the allergic response doesn’t get to finish its cycle. It’s like breaking the link in a chain.

Ginkgo is normally sold in standardized extract form. Herbalists suggest 60 to 240 milligrams every day, however no greater than that. Ginkgo is low in unwanted side effects but full of effectiveness.

2. Garlic
Garlic includes a compound called quercetin, which can actually be used as a supplement (more on that below). Various other foods have quercetin, too, but garlic has high levels of this compound. Quercetin is reported to slow down inflammatory reactions, such as those found in allergic responses. Onions, as well, have a significant amount of quercetin.

3. Enzymatic Therapy
Enzymes – or just a lack of them – are implicated in the progression of allergies. At their very fundamental level, allergens are proteins, and particular enzymes can break down proteins before they can incite an allergic reaction. Enzymes can be taken in supplement form; however, they may have digestive system side effects. However, numerous allergy sufferers realize that the side effects are greatly reduced when the enzymes are consumed with food.

4. Quercetin
Quercetin supplements are frequently suggested as a treatment for allergies. As noted above, certain foods contain quercetin, too. This is another factor for a nutritious diet, since the foods that have the most quercetin are those foods that are some of the healthiest: garlic, onions, apples, red wine (moderately!), and citrus fruits – for starters.

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