Top 3 Herbs for Seasonal Allergies

The Holistic Herbalism Podcast

Whenever we choose herbs for health issues, we work to match the qualities of the herbs to the state of the body. These three plants we work with as herbs for seasonal allergies are each drying in nature. So, if you run dry or have dry symptoms, then make sure to pair them with something moistening like marshmallow or violet. But if you’re on the watery side, these will be a great help!

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a superstar plant with a variety of beneficial effects. Not all of them are available in every format – but the good news for allergy sufferers is, any preparation of nettle will do the trick! Tincture, tea, capsules, powders – any way you get nettle into you will reduce histamine expressions and reduce symptom severity.

Eyebright (Euphrasia off.) is another powerful “antihistaminic” herb, and is famously helpful when the eyes are red, itchy, and watery. Tincture’s a great way to work with eyebright, and supplements of this herb are also quite good.

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is another of our favorite herbs for seasonal allergies, even though it’s not super common in herbal commerce. Ground ivy is an excellent herb when the ears and sinuses are stuck up with fluids. It thins them, drains them, and by doing so relieves pressure and pain. (Did you hear our episode all about ground ivy, not too long ago? Check it out here: Ground Ivy – Sometimes It’s Hard To Hear.)

Mentioned in this episode:

• Statement from Mountain Rose Herbs on re-evaluating supplier relationships
• Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis, Phytother Res. 2009 Jul;23(7):920-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2763 – a nice study on some identified molecule/receptor actions of nettle to reduce allergic symptoms

Our course on Seasonal & Environmental Allergies goes into much more detail about these three herbs – and a couple dozen others, too! Learn why allergic reactions happen, how your body responds, and the role herbs can play in reducing symptoms. The course includes over 9 hours of videos, plus downloadable audio files so you can listen on the go if you prefer. You’ll also get printable quick guides, a materia medica for allergies, and specific guides on the most effective actions you can take (including low-cost options).

This course is only $25, and you also get access to our live Q&A sessions too – connect directly with Ryn & Katja as you learn. Your course access never expires, and whenever we add new material, that’s added to your account automatically at no extra charge!

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