What are common herbal medications for allergy?

Allergy is one condition that almost all people have as health experts note an increasing number of people suffering from it. 

Allergy UK reports that 30 percent to 40 percent of people may experience allergy at some stage in their lives. Some experience mild forms while others suffer from the most serious types.

Among the common substances that most people are allergic to include dust mites, pollens, sting of insects like wasps and bees, certain food and medicines, fur or hair of pets like cats and dogs, cockroaches and molds.

Among the foods that can cause allergies include peanuts, cow's milk, soy, seafood and eggs.

There are available medicines that can treat allergies. Some can be bought over the counter while others require prescriptions from doctors.

Though these drugs claim to alleviate or relieve the symptoms of allergies, some people opt to try herbal medicines that they think are much effective.

Dr. David Rakel, founder and director of the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Program, says finding a good supplement for allergies can be a challenge.

“Honestly, the pharmaceuticals often work a little better. But there are some out there that can help,” according to Dr. Rakel.

Dr. David Leopold, director of Integrative Medical Education at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, adds that some people are able to manage their allergies with natural remedies.

Some natural remedies for allergy contain a blend of botanicals. One example is Sinupret, which is made up of cowslip, gentian root, verbena, sorrel and European elderflower.

Among the most common herbal medicines and supplements for allergies include grape seed extract, pine bark extract, Vitamin C, honey, chili pepper, cat’s claw, leaf extracts of Stinging Nettle, extracts of Butterbur root, Bromelain, Phleum Pratense, spirulina, and Quercetin, which can be found in wine, fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C, which is a natural antihistamine, helps reduce inflammation and nasal secretions. This vitamin works well when paired with flavanoids such as Quercetin. 

Vitamin C and flavanoids can be sourced from berries, plums, peppers, spinach, broccoli and citrus fruits.

Phleum Pratense is made from pollen extracts of Phleum Phleum Pratense and is used to treat the symptoms of pollen allergies.

Stinging Nettle is a botanical that contains vitamin K, quercetin and carotene.

But the most effective treatment of all forms of allergy, according to health experts, is to limit your exposure or at least reduce the amount of allergens in your home, particularly dust mites.

Flushing out the nasal passages with salt water is also seen to alleviate the symptoms of allergy. Doctors call this method nasal irrigation, which can be done using a neti pot. Salt water is a mixture of one quart water, two teaspoons of sea salt and one teaspoon baking soda. Use one-half cup of the mixture to irrigate each nostril a few times every day. One drop of eucalyptus may also be added to the mixture.

Those with allergic rhinitis can also try acupuncture, which has been proven to reduce the symptoms, based on recent studies.

--
Joel Escol is an online media professional, Internet Entrepreneur and Network Builder. He has an allergy problem so that he shares to this blog how to properly treat allergy while you will have also the opportunity to earn in the process. Joel is now earning $1000 per month online.