Natural Remedies for Allergies

With allergy season in full bloom, here are some ideas for natural ways to treat them.


Quercetin
Found in the skin of onions and apples, quercetin is a natural antihistamine. Numerous studies have demonstrated that quercetin reduces allergic immune response by modulating inflammatory signals at the gene level. A new animal study demonstrates that a single dose of quercetin can have a potent bronchodilator effect, offering a potential strategy for people with asthma looking for natural ways to help assist them.

Stinging Nettle Leaf
One preliminary human study suggested that nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Researchers think that may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze dried preparation of stinging nettle well before hay fever season starts.

Probiotics
Probiotics, also known as the "good" bacteria help keep the immune system balanced. It can be found in plain yogurt that has live active culture, sauerkraut, or fermented soy (known as miso).

Can Food Help You Avoid Allergies?

Yes. Here are some of the most effective.

Horseradish, Hot mustard, Fennel, Anise,Sage
These act as natural decongestants.
My favorite is horseradish (red). I actually put in on a piece of bread (rye bread of course) and eat at the stage when the allergy symptoms first arise.


Tea- Green, Black or White
The flavonoids reduce inflammation. Tea also increases proteins in the body that fight infection.

Seafood

Cold-water fish (wild salmon, mackerel, trout, herring and sardines)
They contain omega-3 fatty acids which help fight inflammation.

Oysters, shrimp and crab.
Have antibacterial and antiviral effects that provide relief for immune systems.

Nuts
Almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts
Vitmain E in the nuts help minimize inflammation.

Natural Relief for Allergies

With allergy season in full bloom hereare some natural ways to live in peace with nature.


Green Tea

Green tea, which is full of a powerful antioxidant phytonutrient called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), blocks histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Both of these naturally-produced chemicals are linked with uncomfortable allergy-symptoms. Because EGCG blocks their production, allergy symptoms are reduced. Drink two to three cups of green tea daily for the best results.

Quercetin

Sources of this antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-histamine phytonutrient include:
apples
onions
berries
cabbage,
caauliflower
nuts
black, green or white tea


Pineapple Enzymee

Bromelain, which can be extracted from pineapple is anti-inflmmatory. It can help with sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory disorders.

Source of information above is the Healthy and Living Section on Card2.com http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-ways-to-beat-allergies-naturally.html