Spring is here! For many, it means a fresh start, the arrival of fine weather and the return of the sun. But for others, it's also the arrival of spring allergies. Sneezing, conjunctivitis, asthma and rhinitis can make life difficult for those allergic to pollen, dust and other allergens.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to relieve the symptoms of spring allergies. Here are some of the most effective natural active ingredients for limiting spring allergies.
Quercetin
Quercetin belongs to the group of flavonoids, natural plant pigments that give flowers, fruits and vegetables their color. It is found mainly in foods such as apples, onions, capers, garlic, lovage, green vegetables like broccoli and citrus fruits.
Numerous studies have highlighted its antioxidant, antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the symptoms of spring allergies.
In the case of seasonal allergies, it is therefore advisable to eat foods rich in quercetin. Supplementation may also be considered, depending on individual needs.
Lance-leaved plantain
Often considered a weed, lanceolate plantain is nevertheless one of the plants you can't beat in the event of an allergy. This easy-to-pick perennial plant has an anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cough action, soothing skin, respiratory and eye inflammation. What's more, its use in phytotherapy is very well tolerated and has no specific contraindications.
It can be used in a variety of forms: mother tincture, standardized plant extract, infusion, syrup, or even eaten as a salad to benefit even more from its minerals and vitamins. And for a complete action, the combination with desmodium is particularly interesting.
Desmodium
Native to Africa, this plant is now well known for its hepatoprotective action, but it also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties by inhibiting histamine release, according to certain scientific studies. Its relaxing action on the airways is also said to help relieve asthma attacks.
Rich in flavonoids and tannins, desmodium is generally used as a decoction (10gr of plant per 1L of water) or as a dry plant extract to be taken for a minimum of 3 weeks to observe the effects.
Nettle
Nettle has been used for centuries in phytotherapy for its antioxidant, remineralizing and anti-inflammatory action. It also acts as an anti-histamine and can therefore be of great help in relieving springtime allergic symptoms.
It can be used whole, in soup, juice, herbal tea, mother tincture or plant extract, as soon as the first signs appear.
Blackcurrant bud
A star of gemmotherapy, blackcurrant bud is well known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and draining action. It is particularly suitable for all types of allergy (skin, respiratory or food).
It also potentiates the effects of other buds. In the case of spring allergies, its combination with Viorne bud is very interesting.
Complete Perilla oil
Complete Perilla Oil is a combination of vegetable oil from the seeds, rich in omega-3s including alpha-linolenic acid, and essential oil of perilla, rich in rosmarinic acid with anti-inflammatory and immune system modulating properties.
This complete oil is consumed in capsule form as a preventive action a month before the arrival of pollens, or as a curative action as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Tarragon essential oil
As for essential oils, some are particularly useful for relieving inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract. Tarragon essential oil is renowned for its anti-spasmodic and anti-allergic action. Eucalyptus radiata essential oil is also of interest for its action on the ENT and respiratory spheres.
A synergy of these essential oils and black cumin vegetable oil, also known for its antihistaminic properties, can be applied locally to the chest as a preventive measure or to calm allergy-related symptoms.
These natural active ingredients can provide real relief from symptoms and prevent their onset, but it is also important to treat the cause of these allergies and support the liver and intestines, as the intestinal mucosa plays an essential role in the proper functioning of the immune system.
The information and advice provided on the Natflow site cannot in any way replace a consultation or diagnosis by a doctor or healthcare professional, who alone is in a position to assess your state of health adequately.