Natural Anti-histamine Herbs

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Good Morning!

 

Natural Anti-histamine Herbs

 

Histamine is a chemical, which is involved in our local immune

response as well as regulating physiological function in the gut,

acting as a neurotransmitter. During the time of seasonal allergies,

the body's immune system sees pollen as an invader. In an allergic

reaction, our body produces histamine, as a defense mechanism. This

inflammatory chemical attaches the cells in our body and causes

irritation. It is the deficiency of this enzyme that triggers an

allergic reaction as histamines gathers in the synapses.

 

An antihistamine serves to reduce or eliminate the effects brought on

by histamine, a chemical mediator released during allergic reactions.

Antihistamines are commonly used for allergic rhinitis, allergic

conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, urticaria (hives), angioedema and

pruritus (atopic dermatitis, insect bites).

 

There are hundreds of plants used all over the world, which are used

in herbal medicine as treatments for hystamine attacks. Here are some

of the most accessible and reliable.

 

Basil (Ocimum sanctum): this great herb has a history in helping

prevent stomach cramps, gas as well as constipation. A poultice of

Basil leaves can can work as an antihistamine to draw out insect, bee

wasp, or snake venom. It helps alleviate acne, heal abrasions and

speeds healing when used on cuts.

 

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): is rich in anti-histamine

properties. The flowers can be crushed and used as a poultice for

inflammatory swelling. Make a tea and drink 2-3 times a day.

Chamomile can cause histaminic allergic reactions in some very

sensitive people. If this occurs, simply discontinue.

 

Jewelweed (Impatiens aurea): contains a compound called " Lawsone "

that treats uticaria. Jewelweed is used as a natural remedy for

poison ivy, poison oak, okra spines, stinging nettle and acne

treatment. Jewelweed is also used for heat rash, ringworm and many

other skin disorders, as well as bug bites and razor burn.

 

Papaya (Petroselinum crispum): inhibits the secretion of histamine.

Papaya juice can be taken internally as well as applied topically to

diffuse a histamine attack.

 

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): The very same plant that will

produce hives if its hairs inject their histamine into you can work

to heal the problem. Some herbs whose pollen can cause symptoms of

hay fever have been used as a way to reduce symptoms of hay fever,

which is the homeopathic theory of " like cures like " . The most

important of these are Goldenrod and Ragweed (Ambrosia ambrosioides).

Eyebright and Elder also have a reputation for use as hay fever

remedies. However, an individual allergic to one of these plants

should avoid them unless under the care of a doctor of natural

medicine. Freeze-dried nettle leaf extract taken in capsule form will

treat hives and allergies. The plant does not contain enough

histamine to cause a problem when taken orally. Tea can be made from

the leaves or cooked as greens. The stinging hairs lose their sting

when the plant is cooked.

 

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Echinacea is a widely used herbal

remedy for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. This

purple coneflower has shown to have antihistamine properties.

 

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): In my Chinese herbal practice, fennel is

used for indigestion, spasms in the digestive tract, as well as

expelling phlegm from the lungs. Fennel is rich with the antioxidant

flavonoid " Quercetin " . Quercetin is a strong natural antihistamine

shown to be very helpful for allergies and histamine-related

inflammation. Make as a tea and drink 2-3 times per day.

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): another classic herb in the Chinese

Materia Medica, ginger works well on allergic reactions such as hives

and wheals. Slice up a ginger root boil it in eight cups of water for

30 minutes. Allow the herbs to steep for another 30 after you have

boiled it. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day. You may add the tea to a hot bath

and soak for 20 minutes. Dip a wash cloth in the tea once it is at

room temperature and use as a compress.

 

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Hailed the " mushroom of immortality " , one

of my favorite natural remedies is Reishi (Ling Zhi). Japanese

researchers have found that reishi acts as an antihistamine, making

it useful for treating allergies. " Lanostan " , a compound found in

reishi, appears to control the release of transmitting chemicals in

the body, thereby inhibiting the release of histamine. Since reishi

also promotes the adrenal function and immune reaction, it has added

effectiveness in controlling the body's reaction to an allergen.

 

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): is a natural antihistamine, as well as

having antiseptic properties to help purge infections. The essential

oil has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a host of

different bacteria and fungi.

 

Vitamin C is believed to be a natural antihistamine agent if used at

high doses, around 3,000mg to 5,000mg a day.

 

Wild Oregano (Origanum vulgare): aka Wild Marjoram, have at least

seven different antihistaminic chemicals, therefore fights allergies

as well as fungus and infection.

 

Essential Oils As Antihistamines

 

Essential oils should be used in a base oil (to avoid irritation) and

massaged on the skin. Never use essential oils internally.

 

Caraway Seed Oil: has antihistamine and antimicrobial properties and

is very effective in treating mild allergic reactions.

 

Clove Oil: has antihistamine properties. This essential oil is

helpful in the treatment of dermatitis due to allergic reactions.

 

Lemon balm (also known as melissa): has antihistamine action and is

useful to treat eczema and headaches. This essential oil has

antihistamine properties and helps with allergies.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit