1. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
- Uses: Relief from hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and other allergies.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; fresh nettles can cause skin irritation, so use dried or cooked. Consult with a healthcare provider if you have kidney problems.
2. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
- Uses: Treatment of hay fever and allergic rhinitis.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine.
- Safety Considerations: Choose PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloids-free) extracts to avoid liver toxicity. Consult with a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.
3. Quercetin
- Uses: Relief from seasonal allergies, asthma, and hay fever.
- Properties: Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; high doses can cause headaches or tingling in the arms and legs. Consult with a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
4. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
- Uses: Reduces symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; fresh leaves can cause skin irritation. Use dried or cooked.
5. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
- Uses: Effective in treating nasal allergies and hay fever.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine.
- Safety Considerations: Ensure the product is PA-free to avoid liver toxicity. Consult a healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding.
6. Bromelain
- Uses: Reduces nasal swelling and inflammation associated with allergies.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, mucolytic enzyme.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; avoid if you have a pineapple allergy. Consult with a healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding.
7. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
- Uses: Relief from allergic conjunctivitis and hay fever.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, astringent.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe when used as an eye wash or tea. Consult with a healthcare provider before internal use.
8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Uses: Relief from inflammatory allergies and asthma.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; high doses can cause stomach upset. Avoid if you have gallbladder disease or are on blood-thinning medications.
9. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Uses: Soothes respiratory inflammation and allergies.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, demulcent, immune-boosting.
- Safety Considerations: Use in moderation; prolonged use can cause high blood pressure and low potassium levels. Avoid during pregnancy.
10. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Uses: Relief from nasal congestion and allergies.
- Properties: Decongestant, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Safe in small amounts; essential oil should be diluted. Avoid if you have GERD.
11. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
- Uses: Immune support to prevent allergic reactions.
- Properties: Immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; consult with a healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding.
12. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
- Uses: Reduces the severity of allergic reactions.
- Properties: Immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; avoid in autoimmune conditions and during prolonged use.
13. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Uses: Relief from inflammation and allergic reactions.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; high doses can cause heartburn or digestive upset. Consult with a healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding.
14. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Uses: Reduces nasal congestion and respiratory inflammation.
- Properties: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Use in moderation; prolonged use can affect gut flora. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
15. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
- Uses: Relief from respiratory allergies and asthma.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, expectorant.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; ensure proper identification and preparation of the herb.
16. Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
- Uses: Reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; consult with a healthcare provider if you have autoimmune conditions or are pregnant.
17. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
- Uses: Supports immune health and reduces allergy symptoms.
- Properties: Antioxidant, immune-boosting.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe when cooked; raw berries can cause nausea. Avoid in autoimmune conditions.
18. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)
- Uses: Relief from allergies and asthma.
- Properties: Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; consult with a healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding.
19. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
- Uses: Reduces inflammation and allergic reactions.
- Properties: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; high doses can cause stomach upset and affect iron absorption.
20. Black Cumin Seed (Nigella sativa)
- Uses: Relief from allergies and asthma.
- Properties: Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; consult with a healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding.
