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Seasonal allergies can be a significant challenge, impacting daily life with a range of uncomfortable symptoms. In this comprehensive guide, Megan Kendrick, our Herbal Village Coordinator and Clinical Herbalist, delves into the complex world of allergies.
Discover the intricacies of how our immune system reacts to allergens and learn how herbal remedies can offer effective relief and support. Whether you’re an experienced herbalist or exploring natural remedies for the first time, Megan’s insights will equip you with practical knowledge to tackle seasonal allergies holistically.
Allergies are a complex issue with many different aspects to consider. The allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen, a substance that does not cause problems in most people. During initial exposure, the immune system’s antigen-presenting cells process the allergen and present it to T-helper cells, which then stimulate B cells to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to the allergen. These IgE antibodies attach to receptors on the surface of mast cells and basophils, sensitizing them. Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, it binds to the IgE on these cells, triggering them to release histamine and other chemicals. This release causes the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as inflammation, itching, swelling, and mucus production, as the body attempts to expel the perceived threat.
Symptoms of allergies can show up in different systems of the body:
Respiratory Symptoms: The respiratory tract is affected with symptoms including sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Dermatological Symptoms: Dermatological manifestations of allergic reactions can include itching, redness, swelling and hives.
Digestive symptoms: Digestive symptoms may include pain, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.
Severe Reactions: In severe allergic reactions widespread degranulation of mast cells and basophils can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening systemic reaction characterized by rapid onset of symptoms such as hypotension, bronchoconstriction, and laryngeal edema.
Many substances can trigger allergic reactions including certain foods, pollen, animal dander and medications. Other systems that are affected, and usually where the symptoms present can include the digestive system, respiratory system and the skin.
Allergies happen when the immune system responds disproportionately to a substance. There are different theories about why the immune system might be overreacting in the first place, with no real consensus about the root cause, however many clinicians and practitioners have correlated the health of the digestive system with the potential for allergic reactions. Things such as sluggish liver function, leaky gut syndrome and gut dysbiosis have all been observed as being potential contributing factors to allergic reactions.
In traditional systems of medicine it is believed that, from a physiological standpoint, almost all disease begins in the gut. When our digestion is compromised we are not able to optimally process the nutrients we are taking in, this causes all sorts of multi systemic issues. Furthermore, about 70% of the immune system is in the gut and its function is affected by the microbiome, the epithelial layer of the intestines and the health and functioning of the mucous membranes. The health of the digestive system and the immune system are inextricably linked and digestive health should be addressed when treating allergies.
Supporting Channels of Elimination
We should also look to support our channels of elimination. When our channels of elimination are not functioning properly or are overwhelmed with processing toxins, this contributes to many systems becoming compromised. With cases of allergies I pay specific attention to supporting the liver and lymphatic systems. Along with moving toxins and debris from the blood stream to be processed by the liver and kidneys, the lymphatic system is also part of the immune system.
Herbs for Digestive Health
Digestive tonics such as dandelion root, yellow dock, gentian and meadowsweet can support overall digestive health. Digestive demulcents including marshmallow root, licorice and plantain can support gut health helping to heal the tissue while also having inflammation modulating properties.
Liver supporting and alterative herbs can help clear the system of toxins and help with general elimination.
Herbs to consider include:
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)
Burdock root (Arctium lappa).
Eating a diet high in whole foods and low in processed (including most flour products) and added-sugar foods, along with avoiding refined vegetable and seed oils promotes good digestion and proper functioning of all the systems of the body.
Immunomodulators are an important part of a longer term treatment plan when working on healing the allergy response. These herbs help provide nourishment to the immune system and work to rebalance its function and harmonize the endocrine and nervous systems, which are interconnected with our immune system and its function. Many adaptogens are also immunomodulators, as are many medicinal mushrooms.
Some herbs to consider when working immunomodulating properties into your allergy treatment protocol include:
Reishi (Ganoderma spp.)
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Hawthorn berry (Crataegus spp.)
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Depending on the trigger and symptomatic presentation, herbs can be used in an acute situation to help ease the discomfort of an allergic reaction.
Some herbs that may be helpful when used internally in treating acute symptoms include:
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Nettles (Urtica dioica)
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Eyebright (Euphrasiae officinalis)
Elderflower (Sambucus spp.)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus).
Herbs that can be used topically to help ease the discomfort of allergic reactions that manifest externally such as skin rashes and hives are:
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Plantain (Plantago spp.).
In the case of severe allergic response such as anaphylaxis, seek immediate emergency medical treatment.
Castor oil packs: Castor oil can help encourage proper digestion, liver function and elimination. This can lower the histamine levels in the body and reduce symptoms. Castor oil packs 3-7 x a week are recommended over a course of 2-3 months (ideally before allergy season). Use castor oil packs 4-8 x per month for maintenance.
Quercetin: this flavanoid can help modulate the release of histamine, and reduce symptoms. Quercetin is found in many herbs that are used in cases of allergies including goldenrod, nettles and elderflower.
Probiotics: Probiotics can help balance the microbiome of the gut, leading to improved immune function and reduced allergic responses.
Vitamin C: A natural antioxidant and antihistamine that can help reduce symptoms, Vitamin C supports healthy immune function
Vitamin D: Acts as an immunomodulator and inflammation modulator by regulating the production of cytokines and immune cells.
This formula can help to reduce and control the symptoms of seasonal allergies, however, in the longer term it is important to address the root causes of allergies and heal the systems that are fundamentally dysfunctional.
30 mls Nettle (Urtica dioica)
20 mls Baical Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
20 mls Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
20 mls Plantain (Plantago spp.)
10 mls Ginger (Zingiber off.)
Tinctures all 1:5 dried herb/1:2 fresh
Dose: Start with 5 drops every 20-30 minutes, working up to a dose of 10-20 drops, as needed, every .5-1 hour.
A Note on Dosing: A small number of folks who have a histamine imbalance can be extra sensitive to herbs (especially histamine containing nettles). I recommend starting with small doses and working up from there as tolerated when using herbal tinctures and formulas to treat allergies.
Nettle actually contains histamine and it may seem counterintuitive to use it for allergies, however it can be extremely effective. Nettle leaf has been shown to stabilize mast cells, which helps prevent the release of extra histamine in the body. Nettles also lower prostaglandin levels, which help reduce inflammation and provide relief from allergy symptoms.
Also called Chinese Skullcap, Baikal skullcap, not to be confused with the American lateriflora species which has very different actions, helps to stabilize mast cells production and reduce histamines intolerance.
With astringent properties, goldenrod acts as an excellent decongestant and helps to control excess secretions of the mucous membranes as well as relieving red, itchy eyes.
Plantain can help modulate the inflammatory response, soothe the respiratory and digestive tracts and is a moistening herb which can help balance the very drying actions of the other herbs in this formula.
Ginger is a warming, immune support that helps move the other herbs. Ginger is potently anti-inflammatory, soothes the gut and stimulates motility.
As you can see there are many herbs that can contribute to supporting the underlying causes and the symptomatic presentation of allergic reactions. As herbalists, we are looking at treating the whole person, and not just the symptoms. To get the best results using herbs for chronic issues working with a trained herbalist who can develop a unique approach for each individual is recommended.
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