You are worried because it is the time of the year when molds, trees, and grasses release spires and pollen particles, and you are prone to getting a seasonal allergy. So, here we are to relieve you with herbs and spices for seasonal allergy relief.
This article will mention the ten best herbs and spices for seasonal allergies and their usage. So keep reading!
GARLIC
Raw garlic is a common ingredient in almost every household. Besides adding taste to dishes, garlic is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It contains histamine-lowering Quercitin, which is known to improve immune function. People tend to use garlic to combat spring allergies.
Extraction:
- Take several cloves of garlic.
- Peel off the papery skin covering each clove.
- Press each garlic clove and put it in a food processor.
- If you want 1g of concentrated garlic extract, use 1 pound of garlic cloves.
Preparation: The preparation methods depend on whether you want to use garlic as a whole, powdered, or oil form.
How to use garlic for seasonal allergy relief
One of the easiest ways to use it is to add fresh garlic to your meals, such as soups, stews, pasta, etc. You can also sprinkle powder as a seasoning or garlic supplement.
Recommended amount and precautions:
The recommended dose for an adult is 1-2 cloves of garlic per day. People allergic to garlic should take precautions because overdosage can lead to nasal congestion, wheezing, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Where to buy it? You can purchase garlic at any grocery store
ROSEMARY
This herb contains rosemarinic acid, detoxifies free radicals, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Rosemary is used widely for seasonal allergies.
Extraction:
- If this herb is growing in your garden, pick and rinse it properly.
- To collect rosemary needles, remove the entire stem.
- Place it in a tight jar for 4-6 weeks so that fermentation can take place.
Preparation: You can prepare the rosemary by removing the needles, mincing it, or using it as whole sprigs.
How to use it:
Fresh and dried rosemary is widely used in dishes such as stews and roasts. Rosmarinic supplements are also available in pharmacies.
The recommended amount of Rosemary for allergy Relief and Precautions:
It is recommended to use 1-2 grams of rosemary per day. Taking proper precautions could help because rosemary overdosage can lead to seizures, vomiting, coma, and stomach and intestinal irritation.
Where to buy it? You can keep rosemary plants in your garden or purchase rosemary oil from any supermarket.
STINGING NETTLE
Although stinging nettle is known to contain histamine, it helps decrease allergy-related inflammation and histamine.
Extraction:
During the spring season, pick the young leaves from the tips using a rubber glove to avoid getting stung.
Please put it on a tray to wilt.
Preparation of Stinging Nettle For Seasonal Allergy Relief:
You can prepare a nettle in a mason jar with boiling water. Let it remain for 4 hours or overnight, then strain and drink it.
How to use it: Stinging nettle can be utilized as a tea, tablet, tincture, or extract.
Recommended amount and precautions:
There is no recommended daily dosage of stinging nettle, but talking to an herbalist before using it would be a good idea. Not taken in moderate amounts can lead to stomach problems, sweating, urine issues, etc.
Where to buy: All the nettle-related products are available on Amazon
BUTTERBUR
Butterbur is a perfect choice if you are looking for an herb that can improve your allergy symptoms and avoid the sedative effects of antihistamines.
Extraction:
Professionals obtain Butterbur leaf and root extracts, having prior knowledge about this herb, because this isn’t a do-it-yourself task.
Preparation and usage:
It is prepared in an oil or pill form and consumed in both ways.
Recommended amount and precautions:
The dosage recommended for allergic rhinitis is 50 mg extracts containing 7.5 mg of pertains twice daily. Overdoing it leads to bleching, headaches, and digestive problems.
You can buy Butterbur from any herbal store
HOREHOUND
It is also called Marrubium Vulgare and is a member of the mint family used for inflammatory conditions.
Extraction:
- Pick the portion of herb that is present above the ground.
- Please put in a bundle and dry it indoors or outdoors.
- Placed dry leaves and blooms in an air-tight container to store for one year.
Preparation:
They can add Horehound leaves and flowers to salads, soups, and other meal preparations.
How to use it? We can use Horehounds in tea. The supplements are also available.
Recommended amount and Precautions:
Adults usually take 0.8-1.3 ml (25 to 40 drops) of horehound thrice daily. Consult a doctor if you find any skin sensitivity, or allergic reactions after taking the herb.
You can buy Horehounds from any herbal store.
TURMERIC
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that inhibits allergic responses. Like garlic, turmeric is very commonly found in every household. This spice has endless benefits.
Extraction:
- Turmeric is cleaned and ground into a powder.
- You can mix the solvents and powder in fixed portions.
- Separation is carried out to get curcumin.
Preparation: We can prepare turmeric in juice, oil, and powder form.
How to Use Turmeric for Allergy Relief:
Add turmeric powder and honey into warm water or milk, mix it, and drink it twice daily.
Recommended amount and precautions:
The daily dosage recommendation is 500 to 2000 mg of turmeric. Please don’t overdo it because it can lead to dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea.
Where to buy: Turmeric is available in almost every grocery store.
FENNEL SEEDS
Fennel seeds contain antioxidants, Quercetin, and flavonoids that help reduce allergic reactions.
Extraction and preparation:
- Take 4 grams of dried fennel seeds
- Mix it with 8 ounces of vodka in the jar
- Keep the lid of the jar tight and shake it once a week
- You can use Fennel seed extracts for 2 to 3 months.
How to use it:
We use fennel seeds in three ways. One method is to eat raw fennel seeds. You can also make fennel tea or add ground fennel seeds to your meals.
Recommended amount and Precautions:
In the shape of a capsule, you can take three pills that are 480 milligrams per day. However, it is healthy to eat fennel seeds, with some side effects, such as hives, rashes, and vomiting.
You can order fennel seeds online or buy them from any supermarket.
NIGELLA SEEDS
Nigella seeds, also known as black cumin or sesame seeds, contain thymoquinone and protein kinase C, which help treat allergic reactions.
Extraction and Preparation of Nigella Seeds for Seasonal Allergy Relief
- Buy nigella seeds and a cold press oil extraction machine.
- Clean the seeds so there are no contaminants present.
- Put the seed in the machine to get nigella seed extracts.
- Keep the nigella seeds in a tight container like any other spices.
How to Use It:
You can spread Nigella seeds on your fried vegetables, grind them, and add them to your soup.
Recommended amount and precautions:
You can take 1-2 teaspoons of Nigella seeds daily. There are usually no side effects, but overdoing it can lead to constipation and an upset stomach.
You can order Nigella seeds online or buy them from any supermarket.
CAPERS
It is rich in natural antihistamine agents and Quercetin. Capers help relieve inflammation in the respiratory airways.
Extraction and preparation:
- They pick Caper while their buds are still tight.
- The fruits, young shoots, and leaves are used fresh in dishes.
How to use it: Add caper to salads, pizza toppings, and omelets.
Recommended amount and Precautions:
The recommended amount depends on the Capers’ size; it can be 8-10 or 15-20 capers. The capers are also known to cause skin rash and allergies in some people, so you should take precautionary measures.
Where to buy it? Capers are available in marts and grocery stores.
THYME
Thyme contains Vitamin C and flavonoids. It helps in treating sore throat, cough, and congestion.
Extraction and preparation:
You can extract thyme essential oil via steam, diffusion, and hydrodistillation.
How do you use Thyme for seasonal allergy relief? An individual can use thyme as a condiment for pasta or rice. You can also use it to prepare meat, poultry, and fish.
Recommended amount and precautions:
It would be better to consult with a healthcare professional because there is no recommended amount. Overdosage can cause dizziness, headache, and upset digestive system.
Natural methods are always the best way to fight seasonal allergies, but excess of anything is terrible. So, before using any herbs and spices for treatment, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor.