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 out with herbs and spices for seasonal allergy relief.
This article will mention the ten best herbs and spices for seasonal allergies with their usage. So keep reading!
GARLIC
Raw garlic is a common ingredient found in almost every household. Besides adding taste to your dishes, garlic is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It contains histamine lowering Quercitin that 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 to get 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
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ROSEMARY
This herb contains Rosemarinic acid, which detoxifies free radicals and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Rosemary is used widely for seasonal allergies.
Extraction:
● If you have this herb growing in your garden, then 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 either removing the needles, mincing it, or as whole sprigs.
How to use it:
Fresh and dried rosemary is widely used in dishes such as stew or roast. 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. It could help if you took proper precautions because rosemary overdosage can lead to seizures, vomiting, coma, stomach, and intestinal irritation.
Where to buy it? You can keep rosemary plants in your garden or purchase rosemary oil from any supermarket.
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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 by using a rubber glove so that you don’t get stung.
● Please put it on a tray to wilt.
Preparation of Stinging Nettle For Seasonal Allergy Relief:
You can prepare nettle for usage by putting it in a mason jar with boiling water. Let it keep remain for 4 hours or overnight, and then strain and drink it.
How to use it? We can utilize Stinging nettle as a tea, tablet, tincture, or extract.
Recommended amount and precautions:
There is no recommended daily dosage of stinging nettle, but it would be great to talk to an herbalist before using it. If not taken in moderate amounts, it can lead to stomach problems, sweating, urine issues, etc.
Where to buy: All the nettle-related products are available on amazon
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BUTTERBUR
If you are looking for an herb that can improve your allergy symptoms and avoid antihistamine’s sedative effects, Butterbur is a perfect choice.
Extraction:
Professionals obtain Butterbur leaf and root extracts having prior knowledge about this herb because this isn’t a do-it-itself task.
Preparation and usage:
It is prepared in an oil or pill form and consumed in both ways.
Recommended amount and precautions:
The dosage recommends 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 which is present above the ground.
● 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 three times daily. Consult a doctor if you find any skin sensitivity, 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 also found very commonly in every household. There are endless benefits of this spice.
Extraction:
● Turmeric is cleaned and grounded 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 a day.
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.
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FENNEL SEEDS
Fennel seeds contain antioxidants, Quercetin, and flavonoids that help in reducing 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 3 ways. One of the methods is to eat raw fennel seeds. You can also make fennel tea or add grounded 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.
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NIGELLA SEEDS
Nigella seeds are commonly known as black cumin or black sesame seeds containing thymoquinone and protein kinase C. these substances help treat allergic reactions.
Extraction and Preparation of Nigella Seeds for Seasonal Allergy Relief
● Buy nigella seeds and 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, just like any other spices.
How to Use It:
You can spread Nigella seeds on your fried vegetables, grind the seeds and add them to your soup.
Recommended amount and precautions:
Daily, you can take 1-2 teaspoons of Nigella seeds. Usually, there are no side effects, but overdoing can lead to constipation and an upset stomach.
You can order Nigella seeds online or buy them from any supermarket.
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CAPERS
It is rich in natural antihistamine agents and Quercetin. Capers help in relieving the 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: You can add caper into 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.
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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 distillation, steam diffusion, and hydrodistillation processes.
How to use Thyme for seasonal allergy relief? An individual can use thyme can as a condiment for pasta or rice. You can also use it in the preparation of meat, poultry, and fish.
Recommended amount and precautions:
It would be better to consult with a healthcare professional because there is no such recommended amount. The side effects of overdosage include dizziness, headache, and upset digestive system.
CONCLUSION
Natural ways are always the best ways to fight any seasonal allergy, but excess of everything is terrible. So, before using any herbs and spices for treatment, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Where to buy:
NOTE: Please, seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet. Because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medication.