Home Remedies and Herbs for Allergy (Allergies)

An allergy is a chronic condition where your body’s immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance as if it was harmful.^{1 2} The substance that triggers an allergic reaction is called an allergen.² Different allergens cause different allergic reactions in different people. Allergies aren’t usually harmful to your health. Rarely, severe reactions known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can happen. Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.³ Allergies are more common in children, and may go away as the child gets older. But adults can also develop allergies to substances they were previously not allergic to.³

What Causes Allergy/Allergies?

Allergy causes are due to an autoimmune reaction. When you’re allergic to something, your body sees the substance as an invader, like an infection. It causes your immune system to try to fight it off, activating white blood cells to produce antibodies. This chain reaction releases chemicals known as histamines.¹ The body then stays on alert for these allergens and will continue to release histamines each time you come into contact with the allergen.⁴ Allergy causes are due to reactions to different types of allergens. The common groups of allergens that produce allergic reactions include:^{2 4}

• Medications
• Food
• Insects
• Latex
• Mold
• Pets
• Pollen

Allergy/Allergies Symptoms

Allergy symptoms depend on the type of allergen. Allergic reactions are produced throughout different areas of the body but don’t always affect people the same way. Common allergy symptoms include:⁴

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) - Sneezing, itching and running nose, and swollen, itchy eyes.
• Food allergies - Tingling mouth, hives, swollen tongue and throat.
• Insect sting allergies - Hives, swollen red patch on skin, wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Medication allergies - Hives, itchy skin rash, facial swelling.
• Product allergies or other sensitivities - Eczema or itchy, red and flakey skin.

In severe cases, allergic reactions include anaphylactic shock. This can cause loss of consciousness, a drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting.⁴

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Allergy/Allergies

There are many allergy natural remedies that can help prevent and stop allergic reactions. Here are some of the allergy natural remedies to try at home:

• Honey - Raw honey is a natural anti-allergenic remedy. It can help stop allergic reactions caused by insect stings and other allergens.
• Acerola - Acerola has natural anti-inflammatory health benefits. It can be used as an allergy natural remedy to reduce swelling caused by allergens.
• Horseradish - Horseradish can help to clear allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and running nose by opening up the sinuses.
• MSM - Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce itching and swelling caused by allergic reactions.
• Chamomile - Chamomile tea is often used to relieve symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
• Astragalus - Astragalus is an allergy natural remedy that can help reduce itchy and watering eyes, running nose and sneezing.

References

1. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/allergy.aspx
2. http://www.aafa.org/page/types-of-allergies.aspx
3. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Allergies/Pages/introduction.aspx
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/dxc-20270197