Garden Variety Treatments for Seasonal Allergies
Stinging nettle
Stinging Nettle
→ Anti Allergy
→ Anti Inflammatory
This flowering plant is gaining popularity in its freeze-dried form as being moderately effective in soothing allergy symptoms. There’s not much research supporting this-a study from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland indicated it might have a mild helpful effect-but stinging nettle has long history in traditional medicine as treatment for allergies, among other conditions. The fact that it also has an anti-inflammatory effect leads many practitioners to prescribe stinging nettle as part of a total natural treatment for allergies. It’s most effective if taken at the first sign of symptoms, says Dr. Starbuck, who has used it for years and finds it helps her patients.
Caution: If you are taking blood thinners like coumadin or if you have diabetes, stinging nettle should be used very carefully. A small percentage of people are allergic, so if stinging nettle makes you feel worse, talk to your doctor. You can be tested for a nettle allergy. Pregnant women should avoid it.
Eyebright (Euphrasia)
→ For Eye Infections
This herb has been used as a compress to treat eye infections and irritation for hundreds of years. Dr. Starbuck points out that it’s also effective when taken orally in a tincture for treatment if inflammation of nasal mucus membranes and sinuses.
Garden Variety Treatments
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