Natural remedies for seasonal allergies article

[Guest guest]

Natural remedies for seasonal allergies

http://www.newsalerts.com/news/article/go:health2:101217

April 16, 2005 — Spring has sprung, and that means allergies have

too. As the weather gets warmer and wetter, pollen and molds bloom,

and spingtime winds can stir up the allergens.

When it comes to allergies, misery loves company. Roughly 40 million

Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Nearly 10 percent of

Americans are allergic to pollen. The result is hay fever, whose

symptoms include runny nose, sneezing and puffy, watery eyes.

Sales of over-the-counter allergy drugs are through the roof, but some

of the best remedies may be in your own kitchen.

Allergist Dr. Cliff Bassett talked about some of the more popular

— and effective — natural remedies for allergy symptoms on

" Good

Morning America. " Bassett said " natural " does not necessarily mean

safe or effective, and people may have unintended side effects. Check

with your doctor before trying any natural remedy, especially if you

are pregnant or nursing.

Natural Remedies for Allergies

Butterbur: Butterbur is another name for petasites, a shrub with huge

leaves. The plant is toxic but some studies show butterbur is

effective in treating allergy symptoms.

Quercetin: An herbal supplement that has been shown to reduce sinus

pain and congestion. Bassett said vitamin C actually may improve the

effectiveness by reducing inflammation. One problem, says Bassett, is

it is unclear how much you need to take, so you may have to

experiment.

Homeopathic Nasal Mists: Saline and salt water sprays help wash away

the pollen from the nose, which can remove the problem and reduce the

need for medication. Plus, they are inexpensive.

Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables: Grape seed extract, which can be

found in vitamin or health food stores, has been shown effective. But

in your own refrigerator, apples, bananas and onions have

anti-inflammatory properties and help to build up your immune system.

Some foods, including apples in some people, cross-react with tree

pollen and will cause allergy symptoms. Some of those foods include

pears, kiwi, cherries, peaches, nectarines, celery, carrots, parsley,

peppers and nuts like hazlenuts, walnuts, and almonds.

----------

In the past, I have taken Quercetin and it has done wonders.