Herbal Clinical Support This Allergy Season

Posted: September 2022
Author: Sharlene Bennett | BHSc, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip Med Herb

Allergy conditions are on the rise globally, with a high prevalence in New Zealand. So, with the arrival of spring, more clients in clinic with be afflicted with pollen or environmental sensitivities, commonly presenting as eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma.

While increased pollen exposure is often at the forefront of symptom development, the intensity of the reaction can be influenced by immune regulatory feedback, as the result of excessive or irregular stimulation. This may be due to recurrent illness, emotional and physical stress, dietary and lifestyle factors, and genetic predisposition.

It is also common for clients to have more than one allergy condition concurrently, as each presentation is connected in their onset. This may be a combination of asthma and sinusitis, for example, or eczema and allergic rhinitis. For chronic sufferers, three or more conditions can occur together.

Despite a myriad of causative factors potentially contributing to allergic symptoms, herbs can be utilised to regulate the severity of the response, as an effective strategy for everyday immune support and for acute and chronic symptom relief.


Top Five Herbs for Acute Allergy Symptomatic Relief

Sambucus nigra (Elderflower)
Ideal for nasal congestion, elderflower acts to relieve blocked and stuffy noses and provides a fever-inducing action (diaphoretic) to help lift the immune response. A friendly choice for children and adults.

Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort)
An effective anti-inflammatory herb for the upper airway and nasal passages. This is popular for both acute and chronic sinusitis. An anti-microbial and demulcent for soothing and stopping excess congestion, helping to clear and relieve mucus.

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)
A natural anti-congestive for both the nose and chest, assisting in mucus removal for healthy airways and liquid herb flavour enhancer.

Echinacea augustifolia or purpurea (Echinacea)
A top immune modulator, echinacea also acts as an anti-inflammatory for upper respiratory infections and sinus recovery.

Scutellaria baicalensis (Baical skullcap)
An anti-allergenic herb, this is a perfect candidate for those with chronic allergies such as asthma, sinusitis and hay fever, or eczema-like skin conditions.


Respiratory Allergy Relief Herbs

These can be used for lung or bronchial conditions that are both acute and chronic in nature. These herbs help to remove excessive mucus as bronchodilators and spasmolytics, helping to strengthen and clear the airways.

Adhatoda vasica (Adhatoda)
A good choice when extra respiratory support is required, such as in asthma or tight and wheezy bronchial cases. It acts both as a bronchial relaxant and as an anti-allergenic herb. Suitable for those with chronic respiratory disorders.

Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Renowned for its warming effect, ginger’s circulatory action assists with mucus removal. It also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, making it an optimal choice for acute or chronic hay fever, sinusitis or respiratory disorders.

Salvia officinalis (Sage)
This anti-microbial herb is an ideal botanical for infection support. Think of sinus issues or chronic seasonal bacterial conditions. It also acts on inflammation helping ease airways and stuffy noses.

Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
A potent expectorant, alongside its anti-microbial action, makes thyme a top choice for bronchial and mucus removal, with infection support.

Marrubium vulgare (White horehound)
The direct expectorant action of white horehound makes it a strong herb of choice for any chest-related conditions such as asthma, bronchial dysfunction or poor airway function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic respiratory conditions.

Inula helenium (Elecampane)
An effective expectorant and its possible anti-viral action, elecampane helps provide a double-acting benefit for both healthy lung and immune system function, with further support for excessive mucus removal and relief.


Topical Allergy Support

Skin recovery requires a combination of internal and external support for a multi-faceted herbal approach to topical presentations. Directly soothing the external presentation topically is important in reducing the local site of inflammation, itch, or discomfort. While internal support of detoxification pathways and regulation of immune function is integral in restoring homeostasis and down-grading the inflammatory response contributing to the reaction. The anti-inflammatory properties of herbs taken internally can be just as effective as a topical analgesic, in some circumstances.

Stellaria media (Chickweed)
Its main action as anti-pruritic helps assist skin recovery by providing itchy skin relief and promoting skin healing. Internal use is helpful in assisting chronic skin relief.

Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony)
A lesser-known herb for helping topically with dry or damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory action.

Arctium lappa (Burdock)
The stand-out action as a traditional blood cleanser and liver-supporting herb makes burdock an effective choice for allergy support and use in chronic skin conditions, like eczema, encouraging recovery and repair.

Macropiper excelsum (Kawakawa)
The anti-inflammatory action of this well-known native helps to calm a heightened immune response and ease nose and throat afflictions. Circulatory properties boost the effect of other herbs, while its effective topical analgesic action supports inflamed skin conditions.

Hoheria populnea (Hoheria)
The great demulcent properties of hoheria help to soothe and coat irritated mucous membranes, making it a useful option for inflamed airways and throats.

Solanum aviculare (Poroporo)
An effective topical for calming and soothing itchy skin or any irritation. A suitable natural topical alternative to steroids as a healing promotor for damaged and dry skin.

References
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