Monday, January 12, 2015

Antihistamine Herbs

With so many of us suffering from allergies- it is important to keep in mind this list of ingredients when preparing meals or snacks or teas:

Basil (Ocimum sanctum) – One of the best antihistamine herbs (and not only), basil has a history in helping prevent stomach cramps, gas as well as constipation. A poultice of Basil leaves can work as an antihistamine to draw out insect, bee wasp, or snake venom. It helps alleviate acne, heal abrasions and speeds healing when used on cuts.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – is rich in antihistamine properties and is one of the most effective antihistamine herbs. The flowers can be crushed and used as a poultice for inflammatory swelling. Make a tea and drink 2-3 times a day. Chamomile can cause histaminic allergic reactions in some very sensitive people. If this occurs, simply discontinue.
Jewelweed (Impatiens aurea) – contains a compound called “Lawsone” that treats uticaria. Jewelweed is used as a natural remedy for poison ivy, poison oak, okra spines, stinging nettle and acne treatment. Jewelweed is also used for heat rash, ringworm and many other skin disorders, as well as bug bites and razor burn.
Papaya (Carica papaya)  -Some may be surprised that papaya is counted among natural antihistamine herbs, but papaya does indeed inhibit the secretion of histamine. Papaya juice can be taken internally as well as applied topically to diffuse a histamine attack.
Parsley  (Petroselinum crispum) – Testing shows Parsley’s antihistamine action which may be helpful for those with hay fever or hives
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) – The very same plant that will produce hives if its hairs inject their histamine into you can also work as one of the best antihistamine herbs to heal the problem. Freeze-dried nettle leaf extract taken in capsule form will treat hives and allergies.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – Echinacea is a widely used herbal remedy for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. This purple coneflower has shown to have antihistamine properties and is counted among some of the more popular antihistamine herbs.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – In my Chinese herbal practice, fennel is used for indigestion, spasms in the digestive tract, as well as expelling phlegm from the lungs. Fennel is rich with the antioxidant flavonoid “Quercetin”. Quercetin is a strong natural antihistamine shown to be very helpful for allergies and histamine-related inflammation. Make as a tea and drink 2-3 times per day.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – another classic herb in the Chinese Materia Medica, ginger works well on allergic reactions such as hives and wheals. Slice up a ginger root, boil it in eight cups of water for 30 minutes. Allow the herbs to steep for another 30 after you have boiled it. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day. You may add the tea to a hot bath and soak for 20 minutes. Dip a wash cloth in the tea once it is at room temperature and use as a compress.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – is a natural antihistamine, as well as having antiseptic properties to help purge infections. The essential oil has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a host of different bacteria and fungi.
Vitamin C is believed to be a natural antihistamine agent if used at high doses, around 3,000mg to 5,000mg a day.
Wild Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – aka Wild Marjoram, is one of the very best antihistamine herbs as it has at least seven different antihistaminic chemicals, therefore fights allergies as well as fungus and infection.

Essential Oils with Antihistamine Properties

Essential oils should be used in a base oil (to avoid irritation) and massaged on the skin. Never use essential oils internally.
Caraway Seed Oil – has antihistamine and antimicrobial properties and is very effective in treating mild allergic reactions.
Clove Oil – has antihistamine properties. This essential oil is helpful in the treatment of dermatitis due to allergic reactions.
Lemon balm (also known as melissa) – has antihistamine action and is useful to treat eczema and headaches. This essential oil has antihistamine properties and helps with allergies.

(Natural Holistic Health Blog)

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