Hazy days? Natural allergy remedies

It’s that time of year again – Allergy season. If you are prone to hay fever, you may not feel so enthusiastic about the warm weather and spring blossoms. But help is here, thanks to some natural allergy remedies that may enable you to enjoy the springtime, allergy free.

Many of us in our sixties still fall under the more allergy-susceptible age range, with individuals aged 15-64 being more prone to allergic rhinitis, or as we commonly call it, hay fever. Other factors that can contribute to hay fever development include gender, with women having a greater likelihood of allergies than men, and geography – Did you know that in Australia, WA, SA and the NT have the greatest rates of allergic rhinitis rates, while the lowest rates are in NSW and QLD. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to experience allergies if one or both of your parents have an allergy history^{i ii iii}.

Although the itchy, watery eyes and nose that come with hay fever may be seen as no more than an inconvenience, these symptoms can lead to complications such as recurring sinus or ear infections (due to mucosal lining inflammation and/or bacteria buildup)^{i ii iv}. A concern for us is that being in the 60+ age group, our immune systems may not be as competent as they used to be in dealing with these infections. With ageing comes the reduced capability of the immune system to fight ‘antigens’, potentially harmful foreign substances, such as those of a bacterial infection. This means that not only do older individuals tend to develop more infections than younger individuals, they also take longer to recover^v.

So what measures can you take to reduce your hay fever risk? Fortunately, there is evidence pointing to a range of nutrients that may provide allergy relief and/or assist in the treatment of its potential complications.

Quercetin

An antioxidant and anti-allergenic nutrient, quercetin might help you steer clear of hay fever, thanks to its anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory actions^vi. In a Japanese study of individuals with seasonal allergic rhinitis, quercetin significantly inhibited antigen-stimulated histamine release from certain immune cells (‘mast cells’)^{vii viii}.

Vitamin C

Alongside being an antioxidant, vitamin C may enhance immunity. What’s more, it is a natural antihistamine, with an interesting study finding that a low vitamin C status was associated with increased blood histamine levels^ix.

Vitamin D

Although many of us are aware of role of vitamin D in bone health maintenance, the part it plays in immune regulation is also attention worthy. Vitamin D can stimulate particular white blood cells (macrophages) that target and engulf harmful and/or unknown foreign bodies (antigens). Even further, vitamin D can activate other white blood cells (T and B lymphocytes) that have a complex role in immune defence. Vitamin D expert Professor Michael Holick and associates recently found that in the form of a supplement, vitamin D regulates 291 genes, controlling over 80 metabolic processes. These include those involved in immune function, DNA repair and oxidative-stress responses to environmental toxins.

Considering that food sources of vitamin D are scarce and the elderly, who have greater difficulty producing vitamin D, are among those at a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency (we naturally produce it upon exposing our skin to sunlight), it may be worthwhile having your vitamin D levels checked. You can do this by getting a blood test, which alongside the advice of your health practitioner can help determine if you might benefit from a vitamin D supplement.

Perilla (Perilla frutescens):

This herb contains the anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory compound rosmarinic acid, also found in rosemary. Research has demonstrated that perilla may decrease symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis, which include itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes. How? Through mechanisms which reduce the actions of allergic antibodies (‘immunoglobulins,’ which fight foreign substances) and inflammatory mediators (‘leukotrienes’)^x.

Albizia lebbeck:

In ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine, albizia was used to alleviate hay fever, among other allergies. Research has found there to be merit in its traditional use, finding that albizia can stabilise certain immune cells (‘mast cells’), which line certain blood vessels, such as those of the eyelids and nose^xi. Put simply, this means albizia may calm an overactive immune response to environmental allergens such as spring pollen.

Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

Friendlier than it sounds, the allergy-alleviating potential of this herb is due to its flavonoids, ‘baicelein’ and ‘luteolin’. Both in vitro and human studies have shown that these flavonoids can impair action by allergy-inducing antibodies (‘immunoglobulin E’/ IgE). And to give it further credit, baical skullcap may reduce the amount of histamine, a chemical released from certain immune cells (‘mast cells’) and that is responsible for allergy symptoms^xii, such as sneezing and a red, runny nose.

If you experience hay fever, taking a combination of these anti-allergy, immune-boosting herbs and nutrients might have you making the most out of spring again.

Always speak to your healthcare practitioner when considering herbal or nutritional supplementation for your health. When taking supplements, make sure to always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare practitioner.