Flavonoids and Carotenes

Additional Antioxidants

Antioxidants can reduce allergic reactions. Specifically, vitamin C is a powerful antihistamine with both preventive and therapeutic properties. It also suppresses broncho-constriction, which is important for those suffering from allergic symptoms.

High levels of vitamin C, with supportive bioflavonoids, is an important part of any good daily dietary regimen. A common allergy recommendation for vitamin C is 1,000 - 2,000 mg three times a day. Garlic has also been shown to suppress the overproduction of IgE. Garlic is also a potent antioxidant herb and immune system stimulator and contains relatively large levels of quercetin.

Vitamin A and Zinc may also alleviate allergy symptoms and prevent sinusitis infections. They help to heal the gastrointestinal mucosa, in turn improving or normalizing the antibody response to antigens, which is often misappropriated in people with allergies.

Herbal Intervention in Allergies

A number of studies show positive effects of herbs on bronchodilation, clearance of mucus, pulmonary function tests, and antagonism of asthma mediators such as histamine, platelet activating factor, and corticosteroid levels.

There is no known botanical whose mechanism of action exactly matches antihistamines, however, IgE antibody formation alone does not constitute an allergic reaction. Antihistamines do not address the underlying problem since blocking histamine only provides temporary relief. Consequently, herbs can help address these underlying problems, as well as other inflammatory mediators involved in the allergic process. For example, much of the allergic response in allergic bronchial asthma, and the inflammation which presents has been traced from a pathway which begins with arachidonic acid and follows with the formation of lipoxygenase. The unstable compounds that are then formed become leukotrienes which produce bronchoconstrictive actions. Recent studies in the treatment of allergy and asthma have suggested creating lipoxygenase antagonists in order to treat such conditions.

Ephedra sinica (Ma huang)

Ma huang, a rigid tufted plant, has been used since ancient times in China to treat asthma and hay fever. It is the original source of the decongestant pseudoephedrine and is still considered to be the most effective herbal decongestant. The alkaloids in ma huang have similar actions to the common asthma drugs known as beta agonists, which dilate the bronchial tubes and ease breathing.. The alkaloid found in the leaves may increase blood pressure, but paradoxically the ephedra root contains a compound known to the Chinese as mao-kon, which acts to lower blood pressure. Therefore, use of the whole plant produces a balanced action. However, much of the marketed ephedra is made from the leaves only, and will stimulate the nervous system and can cause increased heart rate, insomnia, and agitation. Consequently, it should not be given to children under 13 years of age, pregnant women, or anyone with high blood pressure.

Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettles)

The fresh stinging hairs and leaves of Stinging Nettles contain histamine, serotonin (5-hydroxytrypta-mine)*, choline, acetylcholine, betaine, and formic acid. Serotonin, acetylcholine, and histamine modulate the immune system by activating adenylate cyclase, which stimulates the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cAMP, thus preventing antigen-induced release of histamine and extracellular fluid by sensitized basophils and mast cells. A randomized, double-blind study of 98 individuals using freeze-dried Urtica dioica for subjective amelioration of hay fever symptoms (allergic rhinitis) found that patients rated it higher than the placebo. A 300 mg dosage was administered at the onset of symptoms, with a daily dosage ranging from 1 to 7 doses. Fifty-seven percent rated it effective in relieving their symptoms, and 48% found it to be equally or more effective than their previous medicine. Interestingly, the epicatechins of green tea also work along the same mechanism of cyclic AMP conversion and therefore drinking green tea can be beneficial for allergies.

Cayenne frutescens (Capsaicin)

Cayenne is a stimulant that contains the pungent compound, capsaicin. Short-term treatment with capsaicin activates tracheo-bronchial afferent C neuron release of substance P and can cause bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and congestion. However, long term treatment depletes substance P from the afferent C fibers and causes desensitization of the airways to exogenous irritants. A single high dosage capsaicin pretreatment in neonate rats was also shown to induce long lasting desensitization of the airways to cigarette smoke, histamine, and bradykinin. It significantly reduced the vascular permeability and edema caused by these substances in the respiratory tract. Capsaicin pretreatment reduced vagally-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs and pulmonary airflow obstruction induced by aerosol histamine. It also blocked the enhanced bronchoconstrictor response to histamine induced by leukotrienes and reduced histamine and SRS-A release during antigen challenge. Short term and long term pretreatments with capsaicin both activate antioxidant enzyme systems and stabilize lung membrane lipids, protecting against edema and lipid peroxidation caused by gaseous lung irritants.

Balancing Essential Fatty Acids:

As previously discussed, the leukotrienes of the arachidonic acid cascade are intimately involved in allergic inflammation. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on bronchial responsiveness was studied in 7 atopic patients suffering from seasonal asthma due to airborne allergens. After 30 days of dietary supplementation, bronchial responsiveness was significantly improved (maximum fall in FEV 1 was -11% vs -28% before treatment and maximum increase in airway resistance was +37% vs +265% before treatment). The data strongly supports the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with 3 g/day omega-3 EFAs results in the production of unique 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products which are biologically less active and may inhibit the production or actions of other eicosanoids. Concurrently avoiding excessive omega-6 oils in the diet, using olive-oil dressings instead of trans-fatty acid rich salad dressings is also advised.

Essential Oil Blends for Hayfever and Allergies:

Summing Up Approaches to Allergic Treatment

Nutritional and herbal medicine may offer benefits for the allergic person by improving general well-being and reducing allergic symptoms. In addition to proper diet, herbs and supplementation can help support the immune system, strengthen the lungs, and help maintain a more controlled response to allergens. Detoxification programs are often beneficial. A body that is less congested is less allergic. Reduced intake of mucous producing foods, such as dairy, wheat, citrus or gluten may prevent the production of catarrh, a thick mucus secretion in the nose and lungs. Reduction of stress may also play an important role in the treatment of allergies. In general, seasonal allergies are fairly predictable. A proactive approach using a variety of proven anithistamines, combined with herbal and nutritional supplements, as well as minor lifestyle changes, may offset the worst symptoms.

*Note: Whenever possible, avoid foods and products containing tryptophan which is converted to serotonin, and is a bronchoconstrictor.

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