NATURAL ALLERGY RELIEF

Finally! All that cold weather is gone, and the flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, and its time for some SPRING VACATION! It is all very exciting, but for many of you, Spring means weeks of sneezing, runny nose, and coughing! Sure, your relief can be a drugstore counter away! However, an increasing number of allergy sufferers say the road to relief is through a variety of all-natural treatments However an increasing number of studies show that the road to relief can help, without the side effects of drugs.  One of these natural treatments is using herbal and nutrient supplements! One such herb is the European butterbur. The extract from the root of the butterbur shrub has been used since the Middle Ages to treat fevers, and more recently for coughs, asthma, headaches, and hay fever. It is safe and most people tolerate it well! In fact, in a study performed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, a group of British researches put their “stamp of approval” on butterbur’s effectiveness at reducing symptoms for grass allergies! Some other nutrients that help fight allergy symptoms are also found in grape seed extract, and a compound called quercetin. Both of these are especially abundant in red wine, but can also be taken as a supplement, and are “most effective when in conjunction with Vitamin C.” Some other helpful herbal supplements are dried nettles and goldenseal.
    Another method to battle allergies is looking to the kitchen to cook up some relief in the form of spicy foods! “Experts say the spicier the dish, the more likely it is to clear nasal passages” Use spices such as cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, or just onion and garlic to help clear up those sinuses! In a German study published in an allergy journal, they found that those who ate foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to suffer allergy symptoms. Omega-3s help fight inflammation and are found in cold-water fish, walnuts, flaxseed, grass-fed meat, and eggs! Finally, try cutting out foods that provoke mild sensitivities or upset stomach. Being aware of and reducing food your are intolerant to will lighten the burden on your immune system, which in turn may help reduce the impact of seasonal allergic reactions.
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/natural-allergy-relief
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/tc/butterbur-extract-topic-overview
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/natural-allergy-remedies-zmaz06aszraw.aspx?PageId=3