Allergies: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a harmless substance, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods, causing uncomfortable symptoms like congestion, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Allergies occur when the body mistakenly identifies these substances as threats, triggering an inflammatory response. This can lead to chronic health issues like respiratory problems, skin irritation, and digestive issues. To alleviate allergy symptoms, herbal remedies like nettle leaf, quercetin-rich herbs, and local honey can be used.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you're allergic to certain plants or have pre-existing conditions, and to follow proper dosages to avoid adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of allergies, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of allergies?

The main causes of allergies are primarily genetic, with 30-60% of the risk attributed to hereditary factors.

Environmental factors, such as pollution and exposure to allergens from a young age, also play a significant role. In particular, the hygiene hypothesis suggests that a lack of exposure to certain microorganisms in childhood may lead to an increased risk of developing allergies. The presence of specific IgE antibodies, which are produced in response to allergens, is a key indicator of an allergic reaction.

Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding, have been linked to an increased risk of allergy development in offspring.

• Dust Mites: Dust mites are tiny insects that live in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture, and their waste products, such as feces and body parts, become airborne and trigger allergic reactions when inhaled.
• Pollen: Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a common allergen that can cause symptoms when it is inhaled, either through direct exposure or through contact with the skin.
• Pet Dander: Pet dander is the dead skin cells of animals, particularly cats and dogs, that become airborne and trigger allergic reactions when inhaled.
• Mold: Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp environments and produces spores that become airborne and trigger allergic reactions when inhaled.
• Insect Stings: The venom from insect stings, particularly from bees, wasps, and hornets, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
• Tree Nut: Tree nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions when ingested.
• Fish: Fish, particularly finned fish, contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions when ingested.
• Shellfish: Shellfish, such as shrimp and lobster, contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions when ingested.
• Eggs: Egg proteins, particularly ovomucoid and ovotransferrin, can cause allergic reactions when ingested.
• Wheat: Wheat proteins, particularly gliadin and glutenin, can cause allergic reactions when ingested.
• Soy: Soy proteins, particularly glycinin and beta-conglycinin, can cause allergic reactions when ingested.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for allergies?

The main medicinal herbs used for allergies are Echinacea purpurea, Ginkgo biloba, Urtica dioica, Artemisia absinthium, Zingiber officinale, Eucalyptus globulus, Sambucus nigra, Lavandula angustifolia, Allium sativum, Quercus robur.

Echinacea purpurea has been shown to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, thus alleviating allergy symptoms. Ginkgo biloba, on the other hand, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, preventing the release of histamine from mast cells, which contributes to allergic reactions. Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit the release of histamine, providing relief from symptoms such as itching and sneezing.

Quercus robur, in combination with other herbs, may also be beneficial in reducing inflammation and alleviating allergy symptoms, particularly in respiratory issues.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help alleviate allergy symptoms by enhancing the immune system's response to allergens, thereby reducing inflammation and improving respiratory function.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate allergy symptoms by inhibiting the release of chemical mediators involved in the allergic response, such as histamine, and improving blood flow to affected areas.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica may help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergens, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
• Artemisia absinthium: Artemisia absinthium may help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergens, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale may help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergens, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus may help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergens, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its expectorant properties, which help to relieve congestion.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra may help alleviate allergy symptoms by modulating the immune system's response to allergens and reducing inflammation, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia may help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms, and promoting relaxation and sleep, which can help to regulate the immune system's response to allergens.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum may help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergens, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Quercus robur: Quercus robur may help alleviate allergy symptoms by modulating the immune system's response to allergens and reducing inflammation, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

What are the main herbal preparations used for allergies?

The main herbal preparations used for allergies are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Cream, Gel, Suppository, Ointment, Poultice, Lozenge.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs that can be used sublingually or added to water to alleviate allergy symptoms due to its high bioavailability of active compounds like quercetin and butterbur. Decoction is a liquid or semi-solid herbal extract made by boiling herbs in water to release allergen-inhibiting compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids found in herbs such as nettle and dandelion. Capsules containing powdered herbs like butterbur and stinging nettle can be used orally to reduce inflammation and itching associated with allergies.

Salves, creams, gels, suppositories, ointments, poultices, and lozenges containing cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs like aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile can be applied topically to soothe skin and mucous membranes affected by allergies.

• Tincture: Tincture of Echinacea purpurea helps with allergies by enhancing the immune system's response to allergens, reducing inflammation and modulating the body's allergic response, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with allergies.
• Decoction: Decoction of Eucalyptus globulus helps with allergies by releasing the essential oils, which have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, providing relief from respiratory symptoms such as congestion and coughing associated with allergies.
• Capsule: Capsule of Quercetin, a flavonoid compound found in the plant Hypericum perforatum, helps with allergies by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells, thereby reducing the allergic response and alleviating symptoms associated with allergies.
• Salve: Salve made from the leaves of Plantago major helps with allergies by providing topical relief from skin allergies, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, and also by acting as a protectant against external allergens.
• Cream: Cream made from the extract of Ginkgo biloba helps with allergies by reducing inflammation and modulating the body's allergic response, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with skin allergies.
• Gel: Gel made from the plant Aloe barbadensis helps with allergies by providing topical relief from skin allergies, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, and also by acting as a protectant against external allergens.
• Suppository: Suppository made from the extract of Plantago lanceolata helps with allergies by providing localized relief from vaginal and rectal allergies, reducing inflammation and modulating the body's allergic response, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with allergies.
• Ointment: Ointment made from the extract of Calendula officinalis helps with allergies by providing topical relief from skin allergies, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, and also by acting as a protectant against external allergens.
• Poultice: Poultice made from the leaves of Taraxacum officinale helps with allergies by providing topical relief from skin allergies, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, and also by acting as a protectant against external allergens.
• Lozenge: Lozenge made from the extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with allergies by providing local relief from mouth and throat allergies, reducing inflammation and modulating the body's allergic response, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with allergies.