Updated: Nov 30, 2024
9 Herbal Tinctures For Allergies
Herbal tinctures can be a great way to alleviate allergy symptoms.
These tinctures are made from plants that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses. For example, Eucalyptus globulus is commonly used to relieve respiratory issues, such as congestion and coughs, by opening up airways and making it easier to breathe. Another herb that's often used for allergies is Echinacea purpurea, which helps to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
This can be especially helpful during peak allergy seasons when your body's defenses are under attack. Ginkgo biloba is also beneficial, as it's known to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, which can help to alleviate symptoms such as itchy eyes and runny noses. When you use herbal tinctures for allergies, you're not just treating the symptoms - you're also addressing the root cause of the issue. By reducing inflammation and improving immune function, these tinctures can help to give your body the tools it needs to fight off allergens and stay healthy.
Plus, many of these herbs are natural and non-habit forming, making them a great alternative to over-the-counter medications that can have negative side effects.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for allergies and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus tinctures contains bioactive constituents like eucalyptol, caffeic acid, and flavonoids.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which help reduce swelling and itching in the nasal passages and eyes. Eucalyptol, in particular, is a natural decongestant that breaks down mucus and opens up airways, making it easier to breathe. Caffeic acid and flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help protect against cell damage caused by allergens.
By reducing inflammation and opening up airways, eucalyptus globulus tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of allergies, such as congestion and itchiness.
- Gather 1 cup of Eucalyptus globulus leaves, 2 cups of 80 proof vodka, and a glass jar with a lid.
- Place the Eucalyptus leaves in the glass jar, making sure they are covered by vodka.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Store the Eucalyptus tincture in the glass jar, labeling it and keeping it out of reach of children.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea tinctures contains alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids, which are its active constituents.
These compounds work together to help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, making it a potential remedy for allergies. Alkylamides, in particular, have been shown to inhibit the release of histamine, a chemical that triggers allergic reactions. Glycosides, like echinacoside, have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the nasal passages and reduce congestion.
By regulating the body's immune response and reducing inflammation, Echinacea purpurea tinctures may provide relief from allergy symptoms, such as congestion and itching.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves. Clean and dry them completely.
- Combine 1 cup of the dried flowers and leaves with 2 cups of 80% ethanol (vodka or rubbing alcohol) in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily. This will allow the tincture to extract the plant's active properties.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid. Take 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed to relieve allergy symptoms.
3. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba tinctures contains bioactive constituents like flavonoids and terpenoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and eyes, a common symptom of allergies. The flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba also have antioxidant properties, which can help to neutralize free radicals that trigger allergic reactions. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba contains bilobalide and ginkgolides, which have been shown to inhibit the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for allergic symptoms.
By reducing inflammation and histamine release, Ginkgo biloba tinctures may help alleviate symptoms of allergies such as congestion, itching, and sneezing.
- Gather 1 cup of Ginkgo biloba leaves and 2 cups of vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Add the Ginkgo biloba leaves to the jar and pour vodka over them, leaving 1 inch of space at the top.
- Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Label the jar with the date and the concentration of the tincture (1:2 or 1 part Ginkgo biloba leaves to 2 parts vodka). Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale tinctures contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and ease congestion in the nasal passages.
These compounds also have antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals that exacerbate allergic reactions. Additionally, zingerone, another active constituent in ginger, has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for triggering allergic symptoms. The antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects of Zingiber officinale tinctures can help alleviate common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
By reducing inflammation and histamine release, Zingiber officinale tinctures can provide relief from allergic reactions.
- Gather 1 cup of Zingiber officinale roots, 2 cups of 80% ethanol, and a clean glass jar.
- Cut the Zingiber officinale roots into small pieces and add them to the glass jar.
- Pour 2 cups of 80% ethanol over the Zingiber officinale pieces, making sure they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.
5. Plantago lanceolata
Plantago lanceolata tinctures contains a number of bioactive constituents, including aucubin and caffeic acid, that make it a good choice for allergy relief.
Aucubin, a iridoid glycoside, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and itching associated with allergies. Caffeic acid, a polyphenol, has antioxidant properties that can help neutralize histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. By reducing inflammation and neutralizing histamine, Plantago lanceolata tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of allergies such as congestion, itching, and sneezing.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of aucubin may also help soothe and calm irritated tissues in the respiratory tract.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Plantago lanceolata leaves and stems. Clean them with water.
- Combine the leaves and stems in a clean glass jar. Add 2 cups of 80-proof vodka or brandy. Close the jar.
- Store the jar in a dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it every day. This helps the vodka extract the plant's properties.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Label the jar with the date and the name of the tincture. Store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed to relieve allergy symptoms.
6. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra tinctures contains bioactive constituents like flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce swelling and oxidative stress in the body. The flavonoids, especially quercetin and kaempferol, inhibit the release of histamine, a chemical that triggers allergic reactions. This action helps alleviate symptoms of allergies, such as congestion, sneezing, and itching.
By modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation, Sambucus nigra tinctures may provide relief from seasonal and environmental allergies.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) flowers and leaves. Use a clean glass jar.
- Combine 1 cup of dried Elderberry with 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in the jar. Close the lid.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place. Take 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed for allergy relief.
7. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica tinctures contains bioactive constituents like histamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, which are released by the body in response to allergies.
Histamine is a key player in allergic reactions, but Urtica dioica tincture also contains compounds that inhibit histamine release and reduce its effects. The tincture's properties include flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and calm the body's allergic response. These compounds help stabilize mast cells, reducing the release of histamine and other allergenic chemicals.
By balancing the body's response to allergens, Urtica dioica tinctures can provide relief from allergy symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Urtica dioica leaves and flowers. Clean and dry them.
- Combine the dried Urtica dioica with 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar. Make sure the herbs are completely covered.
- Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the Urtica dioica tincture in a cool, dark place. Take 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed to help with allergies.
8. Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium tinctures contains sesquiterpene lactones, such as achillol and dihydroachillol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and ease congestion associated with allergies.
The tannins in Achillea millefolium also act as a natural antihistamine, blocking the release of histamine, a chemical that triggers allergic reactions. Additionally, the flavonoids, including apigenin and luteolin, have antioxidant properties that help to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. The sesquiterpene lactones also have a spasmolytic effect, which can help to relax muscles in the airways and reduce the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory allergies.
By reducing inflammation and blocking the release of histamine, Achillea millefolium tinctures can help to alleviate the symptoms of allergies and promote a sense of relief.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Achillea millefolium leaves and flowers. Clean and chop them into small pieces.
- Combine 1 cup of chopped plant with 2 cups of vodka in a clean glass jar. Stir well.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Shake the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid. Use 20-30 drops as needed to alleviate allergy symptoms.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia tinctures contains bioactive constituents like linalool and linalyl acetate.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which help to reduce swelling and alleviate allergic reactions. The tincture's antispasmodic properties also help to relax the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, Lavandula angustifolia has antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the body from oxidative stress caused by allergens.
By reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, Lavandula angustifolia tinctures can help to provide relief from allergy symptoms.
- Gather 250ml of 80% vodka or high-proof spirit in a clean glass jar.
- Add 1 cup of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers to the jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Store the tincture in the fridge and use 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed for allergy relief.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent allergies from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help reduce allergy symptoms, but it's unclear if it can prevent allergies from forming.
Some herbs, like nettle and quercetin, have anti-inflammatory properties that might help alleviate symptoms.
However, more research is needed to understand the relationship between herbal tea and allergy prevention.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for allergies every day?
Consuming herbal teas for allergies daily can be safe, but it depends on the type and amount.
Some teas, like peppermint and ginger, are generally considered safe. However, others, like those containing ephedra or ma huang, can cause problems.
Be cautious and check the ingredients before making it a daily habit.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in allergies?
Herbal teas can help with allergies, but it might take some time to see results.
Some people notice a difference in their symptoms after a few days, while others may take a week or two.
It depends on the type of tea and the severity of the allergy.