Common, Effective Natural Herbs For Allergies

Allergies are an umbrella term for a wide variety of physical responses triggered by some item in the environment. Even if they are allergic to the same thing, one person may be merely annoyed while the other one may have life-threatening symptoms that require emergency treatment.

If you suspect you have allergies, see you doctor to confirm just what it is you are allergic to. He or she may also prescribe medicines. If you want to use natural herbs for allergies, talk to your doctor. He or she should know if the natural herbs for allergies might clash with any prescription medicine you are already on. He or she could probably refer you to a local qualified herbalist or homeopathic practitioner for you to see. If you know what you are allergic to and your reactions are mild, consider these common natural herbs for allergies.

Reishi Mushroom

Fungi are considered natural herbs, even though they are technically fungi and not plants. But why quibble? Reishi mushrooms are classified as natural herbs for allergies. Reishi mushrooms can be found through herbalists, health food stores and stores catering to Chinese traditional medicine. They're quite tasty, like shiitake mushrooms, but to get the most benefit from them, you have to take capsules instead of eating a whole bowlful of Reishi Mushrooms. The mushroom acts as a natural antihistamine. It is also used to lower cholesterol and thin the blood.

Nettle

This all too common garden invader of European lands is good medicine and good food. It is one of the cheapest of the natural herbs for allergies. You might want to start off with a smaller dose than recommended to help your body get used to nettle's powerful cleansing effects. If you prefer to take your nettle as nettle tea, drink no more than three cups a day or you might get dehydrating diarrhea. Nettle has been used for hundreds of years as an overall tonic, but does help the circulatory system.

You can also take it in capsules. If you have fresh nettles growing in a place not contaminated by fertilizers, pesticides or car exhaust, carefully harvest the tops of the plant and make your own tea. Use one handful of nettles per cup of water. Pour boiling water into the nettles and let it steep for at least ten minutes so the entire sting is taken out. The nettles themselves can be eaten as a source of greens. Avoid nettles if you have high blood pressure.