Relieve Allergy Symptoms with All Natural Herbs

It's spring again, but how can you possibly welcome this beautiful season when you are suffering from watery, bloodshot eyes, congestion, and a sore nose from sneezing over and over again. So you are among the millions of people that suffer from hay fever, don't worry there are ways to ease your seasonal spring suffering. These are herbal remedies so there is no drowsiness like many over-the-counter medications. Use these herbal remedies to get back to enjoying the the aromatic scent that spring has brought forth.

The most powerful remedy for respiratory conditions such as allergies or hay fever is probably right in your kitchen this very minute. It is fairly inexpensive and works terrific. What is this wonder food? ONION...yes...ONION! The high quercetin content is located in the skin, so when you use onions to cook with don't peel them, and strain out the skin pieces using cheesecloth before serving. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant, a natural anti-histamine, and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Eucalyptus opens the lungs and encourages easier breathing by increasing the amount of oxygen in the cells. There are therapeutic eucalyptus oils that can be used for a wide range of uses. It can be inhaled to help relieve hay fever symptoms or applied directly to the body for other purposes.

Eyebright relieves inflammation caused by colds, sinus infections, and allergies. A compress made with eyebright is applied directly over the eyes to relieve redness and swelling in the eyes. Eyebright can also be made into a tincture to help alleviate symptoms like cough and post nasal drip that often accompany hay fever.

Ginkgo Biloba is also great for hay fever sufferers. Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailments including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and hay fever. The ginkgoglides, which are found in the leave of this plant, inhibit platelet-activating factor, a chemical that is involved in allergies and asthma. Ginkgo Bilboa comes in easy to use tablets, capsules, or teas.

Nettle contains all natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory agents (including quercetin), that is commonly used to open up congested bronchial and nasal passages. Capsules made from freeze dried nettle leaves will reduce sneezing and itching in people suffering from hay fever. This has been labeled by herbal authorities to make the most remarkable herbal remedy for hay fever symptoms. It also comes in liquid form as well.

Peppermint oil extract has not been shown to truly alleviate any symptoms however, inhaling this aromatic scent does seem to make breathing a little easier to do adding to the comfort level of the individual suffering from congestion. Many teas are available now that have peppermint in them, the steam from the tea and the smell of the peppermint with help ease your breathing.

Reishi is a herbal mushroom that is said to have miraculous health benefits. Reishi helps to alleviate hay fever by inhibiting histamine release and by improving oxygen utilization. "Mushroom of immortality" or Reishi comes in various forms including capsules, tablets and extracts. You may also use the mushroom itself in soups and stews. The mushroom itself does have a very bitter, woodsy taste. Be aware of this when using it in food dishes.

There are so many different ways that herbs can be used and this is just a small tip of the iceberg. Contact an herb specialist for more information or check your local herbal store for help in making the right decision for you and your lifestyle. Enjoy spring and summer again with these all natural herbal remedies and start feeling like yourself again.