| Natural Antihistamines | | | | do not contain enough of the herb to truly benefit |
| Custom Chinese herbal formulations can be one of | | | | the body on a therapeutic level. |
| the most effective ways to relieve allergies with long | | | | In my private practice, I use Gaia Brand Nettle Leaf |
| lasting results. A trained herbalist will use bulk herbs | | | | with standardized fluid extract because it has one of |
| that are free of preservatives and other impurities to | | | | the most energetically potent and bio-available forms |
| create a formulation which can be decocted into a | | | | of nettle leaf with no added sugar, so is safe for |
| tea. These formulations help to heal the root of | | | | diabetics. |
| overactive immune system responses to reduce | | | | Quercetin is an anti-oxidant found in the peels of |
| allergies symptoms gradually over time. | | | | apples and red onions. It is anti-inflammatory and may |
| | | | help address prostate cancer, reduce depression in |
| Be mindful that some Chinese pre-made formulations | | | | addition to being a natural antihistamine. |
| contain dyes, preservatives, chemical pharmaceuticals, | | | | Many forms of quercetin supplements are formulated |
| and other impurities. Always look for products that | | | | with bromelain, a digestive enzyme from pineapples, |
| are GMP certified, meaning they have been | | | | which can help relieve inflammation of sinuses. |
| manufactured and processed in a factory that meets | | | | Last, you can help relieve allergies by increasing foods |
| FDA standards for purity in terms of acceptable | | | | that are high in anti-oxidants in your diet. This includes |
| levels of heavy metals, lack of chemical drugs, and | | | | fruits and vegetables including green leafy vegetables, |
| other impurities. | | | | broccoli, turnips, carrots, pineapple, papaya, and |
| Plum Flower Brand (Mayway) and Guang Ci Tang are | | | | beverages such as decaffeinated green tea, oolong |
| two brands that I use in clinic as they are free of | | | | tea (helps reduce excessive mucus, a condition we |
| dyes, chemicals and preservatives. These products | | | | refer to as dampness in Chinese medicine). |
| are available in many local health food stores or can | | | | Also to build your immunity, consider adding the dried |
| be purchased from a trained herbalist such as myself | | | | herb astragulus to soups or the fresh herbs, ginger |
| or John Fung. | | | | and garlic. It's a natural way to integrate herbs into |
| In addition to custom and commercial Chinese herbal | | | | your meals to further support balanced immunity and |
| formulations, western herbs can also be useful. | | | | reduced allergies. |
| Specifically, nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine that | | | | Note with any herbal remedy, please consult your |
| also has the benefit of detoxifying the liver. | | | | medical physicians and a trained herbalist as to the |
| However, not all nettle leaf extracts are equal. Some | | | | appropriateness of using herbs. |
| capsule and extract forms are not standardized so | | | | |