Allergies, particularly seasonal allergies, AKA hay fever are a very common affliction these days, specifically in developed countries. Even though the precise reason for allergies is generally difficult to define, it is well-known that when the whole body comprehends a “foreign invader” or some other likely threat, it discharges a chemical known as histamine. This chemical causes swelling, and is primarily responsible for several allergy symptoms.

While some people question why our body would produce histamine at all, it is actually a   very fine immune system response, at least for the time being. It is the body’s method of separating the unknown matter, and eliminating it from our system.

Imagine this... something dangerous or toxic suddenly was breathed in and substances attached themselves to the walls of your nose or the cornea of your eye. Your entire body requires a method to get this threat away, so it creates nasal mucus to "trap and remove" it like you blow your nose… or your start to burn and water to let you know something is incorrect, and it is washing it out as it is possible to.

So the gain is apparent… the difficulty with allergies is that the body replies in the same manner to foreign substances that are NOT dangerous...like cat dander, or pollen. At present, the common method in many of the development countries to end allergies is some form of prescription or Over the Counter medicine. However, there are natural herbs and remedies that are effective in reducing histamine levels and lessening other allergy symptoms. While not all herbal remedies work, these have shown some promise in lab studies.

Here are some of the well-known herbal remedies for allergies:

Licorice - Yep, the same plant that grants the candy it's name a flavor. Licorice has been revealed in studies to reduce allergy symptoms by decreasing inflammation. It does this by assisting sustain high levels of natural cortisol in the bloodstream. Cortisol is essentially a natural steroid, and it works to decrease inflammation. Be cautious of taking licorice if you have high blood pressure, or a heart problem, or have any medicines for any heart conditions. Women who are pregnant and those who are nursing shouldn't take licorice.

If breathing is an issue when your allergies are worse, then you better take Ma Haung. Ma Huang is able to open the airway because of its natural stimulant nature. Be careful with this herb if you have hypertension, and it is best only if used for short periods of time... normally ten days in a row or less.

Nettles is a natural at blocking histamine. Perfectly prepared nettles extract may be able to block the histamine that is present in your body. Usually 2 to 4ml a day of well prepared extract is a better dosage for anyone attempting to prevent hay fever symptoms.

All the abovementioned herbs can assist in relieving allergy symptoms, but please consult a medical professional before you take any herb for any reason, as drug interactions and negative impacts are unusual but possible. So be very careful when trying any herbal allergy remedies.

Alternative remedies and herbs for allergies are always increasing in favor, partially due to the publics increasing awareness of pharmaceutical drug dangers and side effects. This isn't to say that all herbal and homeopathic remedies are completely safe... but usually side effects and dangerous drug interaction are less severe and they can be less expensive than man made prescription medications.

Furthermore, most people around the world have a hard time obtaining prescription allergy medications, but still desire some sort of medicine that can clear up the sneezing, burning eye, runny nose symptoms that are connected with a histamine attack... aka hay fever or seasonal allergies.

Luckily there are some good herbs for allergies that work as antihistamines. Histamine is an organic compound in the human body that is produced in response to what your body believes is a foreign invader, or allergen.

Now, in rare cases of excessive histamine release, your body can go into anaphylactic shock, and death is possible. In these situations, herbal remedies for hay fever probably won't be effective, and it is necessary to adhere to the one treatment that works for too much histamine: an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot.

However, for nearly all of histamine related allergy responses, the symptoms are fairly typical and include the normal responses associated with allergies. burning, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sinus pain, etc. These problems can usually be treated with a few

Stinging Nettle For Allergies - This herb is an effective antihistamine. In fact, a controlled study was conducted in the 90's with 69 people who have seasonal allergies being given nettles for their allergies. over half found good benefit from the herb, and almost half found that it was effective on more allergy effects than the OTC lab created allergy medications. More studies have been undertaken and corroborate this herb works for allergies.

Eyebright - This is an herb that is often used by herbalists for the past 100 years. Even though lab research has not yet documented clinical, controlled studies on eyebright, science knows it to be made up partially of flavonoids. These compounds are commonly believed to be an anti-inflammatory with regards to membranes such as optical and nasal areas.

Quercetin - This pigment compound has some great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When studied in a beaker, quercetin reduces histamine levels that immune cells produce. while this hasn't been proven to operate the same in a living organism yet, it is proof that quercetin MAY be a great herbal allergy remedy.

Now, a lot more research should be undertaken to corroborate the efficacy and the safety of these herbs for allergies. Furthermore, it is very important you consult a medical professional before using these 3 natural remedies for allergies. Nursing or pregnant women shouldn't use any medication, synthetic or natural without expressed permission from a licensed family doctor. However, for people who need an effective, natural allergy remedy these three can be just what knocks your hay fever out! =]

Allergies are both annoying, costly and at times embarrassing, so here are some ways in which you are able to limit the affect of allergic reactions on your life:

Lets' start really simple. Frequently clean and vacuum your living and work areas. Occassionally allergies are caused by the air disturbance created from cleaning, however cleaning a few times per week overall can really help reduce the affects of allergies in the long run. Try to get a vacuum cleaner that comes with a built in filter. Once you finish cleaning you may like to leave the house to let the dust settle. You should lower the amount of dust mites present in your household by ensuring you both vacuum along and dust.

Consider just how much time you spend with animals and pets. Ban pets from your bedroom at the very least as allowing them there puts you at considerable risk even if they are your best friend. Of course try and minimise your contact with all animals particularly: fur, animal saliva, pet dander and dead skin.

Ensure that you keep the moisture level in your house as low as possible. You can significantly lower the chances of mold from developing in your house by reducing the general humidity levels especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Using a home dehumidifier is highly recommended (ebac dehumidifiers and delonghi dehumidifiers come highly recommended). Also make sure that there are no leaking pipes and clean surfaces often with a disenfectant.

You would do well to ensure your doors and windows are closed if you have ever seen pollen on your window sills. Try to have your aircon running instead and use one that has an easily cleaned and changeable filter.

If you are intending to go out for the day then ensure that you check the pollen count for your chosen destination. Between 10am and 4pm you should try to avoid being outdoors when pollen count will be at its peak. When driving ensure that the windows are firmly closed.

During periods of high wind and humidity you may prefer to stay inside as these are times when pollen and dust levels are at their highest. Try to avoid travelling at the peak times mentioned in order to avoid poor air quality. Think about wearing a mask for your face if you suffer a lot. Your skin may have gathered pollen and dust throughout the day so try and shower as soon as you can after returning home.

When planning a holiday ensure that you also look up the pollen level at the destination and be especially aware that you may might need to take special care when going to tropical places. Due to excess moisture these may then have raised levels of mold spores.

Plenty of suffering can be avoided by simlpy adhering to thes very simple guidelines.