Herbal Remedies for Winter Allergies

Yes, you really can have an allergy attack in the winter. It happens to me all the time. In addition to being allergic to some types of pollen, I am also afflicted with a mold allergy. Since mold can grow indoors, that means that I could have an allergy attack any time of the year.

So believe me. I know what it's like to have winter allergies!

Over the years, I have found that the best way to deal with any of my allergy attacks, whether they were in the winter or not, is through natural and herbal remedies. I've tried several different things. I'll share with you what has worked for me.

Keep in mind that I am not a doctor. You should see one before trying any of these remedies and to get the proper diagnosis.

Stinging Nettle is my favorite healing herb and it is no surprise that it is the first thing I turn to when I have an allergy attack. I normally like to take it as either a tea or a nourishing infusion (like a tea bet steeped for at 4-8 hours rather than 5 minutes). However, you can take it in capsule form, too.

I found a video for you that explains how to make a tea out of stinging nettle to drink for your allergies. I drink this tea almost every day - not only for allergies but because I completely love the taste.

Web MD put together a nice page that asks users to give their opinions on how well nettle works for their allergies. You can view their responses here.

Some people believe that it works for allergies because it reduces inflammation. Either way, it seems to work for a lot of people - including myself!

Quercetin and Vitamin C both help block your body's histamene response. So, when my allergies are really bad I take a capsule that contains both. I actually included in the Amazon section next to this writing the specific GNC product that I use. I have tried others, but since I always have an easy time finding a GNC no matter where I am, it is the one I always seem to have on hand.

Eat Vitamin C and Quercetin Rich Foods

Another thing I try to do is eat a diet that is rich in querecetins and Vitamin C. These include

• Garlic and onions. These have both vitamin C and quercetin.

• Green tea. This also has both.

• Fruits and vegetables. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that have vitamin C such as citrus fruits and leafy greens.

• Dark grapes. This is an extremely good source of quercetin.

• Gingo biloba. Gingko is naturally high in quercetins.

• St. John's Wort. This herb is also high in quercetins.

Note that it may be enough to simply up your intake of quercetin and vitamin c rich foods and you won't have to take a supplement. Try to up your intake of these two substances in your diet. If you need more, you'll know it after two weeks or so. At that point you can try to supplement.

These herbs can also be used while you have an allergy attack, no matter what time of year it is. I always keep most of these on hand!

• Ginger. Anti-inflammatory herb that can calm the body down during an allergy attack.

• Cayenne. Helps thin out mucous and boost immune health.

• Peppermint. My favorite herb for sinus pain and congestion. It also helps relieve congestion in the lungs and throat.

• Butterbur. An allergy remedy that is just as good, if not better, than quercetin.

Concerning butterbur, I have never tried. I have tried nettle, however, and loved it. That's why I spent more time talking about nettle than I did butterbur. If you are interested in learning more about butterbur, you can visit this article or do your own research.