Allergy Relief Tonic

The aim of most treatments is to suppress inflammation, which is typically done with antihistamines (such as loratadine) or nasal steroids, many of which cause side effects.

I wanted to offer folks an alternative because so many are already telling me that allergy season seems to be especially bad this spring. So I decided to create a remedy that would offer an alternative method to offer relief from seasonal allergies.

Here are the plants I chose and why:

I chose Shiso Leaf, Elderflower, Elderberry, Nettles, Ginger, Cinnamon. I made a decoction of Nettles and Cinnamon, then added them to a Shiso Vinegar that made, and a tincture of elderflower, elderberry and ginger!

Shiso, contains strong flavors of spearmint, basil, anise and and cinnamon. YUM! But, it also contains antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory and allergy-fighting properties. Also helps to strengthen the immune system.

The flowers of the elder plant are known to be an effective herbal allergy remedy.

Since allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system as well as inflammation, elderberry’s ability to improve the immune system and calm inflammation can help provide fast allergy relief, with elder flower being on the list of most effective herbs used for treating hay fever-like symptoms. Elderflower is also said to act as a detoxification aid by enhancing liver function.

With elderberry’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it makes sense that it can help sinus issues which many who suffer from seasonal allergies are complaining about this year.

A sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed, and this antiviral herb has promise as a sinus infection natural remedy, along with allergy remedy.

Folklore has long praised Stinging Nettle Leaves for their healing powers. Due to the natural composition of nettle, drinking stinging nettle tea (I made a decoction, which is a very strong tea, to add this powerhouse to my remedy) can actually relieve allergic reactions to common pollen as well as relieve hives caused by allergic reactions to plants. Stinging nettles tea is often used to treat respiratory and urinary problems as well as aid in the recovery of conditions such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis and rhinitis. It can also help to diminish susceptibility to the common cold.

Ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive potential component of natural allergic rhinitis treatments. Its therapeutic potential is mainly attributed to three compounds, namely gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones. Also great for digestive tract which folks are telling me is irritated due to post nasal drip.

And, last but not least, cinnamon is a well known and well researched anti-inflammatory… and it tastes yummy!!