Treatment of seasonal allergies by plants

For many people, the arrival of good weather rhymes with allergic rhinitis. Fortunately, some plants can limit these inconveniences.
Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, burns in the throat and eyes ... From April onwards, the string of symptoms of allergic rhinitis spoils the beautiful days of spring and summer of those who suffer. From the first beautiful days, it is first the pollen of the trees (cypress, birch, cedar ...) that starts to scratch, then grasses go on the attack (grass, hay) until summer followed by the dreaded ambrosia, sagebrush or plantain later in the summer.

These excessive immune reactions, which cause the release of histamine, reveal an organic fragility, immune or digestive, among others. The increase in pollution is also involved, weakening the mucous membranes and confusing the immune system by exposing it to pollutant-pollen combinations. Phytotherapists generally offer both symptom and substance-based treatments by stimulating immunity and draining the liver and intestines.

Cornflower and nettle

First, a few precautions are needed to limit exposure to pollen: ventilate your home preferably in the morning or evening, avoid long walks when the weather is dry and very windy, be equipped with glasses well covering, wash your hair at night ... Then, locally, it will be best to clean the nose with regular saline or with a decoction of eyebright. This small flower is also used in homeopathy (Euphrasia) and recommended in cases of frequent sneezing and tearing or eye irritation. Frequent breathing of certain essential oils such as tarragon or mint can also relieve. For tingling eyes, cornflower floral water in local use will bring comfort. This beautiful blue flower, also known as blue centaury, becomes rarer because of pesticides in agricultural areas. It has been used in eye drops since the nineteenth century for its soothing effects on eye irritation, which earned it the nickname "breakers glasses". Recent research indicates that blueberry flower extracts have anti-inflammatory properties, moderating the immune system and its excessive manifestations, such as edema.

Benefactor pollen

Finally, although its pollens are allergenic, plantain has a known antihistamine action and is frequently recommended for allergic rhinitis. This so common plant was already used by the Greeks and Arabs and was part of the pharmacopoeia of Dioscorides and Galen. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory molecules and their protective mucous tannins, plantain leaves relieve respiratory diseases, heal and sooth irritations of the eyes as well as skin and mucous membranes. There are several varieties of plantain, and it is usually the plantain lanceolate is used either in infusion to soothe the respiratory tract, or in the form of capsules, fluid extract, or eye drops. Like plantain, spiny nettle is also an effective anti-inflammatory against the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Blackcurrant and Rosehip in the background

Thanks to their versatile action, blackcurrant buds (Ribes nigrum) have a particularly interesting background action and are regularly recommended for people suffering from allergic rhinitis. In case of mild affection, they advantageously replace corticoids, neutralizing histamine, without their side effects. At the same time as they reduce inflammation, they stimulate immunity. They are recommended as cure in the form of glycerine macerates (pharmacies or dietary stores). For the children, rosehip buds (Rosa canina) have an equally effective but gentler action.
** Drainage du foie et des intestins
De nombreux médecins phytothérapeutes recommandent des drainages réguliers du foie et des intestins en cas d'allergies. À cet effet, on peut se tourner par exemple vers des guérisons de Chardon-Marie, d'artichaut ou de romarin, pris sous forme de tisane une ou deux semaines par trimestre. D'après Claudine Luu, docteur en pharmacie et fondatrice de l'Institut de formation aux plantes médicinales. Imderplam, conserver une bonne écologie intestinale est aussi primordiale. Pour cela, elle conseille une tisane avec les graines de fenouil, de l'anis vert, de la coriandre, des feuilles de menthe poivrée et de frêne ainsi que des fleurs de camomille, en parties égales, à raison de quatre cuillerées à soupe du mélange pour un litre d'eau bouillante à boire tout au long de la journée. Enfin, optez pour les aliments antiallergiques, comme les radis, les carottes, la laitue, l'oignon, le persil ou le cerfeuil. En mettant en place ces différentes mesures, si possible avant les premiers symptômes, vous traverser le printemps et l'été plus sereinement.