Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies- Exposed!

Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies are commonly sought after, because many people who suffer seasonal allergies can't or choose not to take conventional medication. But, with all the herbal and natural remedies out there, which are the ones that are proven to work for hay fever, aka seasonal allergies? Well, there are some that are effective, so review the following information, and consult your doctor before making any decisions.

Find Out Which Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies Are Best:

Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies

Asian Ma Huang (Ephedra) - Most of you probably have heard of ephedra recently, and the reasons are probably unfortunate. Like most things in life, if it is misused ephedra can be harmful to the system. If it is combined with caffeine or other compounds, there is potential to create a dangerous mixture. However, if it is used in moderation to treat allergies, or even for weight loss, it can work wonders. In fact, pseudoephedrine is a close chemical cousin of ephedra, and it is used in allergy medications such as Benadryl and Claritin D. But, just because Ma Huang isn't as dangerous as some believe, doesn't necessarily mean it is a sure fire allergy treatment...however studies have demonstrated that it DOES reduce allergy symptoms. A study published in the "Pharmacology and Applications Of Chiniese Materia Medica" Vol II found that ephedra is effective in treating upper respiratory problems such as asthma, and acute bronchitis.

According to the National Institutes of Health website, Ephedra has "good scientific evidence for its use" in regards to using it as a bronchodialator.

When used as a nasal wash or nasal spray for allergies, there is some evidence that it works...but further study is needed to corroborate the current evidence.

Dosage: For use as a nasal inhalant, there is no specific optimal dosage for ephedra or its related compounds. However, in the book "Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide", Richard Barrett N.D. recommends the following mixture: a tincture made from other tinctures of the following herbs: eyebright, goldenseal, yarrow, horseradish, and ephedra. Mix one part from each herbal tincture into a glass vial, and use 30 drops every two hours into the nose for 2 days, and then 30 drops every 4 hours until symptoms disappear. This is not a tested or verified safe compound or amount...only the recommendation of one herbal specialist. Please speak with a medical doctor before using any herbal remedy.

Side Effects: Side effects for ephedra can include in rare cases cardiac arrest. This has always been in people who combined ephedra with caffeine or other thermogenic or stimulant-like substances. Addiction is also a possible side effect, as is increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, insomnia, nervousness, or digestive discomfort.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid):

Folic Acid is another of several natural remedies for seasonal allergies. Known by its more common name, vitamin B9, folic acid is necessary for red blood cell health. Although a healthy recommended daily dose of vitamins and minerals are essential to overall health, B9 deficiency has been traced back directly to higher incidents of seasonal allergies, general allergies, and asthma.

A study overview conducted by Johns Hopkins University (one of the leading medical universities in the world) found that higher levels of B9 in the blood indicated a lower incidence of allergies. To determine this, the study looked at over 8,000 people, from ages 2 to 85. They found a link between higher levels of folate in the blood, and lower incidence of inflammation related disease, like allergies and even heart disease.

Of these 8,000 people, the ones with higher folate levels had few IgE antibodies...which is the immune system marker for allergens. Lower IgE means the body responded less to false threats like allergens, and less inflammation in general. This is great news for people who suffer allergies.

Dosage: For healthy adults, 100 mcg per day. Folic acid is only stored in the body at about 5mg - 10mg at a time...so it is easy to develop a folic acid deficiency quickly. Food sources include organ meats, particularly kidney and liver, green leafy veggies, and cauliflour. Spinich is a great source of folic acid. Cooking generally destroys most folic acid, so it is important to eat these vegetables raw...and since raw foods are commonly part of the daily diet, folic deficiency is fairly common in developed coutries.

Side Effects: Nausea, Stomach Pain, Bloating, Diahrrea, and in severe cases allergic like symptoms such as rash, hives, trouble breathing, numbness in hands or arms. These are almost never associated with natural sources of folic acid...only with supplementation.