How Herbs Can Help With Seasonal Allergies

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One of the most uncomfortable day-to-day health challenges has to be suffering through a round of hay fever every year. It’s multi-faceted misery: sneezing; runny nose; itchy eyes, mouth or skin, stuffy nose due to blockage or congestion; and fatigue. Many people rely either on prescriptions or a handful of capsules from the health food store to stay comfortable during allergy season. However, herbs for seasonal allergies can be a simple alternative. Surprisingly, many of them are readily available as common weeds.

Because of their weedy, grow-almost-anywhere nature, these plants make a great allergy backup plan for anyone looking for more natural remedies. Here are four of the best wild herbs to learn as part of your health preparedness strategies for allergy season.

4 Wild Herbs for Seasonal Allergies

Remember to always research and follow proper dosage instructions for herbs, and be aware of potential interactions with any medications you may be taking.

1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

This plant has soft, fuzzy leaves and a dramatic spike of pale, yellow flowers when it blooms. Mullein is traditionally used for allergies and dry, irritated coughs. It is also good for the lymph glands, which is a bonus for the immune system during allergy season.

It usually grows in dry soil. A good place to look for this herb when you are first learning to identify it is along roadsides. Roadsides, however, are not a good place to harvest from because they are regularly sprayed with herbicides and collect polluted runoff from the road whenever it rains. Mullein also grows in fields, and is usually happy to grow from seed in the garden. Tea can be made using either the leaves or the flowers.

2. Plantain (Plantago major or P. lanceolata)

Plantain makes an excellent tea for allergy season support, and the young leaves can also be steamed and eaten like spinach. P. major (the broadleaf variety) and P. lanceolata (narrow leaf plantain) can be used interchangeably. They can often be found growing near one another, although P. major prefers low areas with damp, rich soil and P. lanceolata prefers dry- even sandy- soil.

This herb provides soothing and anti-inflammatory action for the upper respiratory tract. It also helps moisten delicate tissues when they are dried out and irritated. Plantain grows almost everywhere that the soil has been disturbed at some point. Look for it around homes, as a weed in gardens, and in abandoned lots. The leaves are the part of the plant used to make tea.

3. Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

According to folk herbalists, the signature look for someone who will benefit from goldenrod is those pink, watery “allergy” eyes. Goldenrod gets a bad rap for causing allergies, but usually, it’s the ragweed blooming at around the same time that causes problems. If you have had allergy testing and know for sure that goldenrod is a trigger for you, then by all means avoid it; but pesky, less-showy ragweed blooming alongside goldenrod is the culprit for most people.

Goldenrod is easy to spot when it’s in bloom; the plant has a beautiful plume of bright yellow flowers. Fields and abandoned lots are two of this herb’s favorite places to grow. The leaf and flowers of this herb can be used.

4. Nettles (Urtica dioica)

One of the most well-known traditional herbs for allergy season is nettles. Many of the nettle preparations available at the store are fancy, freeze-dried versions of the herb. Herbalists, though, have been growing and harvesting their own for hundreds of years before freeze-drying equipment came along.

The young leaves from the top of the plant are harvested and dried for later use. Fresh nettles sting, but allowing the plant to dry gets rid of the sting. Just be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves when you harvest.

Nettles love rich, moist soil, and will happily grow in damp pastures on low ground, or along riversides. They don’t mind a bit of shade so you may also find them in open woodlands. Some people find that nettle works best for them if they begin using it daily a month or so before allergy season begins.

How to Use Herbs for Seasonal Allergies

All of the herbs above can be used alone or in combination. To make one serving of tea, use one tablespoon of the herb (or one tablespoon of the blended herbs) per 8 ounces of boiling water. Allow to steep, covered, for fifteen minutes, and let cool before drinking.

A few rosehips or elderberries can be added for flavor (and extra Vitamin C!). If you prefer a mint-flavored tea, mix in a little dried peppermint or spearmint.

Here are more creative non-herbal ideas for battling hay fever. Also, be thinking about how you would handle allergic reactions if traditional medicine isn’t available.

Precautions:

Be sure to check with your doctor before using herbs; some herbs may interact with medications or preexisting medical conditions. For instance, you should use nettle use with caution if you have diabetes or blood sugar problems. You should also discuss using nettles with your doctor if you take any of the following: blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diuretics, lithium, or drugs for diabetes.

How to Get Started in Herbal Medicine

Are you new to herbal medicine? Have you dabbled a bit but are wanting to get serious about developing skills and knowledge using herbs for medicinal purposes?

That’s great! Read this post for how to get started in herbalism and how to learn more advanced skills. And if you’d like to grow some of these yourself, you need to create a medicinal herb garden!

Final Thoughts

Herbs can be a natural and effective way to manage seasonal allergies. These herbal remedies can help alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.

What herbs do you use for seasonal allergies?

“This is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any disease. Consult your personal medical professional.”

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Agatha Noveille is the author of The Independent Herbalist: A Beginner’s Guide to Herbal Preparedness and the blog IndieHerbalist.com.

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