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ALLERGY REVIEW (3)
Nutritional Support for Springtime Allergies
Plants to Avoid - Plants to Take
Nita Bishop, Clinical Herbalist
Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettles)
The fresh stinging hairs and leaves of Stinging Nettles contain histamine, serotonin (5-hydroxytrypta-mine)*, choline, acetylcholine, betaine, and formic acid. Serotonin, acetylcholine, and histamine modulate the immune system by activating adenylate cyclase, which stimulates the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cAMP, thus preventing antigen-induced release of histamine and extracellular fluid by sensitized basophils and mast cells. A randomized, double-blind study of 98 individuals using freeze-dried Urtica dioica for subjective amelioration of hay fever symptoms (allergic rhinitis) found that patients rated it higher than the placebo. A 300 mg dosage was administered at the onset of symptoms, with a daily dosage ranging from 1 to 7 doses. Fifty-seven percent rated it effective in relieving their symptoms, and 48% found it to be equally or more effective than their previous medicine. Interestingly, the epicatechins of green tea also work along the same mechanism of cyclic AMP conversion and therefore drinking green tea can be beneficial for allergies.
Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright) and Scutellaria (Chinese Skullcap)
Euphrasia is used to treat the congestive conditions of the eye, specifically, the profuse lacrimation that often accompanies allergies. Euphrasia is effective for problems of the mucous membranes of the head and chest and helps to vasoconstrict the vessels of the nasal and conjunctival mucous membranes, which further contributes to its anti-catarrhal effects. Taken internally it also alleviates hay fever symptoms.
Another herb high in bioflavonoids is Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap root), which inhibits histamine and leukotrienes and is a potent antioxidant. Scullcap has anti-inflammatory qualities comparable to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, yet with no adverse effects.
Cayenne frutescens (Capsaicin)
Cayenne is a stimulant that contains the pungent compound, capsaicin. Short-term treatment with capsaicin activates tracheo-bronchial afferent C neuron release of substance P and can cause bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and congestion. However, long term treatment depletes substance P from the afferent C fibers and causes desensitization of the airways to exogenous irritants. A single high dosage capsaicin pretreatment in neonate rats was also shown to induce long lasting desensitization of the airways to cigarette smoke, histamine, and bradykinin. It significantly reduced the vascular permeability and edema caused by these substances in the respiratory tract. Capsaicin pretreatment reduced vagally-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs and pulmonary airflow obstruction induced by aerosol histamine. It also blocked the enhanced bronchoconstrictor response to histamine induced by leukotrienes and reduced histamine and SRS-A release during antigen challenge. Short term and long term pretreatments with capsaicin both activate antioxidant enzyme systems and stabilize lung membrane lipids, protecting against edema and lipid peroxidation caused by gaseous lung irritants.
Balancing Essential Fatty Acids:
As previously discussed, the leukotrienes of the arachidonic acid cascade are intimately involved in allergic inflammation. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on bronchial responsiveness was studied in 7 atopic patients suffering from seasonal asthma due to airborne allergens. After 30 days of dietary supplementation, bronchial responsiveness was significantly improved (maximum fall in FEV 1 was -11% vs -28% before treatment and maximum increase in airway resistance was +37% vs +265% before treatment). The data strongly supports the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with 3 g/day omega-3 EFAs results in the production of unique 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products which are biologically less active and may inhibit the production or actions of other eicosanoids. Concurrently avoiding excessive omega-6 oils in the diet, using olive-oil dressings instead of trans-fatty acid rich salad dressings is also advised.
Essential Oil Blends for Hayfever and Allergies:
An alternative to bronchodilatorsis the volatile oils in aromatherapy applications. The oils are extremely soothing for respiratory irritations and are antimicrobial.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) essential oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects and its flavonoids suppress histamine release, while its A-bisabolol promotes granulation and tissue regeneration.
Tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia) oil contains terpenes, alcohols, and 1,8-cineol, all of which purify the respiratory system, strengthen breathing, relieve sinus infections, drain lymph, stimulate elimination through the throat and lungs, increase and liquify mucus production, and act as an expectorant. Another important herb for the respiratory system is
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), an aromatic disinfectant for excessive mucous discharge. Thyme stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine-mediated allergic reactions.
Since the body secretes hormones from the adrenal glands to control inflammation, adrenal builders are important.
Borage (Borago officinalis), which contains essential fatty acids, is an adrenal restora-tive and anti-inflammatory herb.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the best known plants for supporting the adrenals in the world. Licorice prolongs the effect of cortisol, allowing it to maintain longer anti-inflammatory action. |