This time of year is unique because many of us find ourselves especially damp in the respiratory system, even if we are not prone to it at other times in the year. While in fall we have drier weather, systems, and symptoms, in spring, allergies manifest in damp lung conditions. The coming of rain and fog in early spring, after the cold of winter, sets up the perfect environment for additional mucus and stagnation of lymph.
However, there’s many ways to lessen the burden on our bodies.
Herbalists Sajah Popham and Paul Bergner both discuss the allergic load, discussing that we only have a certain threshold for the number of inflammatory factors we can handle. Most of us have some level of baseline inflammation, but pollen can tip the scales beyond our allergic threshold.
How can we reduce our overall inflammation so that pollen doesn’t push us over the edge?
Allergy formulas approach the problem from different angles to assist the methods our bodies eliminate histamines. Histamines are addressed through the endocrine inflammatory response, and excreted both through digestion and urination. Many blends will seek to approach these goals at once, often combining herbs or enzymes that increase digestive fire and therefore reduce mucus in the gut, with herbs that tone the respiratory system, with herbs that help to assist with the excretion of histamines that have built up in the bladder.
Quercetin-rich herbs are popular because quercetin is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid that is also excreted through the bladder, just like histamines. Quercetin supplements – as well as herbs that contain quercetin, such as nettle and goldenrod – are popular for addressing allergies because they help to reduce the overall histamine load in the body.
Herbs such as nettle and goldenrod are not only helpful because of their quercetin content or diuretic properties, but they also help to nourish the kidneys and endocrine system to be more resilient over time. Additionally, these herbs help to rebuild the entire body by filling nutrient gaps that leave us more susceptible to weakened immune systems.
Goldenrod, in addition to its quercetin-rich diuretic properties, also boasts powerful expectorant and astringent properties. These properties help to rein in excess moisture in the lungs as a response to allergens. The bitter property of goldenrod helps to cultivate digestive fire as well, which also assists in draining excess fluid from the lungs and shifting stagnant fluid throughout the body. Goldenrod’s astringent properties give it a particular affinity for people whose allergies express with teary eyes and/or running nose.
Eyebright is another beloved favorite to support damp springtime allergies, widely praised for its antihistamine properties. Eyebright also has astringent properties, with an affinity for the ear, nose, and throat area. Eyebright is an excellent choice if the ear, nose, and throat feel full and you feel especially damp and tired from the allergies. Eyebright is also a great choice if allergies are progressing toward ear issues.
These are not the only herbs who can help us with our allergies! Almost any combination of herbs with astringent and bitter properties, with spicy or aromatic herbs added (depending on your constitution), can help us to manage excess dampness. Building our immune systems from the ground up with deeply nourishing herbs like medicinal mushrooms, immune boosting roots like astragalus, and making sure we are well-mineralized, all help to keep our immune systems resilient to allergies.
Check out our display on the feature table in the Wellness Aisle to see some of our favorite single herbs and formulas to assist with allergies.
The Allergic Load – School of Evolutionary Herbalism
Allergies and Asthma – School of Evolutionary Herbalism
Goldenrod – Commonwealth School of Holistic Herbalism
Solidago and Stachys (Goldenrod and Wood Betony) – Commonwealth School of Holistic Herbalism
Top 3 Herbs for Seasonal Allergies
