As we slowly make the transition from winter to spring, nature provides us with a wide array of emotions. From the joys of the beautiful blossoms and warm days to the annoyance of constant sneezing and a runny nose, we are lucky that nature also nurtures us with this list of teas and herbs that can reduce allergic symptoms and prevent them all together.
Often, when I hear people complaining about lack of sleep, or needing something to get them started in the morning, my response is usually, “there’s a tea for that.” But what many people don’t realize is there’s truly a tea for almost any ailment.
No matter what you call them, seasonal allergies, and hay fever are indeed a nuisance to the more than 50 million Americans who suffer from them. These allergy sufferers are often looking for anything to ease the symptoms. Believe it or not, there are several types of teas and herbs (that can be added to teas) that will ease the symptoms and feelings that come with Spring’s allergy season.
As winter comes to an end, pollen begins to be released into the air from trees, grass, and weeds. These tiny grains are sent into the air to fertilize the plants and flowers that bring us our beautiful Spring scenery. This release of pollen sends
the body’s defenses into overdrive. The immune system sees the pollen as a danger and releases antibodies to attack the allergens. These antibodies are called histamines. These histamines trigger itchy eyes,
sore throat, sneezing and a runny nose making many of us go from celebrating the joys of warmer weather and time in the sun, to miserable sick people just want relief.
The teas and herbs that work best as a defense against seasonal allergies contain compounds and chemicals that work against the symptoms that come with allergy season.
Berry Teas:
Quercetin which is a plant pigment (flavonoid) is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compound that is commonly found in several types of berries. As an anti-inflammatory compound, the quercetin in berries is an excellent defense against seasonal allergies.
SocieTea 7 options: Berry Kisses Pear, Royal Tings
Ginger Tea:
Ginger contains loratadine, a medication used for treating allergies. Loratadine is also known to improve nasal symptoms and reduce mucus.
SocieTea 7 options: Gin n Tonic
Green Tea:
Green tea is a wonderful antioxidant and is known to block histamines. Like berries, green tea is also loaded with quercetin. Quercetin gives green tea its pigmentation and helps to protect the immune system as it reacts to seasonal allergies.
SocieTea 7 options: Ginger Peach Potion, Happily Ever After, Quiet Before the Storm
Rooibos Tea:
Rooibos tea also known as “red tea”, contains several natural components (bioflavonoids) such as rutin and quercetin which are known to block the release of histamines. These components have been known to relieve allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and a runny nose. Regular consumption of rooibos tea helps to metabolize allergens and alleviate symptoms caused by seasonal allergies.
SocieTea 7 options: Rooibos Teas coming soon
Herbs that can be added to your Tea:
If the teas listed don’t suit your tastebuds or if you are looking to add an another layer of protection, here are several herbs that can be steeped with or added to any black or green tea of your choice and will have similar affects by helping improve your body’s reaction to seasonal allergies.
Licorice Root:
Licorice Root is used to treat several inflammatory diseases. The antihistamine/anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root make it a wonderful infusion with a green or black tea of your choice to reduce allergy symptoms such as runny nose.
Rosemary/Lemon Balm:
Rosemary, Peppermint and Lemon Balm are all herbs that contain the plant compound rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid is a free radical that can suppress the anti-inflammatory responses of certain white blood cells. These herbs also have antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties that are often used to treat respiratory disorders. Since allergies affect the respiratory system, these herbs are a great solution for reducing allergy symptoms.
Turmeric:
Turmeric contains the powerful active compound curcumin, which is known to reduce inflammation and significantly reduce and possibly inhabit allergic responses. In addition to curcumin, turmeric also contains anti-allergic properties that block histamine release from mast cells that also helps to reduce the symptoms caused by allergy season.
Stinging Nettle:
Stinging nettle is a medicinal plant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties known to reduce allergy symptoms. Studies show that stinging nettle extract decreases the allergy reaction by inhabiting histamine. Stinging Nettle is also known to produce chemicals that decrease inflammation and prevents the body from producing prostaglandin.
Peppermint:
Like Rosemary and Lemon Balm, Peppermint also contains the plant compound rosmarinic acid which is known to be an have anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint is also an herb known to act as a decongestant that also decreases the secretion of anti-inflammatory enzymes (histamines). Peppermint has antibacterial and antiviral properties which also fight clogged sinuses.
Natural plants and teas are a great resource to provide allergic relief and help with respiratory issues caused by the change in seasons. The added health benefits associated with natural teas and herbs are also a good reason to trust tea as the perfect solution for allergy symptoms.
As you prepare your tea, also remember that the steam from hot tea is also a wonderful and calming way to alleviate congestion. So, while you sip your tea, be sure to inhale the steam coming from your mug, enjoy the flavor and feel the relief that it offers during allergy season. Although these allergies come from nature, isn’t it wonderful how nature also provides a remedy.
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