The Local Grocer

Allergy Season Is Here – Are You Prepared?

Allergy Season Has Arrived. 

Well… it’s here – allergy season. Are you prepared? While allergy season can be miserable, it really doesn’t have to be. Natural herbal remedies can be extremely helpful in minimizing symptoms so that you can get back to enjoying your life. Here are some of our favorites – all available in the store.

Nettle Leaf

Nettle, or stinging nettle, is a shrub that comes from northern Europe and Asia. Its scientific name is Urtica dioica. The plant boasts pretty, heart-shaped leaves and yellow or pink flowers, but the stem is covered in tiny, stiff hairs that release stinging chemicals when touched.

It is believed that nettle’s positive effects on allergies come from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It can relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Nettle can be found in capsules, tinctures, loose-leaf, or tea bags.

Consume nettle daily for 2-3 months before allergy season to avoid allergies.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is a ball of pollen made by young bees when they land on a flower. It’s a mixture of pollen, saliva, and nectar or honey. Bees carry these balls back to the hive in sacs on their legs and store them in the hive’s honeycomb. The pollen then ferments into “bee bread,” which feeds a bee colony.

Bee pollen and its compounds have health benefits such as decreased inflammation, as well as improved immunity, menopausal symptoms, and wound healing.

Bee Pollen contains healthful naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, and nutrients to help support general health and wellbeing.

Bee pollen can be found in either capsules form or gandules. Bee pollen can be sprinkled over cereals, yogurt, or oatmeal, added to homemade granola or mixed into smoothies. It should be stored in a cool, dark place, like a pantry, refrigerator, or freezer, and kept out of direct sunlight.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonol, which is a sub-category of flavonoids.

Flavonoids are a particular chemical in plants, called phytonutrients, and have a wide range of health benefits.

Humans cannot make quercetin in their bodies, but many fruits, vegetables, and drinks contain it.

Quercetin is thought to prevent the release of histamine—an inflammatory chemical involved in allergic symptoms such as sneezing and itching—from certain immune cells.

It’s been linked to improved exercise performance and reduced inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Plus, it may have brain-protective, anti-allergy, and anticancer properties.

Quercetin will be in a capsule, but it can also be found in powder form.

Butterbur

The proper name for the butterbur plant is Petasites Hybridus. It grows best in wet marshland, damp forest soil, or on riverbanks.

The name butterbur is thought to come from the fact that its large leaves were traditionally used to wrap butter and stop it from melting in summer.

Butterbur extract is taken from the leaf, roots, or bulb of the plant.

Butterbur has natural antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and mildly analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. It works by decreasing the secretion of histamine and leukotrienes by the immune cells, which are the main chemicals that the body releases during an allergic reaction to what it perceives as an invader such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. Butterbur is considered to be as effective as commonly available over-the-counter antihistamines for treating and controlling seasonal allergies such as hay fever.

If you have questions about allergy remedies or need some advice on how to incorporate these natural remedies into your daily routine, be sure to stop in and ask for some help!

Bbutterbur will be in a capsule, but it can also be found in powder form.