Tea for Allergy Season
With the approach of allergy season, many reach for over the counter medication for relief from sinus aches, runny nose, and itchy eyes. However, relief can be found in a good cup of herbal tea.
There are certain herbs that provide natural antihistamine benefits in addition to other anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, herbal tea is an excellent way to stay hydrated and fill up on antioxidants.
What herbs are good for allergies?
The following herbs help alleviate the symptoms associated with allergies. All these ingredients can be found in our Organic Allergy Tonic tea.
Rooibos:
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine free herbal tea from South Africa. It has smooth, full bodied, and slightly sweet flavor that makes it a popular beverage. South Africans have used Rooibos for centuries for the treatment of a variety of ailments, including allergies, cramps, colic, insomnia, and eczema.
Rooibos contains two bioflavonoids called rutin and quercetin. These compounds block the release of histamine, a chemical the body produces in response to allergens. These compounds work both inside and outside of the body. A tea infusion can be consumed to prevent and relieve allergies. As used in South African hospitals, infusions can also be rubbed on the skin to treat irritations.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is an herbal shrub or tree that’s found in places such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Yerba Mate stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. This helps suppress overactive immune system responses to allergens, suppress inflammation, and creates more oxygen flow by opening the respiratory passages. It is important to note that Yerba Mate contains caffeine, which may keep people awake at night if consumed too late in the day.
Ginger
Ginger is a natural antihistamine, so it relieves allergy problems in the sinus. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief to any aches accompanying a bout of allergies. In addition, ginger is traditionally consumed for relief of digestive disorders and to calm the stomach.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, named for its lemon scent, is a member of the mint family and is considered a “calming” herb. It has many medicinal qualities including being used to fight colds, settle sore stomachs, ease headaches, lower blood pressure and ease menstrual and respiratory problems. It has also been found that Lemon Balm has helped decrease stress and agitation in patients with Alzheimer disease and dementia.
Other Herbs:
Stinging nettle and peppermint are traditional herbs for relieving the symptoms of allergies. Nettle is particularly effective in treating allergic rhinitis, relieving the symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose. The essential oil of peppermint acts as a decongestant, and substances in peppermint contain anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial constituents. Nettle and peppermint can be found in our Organic Orange Detox Tea.
When to drink your herbal tea:
Don’t wait for symptoms to develop, drink allergy relieving herbs daily to prevent the onset of allergies. In addition to allergy relieving benefits, these herbal teas will provide other nutritional benefits that compliment a healthy lifestyle.