The seasonal allergies have already started with sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and red eyes. Today we will see very useful and powerful natural remedies to keep allergy symptoms under control, such as ribes nigrum, nigella sativa, but also perilla and luffa operculata, which you can easily find in herbalist’s, chemist’s shops or online.
Ribes nigrum
Blackcurrant, scientific name ribes nigrum, is a plant belonging to the Grossulariacea family. The buds of the ribes nigrum are the ingredient of a herbal preparation well known and appreciated for its antiallergic action, the glycerine macerate of ribes nigrum. The plant, in fact, contains substances that, as shown by scientific studies, help to reduce the release of antibodies of the IgE type, which, when they recognize an allergen, release histamine and trigger the body's allergic reaction (Ashigai et al, Biosci Microbiota Food Health, 2018). Not only that, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial action, ribes nigrum also contributes to the relief of sore throat and respiratory tract diseases, which often accompany allergy (Ikuta et al, Microbiology and Immunology, 2012 ). You can find the glycerin macerate of ribes nigrum in a chemists’s, herbalist's shop or online. 20 to 30 drops are taken in a little water, twice a day for the period of allergies. Avoid taking ribes nigrum in case of high blood pressure, if you are taking drugs for blood clotting and in pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there are no specific studies that have tested its safety in this case.
Perilla
Perilla, scientific name perilla frutescens, is a plant of the Lamiaceae family, the same as mint and sage. The extract of the leaves of this plant has shown to have an antiallergic and anti-inflammatory action (Oh et al, Exp Biol Med (Maywood), 2011). You can find perilla in the form of dry extract capsules that are found in herbalist’s or chemist’s shops, also useful to decongest the nasal mucosa. Do not use perilla if you are already taking blood clotting medications. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, ask your doctor for advice.
Luffa operculata
Nasal sprays based on luffa operculata, a plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, the same as pumpkin, cucumber and melon, have been shown to reduce, if not eliminate almost entirely, the symptoms of hay fever (Weiser et al, Forsch Komplementarmed, 1999). You can find nasal sprays based on luffa operculata in chemist’s and herbalist’s shops, do not use in pregnancy given the lack of studies that indicate its safety in this case.
Nigella sativa
Nigella sativa, also called black cumin or black caraway, with an anti-inflammatory action, has been shown to reduce nasal congestion, itchy nose, the frequency of sneezing and runny nose in people with allergic rhinitis (Nikakhlagh et al, R andomized Controlled Trial, 2011). Moreover, nigella sativa also helps in case of asthma (Ikhsan et al, BMC Res Notes, 2018). The nigella sativa is found in the form of capsules that contain the oil extracted from the seeds and is taken by mouth. Do not use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you are taking blood coagulation medications or drugs to keep blood sugars under control.
