Hayfever Question.

JodieDownUnder

Spring has been spectacular on the east coast of Australia. Plenty of rain this season, hooray! Unfortunately for some that means lots of pollen about and that means hayfever. I have a dear friend who suffers badly, normally unflappable but this time of year really tests her. She tells me she's tried all available antihistamines from the pharmacy, nothing works. I am catching up with her soon and would like to make her a tea blend that could give her some relief. What suggestions and how much of each do I put into that blend?

judsoncarroll4

I'd start with tinging nettles, sage and mimosa... see how it goes from there

Merin Porter

I know this isn't really an answer to your question, but I did want to mention that my husband also suffers from seasonal allergies, and has found that stinging nettle tincture works really well for him. I wonder if something like that would help your friend, too?

JodieDownUnder

@judsoncarroll4 & @Merin Porter thanks for that. I have sage flowering at the moment and was going to harvest so I'll definitely do that. Waiting on a dried herbal order and stinging nettle is in that, so I can make tea and tincture. Not heard of mimosa before.

Torey

@jodienancarrow Stinging nettle is a top recommended herb for seasonal allergies/hayfever. It is more effective if it can be started about 6 weeks before the allergy season starts.

Some allergy teas will have Asteraceae plants in them such as Chamomile, Goldenrod, Yarrow and Beggar's Ticks (aka Bidens species). A strong cup of Bidens tea is a simple decongestant and will help dry up excess mucous . But I would be cautious in case Asteraceae plants are triggers.

Butterbur (Petasites species) is recommend for seasonal allergies, particularly if the allergies affect the breathing (as in causes asthmatic symptoms). It is also Asteraceae. Mullein is also a good choice if the lungs are affected.

Elderflower is a very pleasant herb to add to teas; will help break up mucous and is a mild anti-inflammatory.

So I have no suggestions as to a blend with possible reactions to Asteraceae in mind, but certainly stinging nettle and elderflower would be good ones to choose to start. Maybe add a bit of ginger.

There are a couple of homeopathic products that might assist. Histaminum is usually available at health food stores and sometimes they will have a combination remedy specifically for hayfever or allergies.