Building Immunity for Allergy Season
by Katherine Elmer, Clinical Herbalist
Believe it or not, it’s not too early to start preparing for spring allergy season! Most modern allergy sufferers are accustomed to a protocol of over the counter anti-histamines and permission to be cranky when spring (and summer… and fall) pollens arrive. Holistic health practitioners such as clinical herbalists and naturopaths, as knowledgeable advocates of plant medicine, can offer strategies deeper than mere symptom relief.
A hyperactive immune response (manifesting as excess mucus, inflammation, etc.) in response to generally non-harmful substances such as pollen, pet hair, and other allergens is the result of histamine release by immune cells which cause an inflammatory response in mucus membranes such as in the eyes and nose. While blocking histamine signaling is a helpful strategy in the short term, and herbs such as Plantain, Goldenrod and Nettle offer this, there is also a longer term strategy to PREVENT overactive immune systems in the first place.
Immune modulating herbs and fungi such as Astragalus root (from Chinese medicine), Reishi mushroom (Japan and China, and growing in northeast Hemlock forests), and other mushrooms (Shiitake, Turkey tale, etc.) restructure the immune system (at the level of Helper T cells) to increase the population of anti-inflammatory cells in proportion to pro-inflammatory (histamine triggering) cells. Taking 1 teaspoon of Reishi powder daily for 1-2 months before allergy season starts can significantly reduce or eventually eliminate allergy symptoms through this mechanism of restructuring the immune system. Think of it like your entire family attending an anger management seminar, ultimately resulting in much calmer family gatherings! This herbal/fungal immune modulating therapy is also foundational for other over-active immune disorders such as asthma, eczema, and autoimmune conditions.
For more information, check out this recorded class with Spoonful Co-director and Clinical Herbalist, Katherine Elmer: Herbal Support for Seasonal Allergies
Core Herbal Allergy Protocol
Reishi Mushroom Powder for at least 1 month before allergy season- 1 tsp daily in smoothies or other meals (look for pre-extracted bioavailable preparations)*
Herbal Tea (featuring anti-histamine and lymphatic herbs)*
Try our Allergy-ease tea.
Neti Pot or other nasal irrigation to flush out pollen or other allergens at bedtime: add a Goldenrod, Plantain, Licorice tea or tincture*, like our new Allergen Flush Neti-pot Tincture!
Local honey to train the immune system with gentle exposure to pollens year round.
Anti-inflammatory diet
Seasonal Remedies: Coming soon in your backyard and local green spaces!
Fresh Nettles (Join us for a Nettle Pesto workshop in May at Shelburne Farms)
Bitter Roots such as Dandelion, Burdock, or our “Backyard Bitters” tincture!
* custom formulas and herbal consultations available with Katherine Elmer. Book an herbal consultation.