Supplements/Herbal Medicine

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Supplements
Bioflavonoids (e.g., quercetin, catechin, and hesperidin) - Take 2-3 grams daily. When symptoms are severe, take up to 6 grams. Bioflavonoids are natural antihistamines and strongly anti-allergenic. Bromelain and vitamin C can enhance the action of bioflavonoids. Combination products are available.

Flaxseed oil - Take 1 tbsp daily.

Probiotics (e.g., lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus) - Take one in the morning and one in the evening. Probiotics are bowel microflora organisms—microscopic bacteria that normally inhabit the intestines. Buy a quality product that has 3 million organisms per capsule.

Vitamin A - Take 25,000 IUs daily.

Vitamin C - Take 1-3 grams 2 to 3 times daily or to bowel tolerance. (Bowel tolerance is the amount of vitamin C that can be taken without causing diarrhea. This amount is different for each person and can change if the need increases because the body is stressed, injured, or ill.)

Vitamin E - Take 400 IUs daily.

Zinc - Take 30 mg daily.

Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines rarely have significant side effects when used appropriately and at suggested doses. Occasionally, an herb at the prescribed dose causes stomach upset or headache. This may reflect the purity of the preparation or added ingredients, such as synthetic binders or fillers. For this reason, it is recommended that only high-quality products be used. As with all medications, more is not better and overdosing can lead to serious illness and death.

Some of the herbs used to treat hay fever symptoms are as follows:

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) - Used as an antihistamine and antiinflammatory.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) - Reduces congestion and secretions. It is good for itchy eyes, sneezing, and excess mucus.

Gingko (Gingko biloba) - Contains bioflavonoids and is used as an antioxidant and antiinflammatory.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - Helps reduce allergic, inflammatory, and histaminic reactions and supports liver function.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) - Helps build the bodyÂ’s resistance to allergies.

Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica)—Used as an antihistamine and antiinflammatory.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Reduces congestion and secretions.

Make a tea of one herb or a combination of herbs. Take 3 to 4 cups a day. If the herbs are in tincture form, combine several of them and take 1 dropperful 3 to 4 times a day.