Many herbs for allergies have been used traditionally in Ayurveda to support the body’s response to environmental stressors. These may offer a natural way to manage discomfort from allergic reactions, such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
In this guide, we explore seven herbs that may help promote respiratory comfort and support your body’s natural defenses during allergy season. We also share tips for using each herb and answer FAQs about herbs for allergies.
Please consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbs—particularly if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications—to ensure safety and suitability.
Key takeaways
- Some herbs may help support the body’s natural response to environmental stressors and could promote respiratory wellness during seasonal changes.
- Herbs for allergies can be incorporated into your daily routine through teas, supplements, or meals.
- Consulting a healthcare provider before taking herbs is important, especially if you’re pregnant or on medication.
7 herbs for allergy support
Managing seasonal changes can be challenging for those who experience environmental discomforts. In Ayurveda, herbs have been used to support the body’s response to these stressors, promoting respiratory comfort and overall well-being.
Some research supports these benefits, but additional research is needed to confirm them.
As always, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating new herbs into your wellness routine.
1. Ginger (Rhizome)
Ginger is traditionally known for supporting respiratory health and healthy immune function, which can be helpful during seasonal changes. It’s also a natural source of vitamins B6 and C, said to contribute to immune support.
Additionally, research—including a comprehensive review of 109 clinical trials—suggests ginger’s antioxidant properties may support the body’s natural defenses and promote respiratory comfort when exposed to environmental stressors.
Ginger can be incorporated into your daily routine through teas or supplements. However, consuming high doses may cause digestive discomfort, so it’s best to consult a healthcare provider, particularly if you’re pregnant or on medication.
Tips for using Ginger
- Enjoy it as a tea, or take it as a capsule. A recommended daily dosage is 1-2 cups of ginger tea or 500-1,000 mg of ginger in capsule form.
- As recommended in Ayurveda, consume ginger in the morning or midday, particularly to help soothe seasonal discomfort.
- Pair ginger with turmeric to support respiratory health.
2. Holy Basil/Tulsi (Leaf)
Holy Basil, or Tulsi, has adaptogenic properties that could help promote balance in response to stress.
Additionally, its active compounds—especially eugenol and rosmarinic acid—may contribute to immune and respiratory health. This can benefit those who experience discomfort from seasonal allergic reactions due to environmental changes.
Tulsi also has antioxidant properties, including vitamins A and C, which may contribute to immune support and respiratory wellness. Studies also indicate Tulsi’s ability to promote respiratory comfort—making it a potentially valuable addition to a wellness routine, particularly during seasonal shifts.
Tulsi can be consumed in tea, tincture, or capsule form. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before regular use. Consistent use and stress-reducing practices like yoga or meditation can further support Tulsi’s potential health benefits.
Tips for using Tulsi
- Pair Tulsi with ginger in tea for enhanced stress-relieving and respiratory benefits.
- Drink 1-2 cups of Tulsi tea or take 400-600 mg of Tulsi capsules per day.
- Enjoy Tulsi tea in the afternoon or evening to promote relaxation and soothe respiratory discomfort.
3. Lebbek Tree (Bark)
The Lebbek tree contains bioactive compounds such as saponins and bioflavonoids. These compounds are believed to support the body’s natural response to environmental stressors, helping maintain respiratory comfort during seasonal shifts.
In Ayurveda, Lebbek tree bark is valued for respiratory support and is available in tincture or capsule form. Pairing it with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants could help promote overall respiratory well-being.
As with any herb, following recommended dosages is important, as excessive consumption of Lebbek tree bark may cause digestive discomfort.
Tips for using Lebbek tree bark
- Combine Lebbek tree bark with Haritaki to help support your body’s natural response to allergic reactions.
- Whether you take Lebbek bark as a tincture or a capsule, the recommended daily dosage is between 400 and 800 mg.
- It's best to take it before meals or as directed, especially during peak allergy seasons.
4. Turmeric (Rhizome)
Turmeric’s key compound, curcumin, is known for its potential antioxidant properties and ability to support the body’s natural defenses, including respiratory and immune health during seasonal changes.
Research suggests that curcumin may also help the body respond to environmental stressors.
You can consume turmeric as a supplement, add it to meals, or enjoy it in golden milk (a drink of turmeric, milk, and other ingredients). Always consult a healthcare provider before use, particularly if pregnant or taking blood-thinning medications.
Tips for using turmeric
- Turmeric and ginger are great together and may help support respiratory health and overall wellness.
- Take 500 mg of turmeric daily—either as a supplement or by adding it to meals—with a pinch of black pepper for better absorption.
5. Haritaki (Fruit)
Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used to support respiratory health, particularly when experiencing seasonal allergies, due to its natural compounds. It’s a natural source of vitamin C and may also help nourish normal mucus production.
Including Haritaki in your daily wellness routine, along with staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, may support respiratory health during times of environmental stress. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before using Haritaki, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tips for using Haritaki
- Pair with Picrorhiza to help support the body’s natural respiratory functions and detoxification processes.
- The standard dosage of Haritaki powder is 1-2 grams per day, while capsules typically contain 500 mg. Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
- Haritaki is best taken in the evening to support the body’s natural detoxification processes overnight, which may contribute to overall respiratory wellness by morning.
6. Picrorhiza (Root)
Picrorhiza is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support immune function and liver health. Its active compounds, picrosides, are believed to enhance the body’s natural defenses and assist in normal detoxification processes in the liver. Picrorhiza is also valued in Ayurveda for promoting respiratory wellness during seasonal changes.
Available in capsule or tincture form, it should be taken according to dosage recommendations. Combining Picrorhiza with a liver-supporting diet may help enhance its benefits as part of a routine focused on immune and liver wellness.
Tips for using Picrorhiza
- The recommended dosage ranges from 400-500 mg per day.
- Picrorhiza is best consumed in the morning to support the body’s natural detoxification processes and overall well-being throughout the day.
7. Cinnamon (Bark)
Cinnamon bark contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which may support respiratory health and help the body manage seasonal allergies by supporting its response to allergens.
Excessive consumption, however, can pose risks, particularly for individuals on blood-thinning or liver-related medications. Always follow recommended dosages and consult a healthcare provider.
Tips for using cinnamon:
- Cinnamon pairs well with turmeric and ginger in teas.
- Stick to 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon in food or 500 mg capsules per day to avoid potential toxicity.
Conclusion
Many herbs—including turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and more—have been traditionally used in Ayurveda to promote respiratory comfort and overall well-being. Adding these herbs for allergies to your daily routine may help support your body’s natural response to environmental stressors and allergic reactions.
To learn more, explore Haveda’s Immunity Collection of herbs for supplements designed to help support immune and respiratory health.
FAQs
How should I take herbs for allergies?
To support overall wellness, herbs for allergies can be taken as teas, tinctures, or supplements. Always follow the recommended dosages on product labels.
Are there any side effects to using herbs for allergies?
While herbs are generally safe, some may cause side effects like digestive discomfort if taken in high doses. Consult a healthcare provider before adding herbs to your routine, particularly if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.
Meet the Author Joann Schermerhorn
© 2024 Haveda. All Rights Reserved. Haveda does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See additional information.
