Natural relief

There are a number of medicinal herbs that might be very beneficial for the prevention and relief of allergy symptoms. The following is a guide to many therapeutic plants, with simple recipes to be used every day. In addition, essential oils from A to Z, made with herbs, are for topical use and help in the treatment of allergies.

+ Fitotherapy is one of the oldest curing arts. Since ancient times cultures have used remedies extracted from natural plants, especially herbs and plants for internal use or external applications to cure the human body. This ancient folk knowledge about the curative powers of plants has been inherited today to relieve and treat a number of discomforts. The essential herbs and recipes included in the following pages are especially indicated to relieve allergy symptoms. They are natural and if used properly don't cause any harm, although it's advised before using them to consult your doctor to take advantage of the beneficial relieving powers of natural herbs.

Burdock

(Arctium majus)

1. • Parts used. The roots and leaves, to prepare in infusions or to make tinctures.
2. • Belongs to the cardos family, although it's native to Europe, it can be found in China and the United States.
3. • It is principally used as a blood purifier because it eliminates toxins from the body. This plant is also used to treat conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and other skin problems. The root is used for headaches, cough and sore throats.
4. • Warning. This plant shouldn't be used during pregnancy.

Marigold

(Calendula officinalis)

1. • Parts used. Petals and flower tops are used to prepare infusions or to make ointments, creams and lotions.
2. • Native to Europe, this garden plant looks like a large yellow or orange colored daisy.
3. • It is very beneficial for the treatment of many skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, and in relieving other general skin inflammations.

Echinacea

(Echinacea spp)

1. • Parts used. The roots and rhizomes are used to prepare infusions or to make tinctures.
2. • Native to North America, today it is cultivated throughout the world.
3. • This plant has a number of active properties that act on the immune system. It tends to be used as a blood purifier, especially for skin problems, because it eliminates dermatological alterations such as skin eruptions, acne and eczema. Echinacea also facilitates the action of interferon, a natural chemical mediator which helps the body's healing response to viral infections such as colds and flu, herpes and hay fever.

English ivy

(Hedera helix)

1. • Parts used. The leaves and young stems.
2. • This vine plant with perennial leaves, is native to moist forests in Western, Central and Southern Europe. It shouldn't be confused with poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendrum) , which is found in the Americas.
3. • English ivy has a high content of saponines that help to reduce mucus in the respiratory system, this plant acts as an expectorant. It has antispasmodic properties, especially for the bronchial tubes and is a constrictive, it fights against blood clots and is an antibiotic. When used internally, it can be used for constant cough and respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. Used externally it is an analgesic and can be used to fight cellulitis, arthritis, headaches and ulcers.
4. • Warning. You should never eat the fruit from this plant, because it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It is not recommended during pregnancy. This plant can irritate sensitive skin.

Lapacho tree

(Tabebuia avellanedae)

1. • Parts used. The inner bark of the lapacho tree is used to prepare decoctions and to make tinctures.
2. • Native to Brazil and Argentina, it has extended to other parts of the American continent.
3. • It has a direct action on the immune system and helps to fight bacterial and viral infections, especially of the ear, nose and throat. Its detoxifying power helps in treating skin problems.

Mint

(Menta piperita)

1. • Parts used. The leaves are used to prepare infusions and to make essential oils.
2. • Native to Europe, this herb is widely used in the culinary world, and is cultivated throughout much of the world.
3. • Much recommended for relieving skin eruptions, because it helps the skin to recover faster. Applied externally it has a calming effect, helping the mind and body to relax. This oil has anti-bacterial properties. It relieves coughs, colds and the flu.
4. • Warning. This remedy is not recommended for children under the age of 12 (neither in infusions nor as a topical essential oil) or for mothers who are breast-feeding, because this herb may affect breast milk production. It should be avoided if you feel weak or are suffering from prolonged fevers.

Evening primrose

(Oenothem biennis)

1. • Parts used. Stems, leaves and seeds.
2. • Native to Europe, this plant has many essential fatty acids that act as cell and inter-cell mediators. It has anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic properties.
3. • The high content of tannins found in the stems and leaves gives the herb its curative properties, useful for injuries and irritations. However, the plant's most important active ingredient is found in the oils extracted from the seeds that can effectively reduce the symptoms related to skin diseases.
4. • Warning. This plant shouldn't be used during the first three months of pregnancy or for people who suffer from epilepsy. The oil should be prepared by professionals and not at home.

Violet

(Viola tricolor)

1. • Parts used. The aerial parts of the plants are used to make infusions.
2. • It is grown in Europe, North Africa and other temperate zones in Asia, and even on the American continent.
3. • This is an excellent purifying herb, recommended for relieving skin conditions such as eczema and allergic problems. The infusion is a great wash for skin eruptions. Because of its expectorant properties, it is used against bronchitis and compulsive cough.

Elderberry

(Sambucus nigra)

1. • Parts used. Flowers, leaves and bark are used to prepare infusions and make tinctures.
2. • This is a common tree in Europe.
3. • The flavonoids it contains, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic effects of the elderberry flowers and berries. Thanks to these acids this plant has anti-inflammatory properties. This plant is very good for the respiratory system in general, but particularly for specific allergic reactions such as seasonal hay fever. It also has diaphoretic effects that stimulate the elimination of toxins through sweat, which is very good for colds and flu.

Thyme

(Thymus vulgaris)

1. • Parts used. The entire plant is used in infusions or to make essential oils for topical use.
2. • Native to the Mediterranean. Today it's cultivated throughout the world.
3. • This plant is an effective remedy for the respiratory system. It has expectorant and antiseptic therapeutic effects, which is why it's ideal for fighting respiratory infections and other respiratory problems such as asthma, hay fever, sore throats and cough. Timol, one of the plant's therapeutic components, acts as an antispasmodic and also has sedative and antiviral effects.
4. • Warning. This plant shouldn't be used in excessive doses. Do not ingest the essential oil. This essential oil shouldn't be used topically during pregnancy.