Plant Based Medicines for Allergies
Allergies can be a pesky and sometimes debilitating problem for many people. While there are a variety of medications available to help alleviate allergy symptoms, some individuals may be looking for more natural alternatives.
Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle plant based medicine has several potential benefits for allergy sufferers. The plant contains powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. Free radical damage has been linked to ageing and diseases like cancer. The stinging nettle plant contains compounds that can reduce inflammation. These compounds also block the production of inflammatory hormones. (1)
Nettle also has a high iron content that makes it useful in recovering from infections. The high iron content helps fight bacteria, which needs iron to multiply and spread. Additionally, nettle can help relieve urinary tract infections. Nettle is often taken in combination with dandelion leaf, chickweed, parsley, and corn silk.
The plant has a long history of use. It was used as a laxative and diuretic in ancient Greece and mediaeval Europe. In ancient times, people believed that pulling the plant by the roots would get rid of a fever. It has also been used in textiles since Neolithic times. Its hollow fiber provides natural insulation and can be used in clothing. The German army even used stinging nettle leaves to dye their uniforms during World War II.
Stinging nettle is also used as a medicine for allergy. The plant contains anti-inflammatory properties and may be able to reduce symptoms of hay fever. It may also reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is recommended that you use proper safety precautions when using stinging nettle. You should wear gardening gloves when picking the plant. It is best to harvest it when it is young, because older plant parts become bitter. (2)
Phleum Pratense
Phleum pratense is a plant whose pollen is used as a plant-based medicine to alleviate allergy symptoms. It can help the body desensitise to grass-pollen allergies and can improve asthma symptoms. It is safe for most adults, but should be used with caution. It can cause itching or blisters in the mouth and a runny nose. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. (3)
The effectiveness of Phleum pratense plant-based medicines for allergy has been demonstrated by clinical trials conducted on rabbits. Immunogenicity studies have proven its efficacy in inducing specific IgG antibodies to allergens. In one study, rabbits were immunised with a depigmented allergoid pollen extract. The pollen was infused with aluminium hydroxide.
The pollen extracts from Phleum pratense have been shown to reduce the symptoms of pollen allergies and hay fever. Moreover, they reduce the dosage of allergy medicines. In addition to Phleum pratense, an herbal tablet called Tinospora cordifolia has shown promising results in reducing the symptoms of allergic conditions. The pollen extracts from these plants are derived from the pollen of 12 grass species. (4)
Tinospora cordifolia
Tinospora cordifolia is an herb that has been used in herbal medicine to reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. During a study, it was found that patients who took the herb experienced less sneezing and nasal discharge than those who received a placebo. The drug is available in several forms, including pills, powder, and lotions. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it. (4)
In its plant form, Tinospora cordifolia contains a diverse collection of bioactive compounds. Some of them have antineoplastic and antioxidant properties, and many have been shown to reduce inflammation. In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic action.
The herb has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Its various names include guduchi, giloy, and amrit. Ayurvedic medicine has long used it for its ability to improve the immune system. This plant is native to the Indian subcontinent. (5)
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that has been used to treat allergies and a number of other ailments for thousands of years. It is considered a powerful immune booster, but can have side effects. It also may interact with other herbs, supplements, and medications. In addition, people with certain conditions, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and organ transplant rejection, should not use echinacea.
However, some people may be allergic to Echinacea and suffer severe allergic reactions. The most serious reaction to this herb is anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. People with underlying allergies, including asthma, are also at risk for negative reactions. Minor side effects may include indigestion, nausea, and dizziness. It may also cause temporary numbness or tingling of the skin.
Echinacea is not recommended for children under the age of twelve. According to BBC News, it may trigger allergic reactions in kids. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning about the use of echinacea for allergies in children. They advise against giving echinacea to children under the age of 12 as there is a risk of rare but severe allergic reactions. (7)
Black cumin seed oil
Black cumin seed oil is known for its anti-allergenic properties, which can calm the out-of-balance immune system. The oil is cold-pressed and stabilised to be safe for use in people with allergies. It should be taken several weeks before pollen season to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties. The black seed is found in various cultures around the world and has been studied for its possible use as a plant based medicine for allergy.
When choosing a plant based medicine for allergy, make sure to choose the highest quality oil, which is made from therapeutic-grade black seed. The oil should also be organically-certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are no known side effects associated with black seed oil, so you don’t have to worry about it causing a reaction. (8)
Black seed oil has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, and it is effective for treating a number of health issues. It is often used in skin care products and can improve acne, eczema, and hair problems.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a plant-based supplement that is extracted from the rind of pineapples. It can be taken in pill or cream form. It is available in a wide variety of doses, ranging from 80 to 400 milligrams per serving. It can reduce inflammation. It is sold as a dietary supplement in the US, Canada, Japan, and other countries. There are no standard doses of bromelain, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting this supplement.
Studies have shown that bromelain can reduce eosinophils and bronchial leukocytes. It reduces CD4 and CD8 T cells in the bronchi, and decreases the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukins. These antigens can trigger allergic reactions, and bromelain can help shorten the duration of a reaction by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators. (9)
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple fruits. It can make up nearly half of the protein content of a pineapple. It is extracted from the stem of the pineapple, and is often sold as a powder. Bromelain is used in the pharmaceutical industry, and has a variety of other applications, including digestive products and cattle feed. Bromelain is also used in ‘chill proofing’ beer, which helps keep beer cold. Recent pharmacological studies have shown that bromelain is useful for reducing the inflammation caused by injury and infection.
Butterbur
There is a wide variety of plant based medicines that may be useful for treating allergies. Butterbur is one example. It inhibits the production of leukotrienes, which are responsible for bronchoconstriction and asthma symptoms. Similarly, it is useful for treating spastic coughs. (10)
Stinging nettle is another example of a plant with effective antihistamine properties. This perennial flowering plant has been used medicinally since ancient times. It is rich in vitamins and anti-inflammatory compounds, and is especially useful for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching and swelling around the eyes.
Research on FAs has revealed that many plant-based allergen components share similar structural characteristics and cross-react with pollen allergens. Measuring specific IgE to allergen components is useful for determining the specific allergy, and can also guide treatment. Allergen-specific IgE antibody titers have also been obtained.
Some of the herbs and food items that contain antiallergic compounds are garlic, onions, green leafy vegetables, and fruit. Perilla has been shown to relieve allergic asthma, sinusitis, nasal congestion and eye irritation. The essential oil in perilla is especially helpful for clearing up the sinuses. It also has an antidepressant effect, which can improve the mood of the sufferer.
In conclusion, plant-based medicines can be a useful tool in the treatment of allergy symptoms. With a wide variety of plants to choose from, individuals have the option to tailor their treatment to their specific needs. However, it’s important to remember that these remedies are not a replacement for proven medical treatments, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen. While plant-based medicines may not be a cure-all, they can be a valuable addition to an allergy management plan.
Cannabis
Of interest in an Australian study by Davidson et al 2018 they addressed the allergies from occupational and health safety due to the more recent growth in this sector. They reported that Cannabis harvesting and initial processing is labour intensive, and presents a physical hazard Depending on the operation, workers may also be exposed to a variety of biological, chemical, and physical hazards including: organic dusts, bioaerosols, pollen/allergens, volatile organic compounds, psychoactive substances (tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]), noise, and ultraviolet radiation.
There has been little research on the inhalable organic particles and bioaerosols that are produced during commercial cannabis cultivation and manufacturing.
There is also a lack of Australian research and OHS guidelines to assist professionals in developing risk management strategies for this rapidly evolving industry. They recommend that the priority should be given to investigating the toxicological properties and occupational exposures of cannabis dusts. (11)
About Us
CannaTelehealth, specialises in providing online consultations for various healthcare needs, including assistance with alcohol addiction. Our platform is designed to facilitate the use of advanced telehealth technology by medical professionals, ensuring the security and privacy of patient information in compliance with regulations.
We have developed an online system that simplifies the process of booking appointments with qualified and experienced General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, who can assist patients in accessing prescriptions for Medicinal Cannabis for their medical conditions. Our telehealth system is fully supported by our clinical team, guaranteeing that all consultations are conducted by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
Our doctors are authorised to prescribe Medicinal Cannabis under Schedule 8 of the Therapeutic Goods Act. In the initial consultation, your nurse or doctor will collaborate with you to determine the suitability of Medicinal Cannabis for your specific symptoms and conditions. If deemed appropriate, they will then apply for TGA approval for your electronic prescription, which can be presented at your pharmacy of choice.
Medical Cannabis Doctors Online Treatment and Consults
CannaTelehealth’s doctors have extensive experience in assessing patients for medicinal cannabis. Prior to having an online consultation with our healthcare professionals it is a good idea to write down your questions before your consultation so that you don’t forget them.
Our doctors will review your medical history and confirm that you meet the criteria for a medicinal cannabis prescription under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme. We will then either prescribe medication through the Authorised Prescriber pathway or submit your application to the TGA and you should receive your product within 2 business days.
All our doctors are trained under the TGA authorised prescriber scheme and have detailed knowledge of how cannabis affects the body. Our doctors are also able to recommend the best dosage and type of cannabis for your condition. Our doctors are able to prescribe all forms of medicinal cannabis including capsules, tinctures, sprays and vape cartridges.
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Our clinic offers bulk billing for patients who have been approved by the DVA. This is worth checking for your eligibility criteria for this discounted online consultation.
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References:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Herbs with Special Emphasis on Herbal Medicines for Countering Inflammatory Diseases and Disorders – A Review Mohd I Yatoo 1, Arumugam Gopalakrishnan 2, Archana Saxena 3, Oveas R Parray 1, Noore A Tufani 1, Sandip Chakraborty 4, Ruchi Tiwari 5, Kuldeep Dhama 6, Hafiz M N Iqbal 7 Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discovy. 2018;12(1):39-58.
2. Antimicrobial effect of garlic (Allium sativum)Gulsen Goncagul 1, Erol Ayaz Recent Pat Antiinfect Drug Discov. 2010 Jan;5(1):91-3.
3. Biochemical composition of Phleum pratense pollen grains: A reviewNicolas Visez 1, Patricia de Nadaï 2, Marie Choël 3, Jinane Farah 1, Mona Hamzé 4, Hélène Sénéchal 5, Maxime Pauwels 6, Hélène Frérot 6, Michel Thibaudon 7, Pascal Poncet 8Mol Immunol. 2021 Aug;136:98-109. doi: 0.1016/j.molimm.2021.05.014.
4. Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitisV A Badar 1, V R Thawani, P T Wakode, M P Shrivastava, K J Gharpure, L L Hingorani, R M Khiyani J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):445-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.09.034. Epub 2004 Nov 23.
5. Nano-encapsulated Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) using poly (D, L-lactide) nanoparticles educe effective control in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic ratsRagavee Ambalavanan 1, Arul Daniel John 1, Asha Devi Selvaraj 2 IET Nanobiotechnol. 2020 Dec;14(9):803-808. doi: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2020.0085.
6. Echinacea complex–chemical view and anti-asthmatic profileMartina Šutovská 1, Peter Capek 2, Ivana Kazimierová 1, Lenka Pappová 1, Marta Jošková 1, Mária Matulová 3, Soňa Fraňová 1, Izabela Pawlaczyk 4, Roman Gancarz 4 J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Dec 4;175:163-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.007. Epub 2015 Sep 11.
7. Evaluation of topical black seed oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Abdulghani Mohamed Alsamarai, Mohamed Abdulsatar, Amina Hamed Ahmed Alobaidi 1Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem. 2014 Mar;13(1):75-82. doi: 10.2174/18715230113129990014.
8. Bromelain exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an ovalbumin-induced murine model of allergic airway diseaseEric R Secor Jr 1, William F Carson 4th, Michelle M Cloutier, Linda A Guernsey, Craig M Schramm, Carol A Wu, Roger S ThrallCell Immunol. 2005 Sep;237(1):68-75. doi: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2005.10.002. Epub 2005 Dec 6.
9. Efficacy of butterbur in allergic rhinitis: a cell culture studyZ Özergin Coşkun 1, N Bayar Muluk, D Turgut Cosan, C Cingi Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Jun;27(4 Suppl):1-5. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202306_32725.
10. Occupational health and safety in cannabis production: an Australian perspectiveMaggie Davidson 1 2, Sue Reed 2, Jacques Oosthuizen 2, Greg O’Donnell 3, Pragna Gaur 4, Martyn Cross 2, Gary Dennis 1Int J Occup Environ Health . 2018 Jul-Oct;24(3-4):75-85. doi: 10.1080/10773525.2018.1517234. Epub 2018 Oct 3.
