Nettlesome Allergies!
(Page 3 of 4)
August/September 1998
By Karyn Siegel-Maier
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): In the late 1950s, researchers determined that the action of licorice is comparable to cortisone in that it stimulates the adrenals, inhibits inflammation, and relieves symptoms of allergy, but without the harmful effects from commonly prescribed steroids. Another mechanism of licorice is to increase the half-life of cortisol (a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands), thereby increasing its anti-inflammatory action. Like angelica, licorice also contains coumarins, agents with a demonstrated ability to suppress mediator release from mast cells.
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Habitual use of licorice can result in a loss of potassium, and it may be necessary to supplement the diet or increase the consumption of potassium-rich foods. Another consideration is that the habitual intake of licorice can promote the retention of sodium.
Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis): This herb contains high levels of flavonoids that behave similarly to disodium cromoglycate, a drug often prescribed for asthmatics. The principal action of these flavonoids is to deter the production of leukotrienes, the presence of which promotes bronchial constriction 1,000 times greater than histamine.
Flavonoids (sometimes called bioflavonoids), are a group of compounds common to most plants and to which many fruits and vegetables owe their color. Of particular interest is quercetin, a flavonoid that prevents the production of histamine and other inflammatory agents. Flavonoids offer the added benefit of protection from free-radical damage. Flavonoids can be found in significant levels in many herbs (including licorice), onions, garlic, parsley, legumes, citrus fruits, and berries.
If you consume animal products, you may want to consider eating less meat or, if possible, switching to an all vegan diet during the months ahead. At the very least, cutting down on dairy products during this time will help. As previously mentioned, leukotrienes produce a good deal of allergy response, even more so than histamine. Leukotrienes are synthesized by the presence of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid derived exclusively from animal products.
One last word... If in spite of trying every natural avenue to eliminate—or at least reduce—your seasonal allergy symptoms, you may benefit from a visit to your health care practitioner to discuss the possibility of having insufficient stomach acid. The presence of enough hydrochloric acid (HCI) and pepsin are crucial for proper digestion and mineral absorption, and may play a direct role in overcoming allergies. Studies have shown that asthma and allergy sufferers tend to have low levels of HCI but show improvement with supplementation. Note: supplementation of HCI should only be administered by a qualified health care practitioner.
