Alergy Relief Benefits
HERBAL MEDICINE FOR ALLERGIES AND HAY FEVER
Along with improving our diet and lifestyle and getting more exercise, there are many herbs that are effective in helping to reduce allergy symptoms, and there are some that in the long run can help eliminate allergies altogether.
Black elder flower falls into the former category. It is one of the most effective herbs used in Western herbalism for treating hay fever-like symptoms. It can be used on its own or in combination with other herbs. Some of the herbs it combines well with for treating hay fever symptoms include: yarrow herb (Achillea millefolium) and goldenrod herb (Solidago spp.) .
Elderflower Benefits
The elderflower is a plant that has been used for over four thousand years in different cultures due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Some of the most common health benefits of the elderflower is that it treats sinus infections, the flu, common colds, skin irritations, stress, allergies, and other respiratory disturbances. The elderflower has been used as a supplement, diuretic, and can even alleviate certain pollen allergies. With so many benefits to your health, here are just some of the reasons you should have this little plant close by in your home.
1. Lowering Your Cholesterol – By now you know that in order to live a long and healthy life, you have to be taking good care of your heart. According to the American Heart Institute, heart disease is preventable, and you can use the elderflower juice to help in your efforts to improve your overall wellness. Studies have revealed that after only two weeks of drinking the elderflower in tea, young adults experienced lowered triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The flower contains quercetin, and have been found in test tube studies to be effective at reducing cholesterol levels. Lower cholesterol levels means less strain on the heart muscle and could reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke or a deadly heart attack.
2. The Fight Against MSRA – In research conducted in Ireland, the extract from the elderflower was found to kill many of the dangerous hospital pathogens. One disease, in particular, is the MSRA, medically known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The study went on to show that the elderflower has antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The results aligned with those from results of traditional medicine to treat the same bacteria at a fraction of the cost.
3. Fighting the Flu – Many people today are hesitant to get their flu shots because they have concerns about the toxins that are being pumped directly into the body to fight off that bug. In a study that was released by the Online Journal of Pharmacology and PharmacoKinetics, they found that the extract from the elderflower is extremely effective at treating flu-like symptoms. Patients who experienced the same flu-like symptoms were given either a placebo or four doses of the elderflower extract. After only a few days, 28 percent of those who took the elderflower extract no longer had the symptoms of the flu and 60 percent had fewer symptoms than when the test was begun. What was quite revealing was that none of the patients who took the placebo had experienced any improvement in their flu-like symptoms during the exact time frame.
4. The Power in the Flower – If you want to know why the elderflower has been so effective treating a variety of illnesses, you need to know what makes up this amazing plant. The plant is rich in both flavonols and bioflavonoids. Some of the flavonols range from quercetin, anthocyanins, and isoquercitrin, each having antiviral properties too. The chlorogenic acid in the plant can help reduce allergy symptoms, loose stool, and regulate blood glucose levels. Other health benefits from the erythrodiol and oleanolic acids, they have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer properties.
5. Fighting Oxidative Stress – The elderflower juice is rich in vitamin C, and this can be very helpful for the health of your tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and skin. This plant is a powerful antioxidant, helpful for protecting the body from oxidative stress. When the body is under a constant attack from stress, many of the vital organs in the body are at risk. The elderflower can help to lessen the effects of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. One of the ways this plant can strengthen your body is to build up the immune system by cleansing any toxins through the lymph glands, working like traditional detoxification of the system. This lessens the load of the liver that is responsible for cleaning the system.
6. Strengthening Immune System – One of the ways the elderflower has been used in European countries is as a preventative medication for when the long cold winters set in. The elderflower is given to children before the cold arrives to help strengthen their immune systems and allow them to easily fight off the common cold and coughs that accompany winter. The flower extract helps the children to fight off the effects of even influenza during those harsh winter months and is even given to the elderly who do not have the ability to fight off the effects of those illnesses on their own.
7. Helping Alleviate Allergies – Flower and tree pollen can wreak havoc on the eyes and noses of those who have allergies each year. In a surprising twist, this flower actually can help to lessen the symptoms associated with common allergies. The elderflower extract has been effective at reducing symptoms associated with sinusitis and pollen allergies. Rather than popping a pill at the first sign or red eyes or a runny nose, you can drink the juice each morning during allergy season and enjoy your day without those uncomfortable symptoms.
8. Improving Skin Conditions – With all health benefits of elderflower juice for the inside of the body, now we focus on how this plant can help heal the skin. The extract from this unique flower has been used to treat skin rashes, burns, or infections. The healing properties of the flower can also be used to fade freckles and to help to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes like acne. Rather than sink serious money into skin creams that are packed with toxic ingredients, you can restore your skin with this all-natural plant at a fraction of the price.
Benefits Of Yarrow: The Many Advantages Of This Ancient Herb
Yarrow contains alkamides and s. lactones which give it many medicinal properties. Yarrow tea can relieve menstrual cramps, lower blood pressure, ease asthma, improve digestion, and help you sleep better. It can also prevent and treat gastric ulcers and relieve stomach cramps due to irritable bowel syndrome. Drink a tea of yarrow, elderberry, and peppermint to ease your cold symptoms.
Yarrow or Achillea millefolium has some serious bragging rights. According to legend, it takes its name from Achilles – the Greek hero who fought in the Trojan War used this very herb to treat the wounds of his soldiers! A prolific plant found in Asia, Europe, and North America, yarrow contains bioactive compounds like alkamides and sesquiterpene lactones which are responsible for many of its beneficial effects. The flowers, stems, and leaves of yarrow are all used medicinally.1 Let’s take a look at the ways in which this herb can benefit your health:
1. Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Yarrow tea has traditionally been used to ease menstrual cramps. It helps by relaxing smooth muscles in your uterus.2 To make this healing tea, steep 2 to 3 teaspoons of yarrow flowers in a cup of hot water for around 15 minutes. It’s a good idea to start drinking this tea a couple of days before your premenstrual syndrome symptoms begin. About 3 to 5 cups of tea a day should do the trick.
2. Lowers High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that affects around 1 out of 3 adults in the United States.4 And while a healthy diet and exercise can go a long way in managing this condition, a cup of yarrow tea could help too! Animal studies have found that this herb can lower blood pressure, working by preventing calcium from entering blood vessel cells. This in turn allows blood vessels to relax.5 So, try a cup of yarrow tea. You can boost the blood pressure-lowering capacity of this tea by adding other beneficial herbs like hawthorn and lime flowers as well.
3. Soothes Cold When Combined With Elderberry And Peppermint
The common cold is, well, a pretty common problem. But there’s an easy fix for the constant sneezing and stuffy nose that come with it. Try the classic northern European yarrow–peppermint–elderberry tea. Most of the symptoms that you experience with a cold are caused by your body’s inflammatory reaction to the cold virus. Yarrow helps here because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, peppermint and elderberry have a decongestant effect.
Mix equal quantities of all three herbs and steep a couple of teaspoons of this mixture in a cup of boiling hot water for around 20 minutes. Drink the tea hot as often as you need till your symptoms ease.10
You can also make a soothing chest rub by diluting yarrow oil and peppermint oil in a little almond oil. But do keep in mind that peppermint is not suitable for very young children so this remedy is not recommended for them.11
4. Eases Asthma Symptoms
Asthma is caused by swelling of your bronchi, tubes that pass air into and out of your lungs. When your bronchi become inflamed, they can become narrower temporarily and cause breathing problems. But animal studies have found that yarrow can dilate or widen your bronchi. This makes it helpful for people suffering from asthma.12 So put the kettle on and make yourself a cup of yarrow tea to ease your breathing.
5. Improves Digestion
Here’s another common problem that a cup of healing yarrow tea can slay – indigestion! According to research, dicaffeoylquinic acids and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide present in yarrow can increase bile flow. And bile helps break down fat and improve digestion.13
6. Heals And Prevents Stomach Ulcers
Yarrow has commonly been used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disturbances. Now, there’s scientific evidence that it prevents and treats gastric ulcers. One animal study found that an extract of yarrow was effective at protecting the gastric mucosa from ulcers caused by alcohol and indomethacin, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It was even found to be effective at healing chronic gastric lesions caused by exposure to acetic acid.14
It’s worth noting that yarrow has also been found to work against Helicobacter pylori, bacteria that have been associated with stomach ulcers.15
7. Eases Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Tackles Stomach Cramps
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. The other common symptoms of this condition are abdominal cramps and pain. And this is where yarrow may be able to help. One animal study found that yarrow has antispasmodic activity and can inhibit smooth muscle contraction in the intestine, thereby easing intestinal spasms. The relaxatory effect of yarrow could be due to its ability to block plasma membrane proteins such as voltage-dependent calcium channels.16
So the next time you get those terrible stomach cramps, try a soothing cup of yarrow tea for relief.
8. Helps You Sleep Better
Yarrow has traditionally been used as a sleeping aid. As one animal study found, yarrow extract has sedative as well as anti-anxiety effects. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating sleep. According to the researchers, yarrow works by impacting a central adenosine mechanism.17 So try drinking yarrow tea for a good night’s sleep.
9. Treats Minor Wounds
And finally, let’s test the remedy suggested by Achilles himself! An animal study found that an ointment containing 5% yarrow extract was able to significantly speed up wound healing. This effect was attributed to its ability to quicken the growth of new tissue and collagen, a protein that gives structure to your skin and makes it firm.18 So looks like this Greek warrior had the right idea after all!
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your . Health Care Provider.
References:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-ashwagandha-or-indian-ginseng.html
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits#13
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-ashwagandha-or-indian-ginseng.html
Along with improving our diet and lifestyle and getting more exercise, there are many herbs that are effective in helping to reduce allergy symptoms, and there are some that in the long run can help eliminate allergies altogether.
Black elder flower falls into the former category. It is one of the most effective herbs used in Western herbalism for treating hay fever-like symptoms. It can be used on its own or in combination with other herbs. Some of the herbs it combines well with for treating hay fever symptoms include: yarrow herb (Achillea millefolium) and goldenrod herb (Solidago spp.) .
Elderflower Benefits
The elderflower is a plant that has been used for over four thousand years in different cultures due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Some of the most common health benefits of the elderflower is that it treats sinus infections, the flu, common colds, skin irritations, stress, allergies, and other respiratory disturbances. The elderflower has been used as a supplement, diuretic, and can even alleviate certain pollen allergies. With so many benefits to your health, here are just some of the reasons you should have this little plant close by in your home.
1. Lowering Your Cholesterol – By now you know that in order to live a long and healthy life, you have to be taking good care of your heart. According to the American Heart Institute, heart disease is preventable, and you can use the elderflower juice to help in your efforts to improve your overall wellness. Studies have revealed that after only two weeks of drinking the elderflower in tea, young adults experienced lowered triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The flower contains quercetin, and have been found in test tube studies to be effective at reducing cholesterol levels. Lower cholesterol levels means less strain on the heart muscle and could reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke or a deadly heart attack.
2. The Fight Against MSRA – In research conducted in Ireland, the extract from the elderflower was found to kill many of the dangerous hospital pathogens. One disease, in particular, is the MSRA, medically known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The study went on to show that the elderflower has antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The results aligned with those from results of traditional medicine to treat the same bacteria at a fraction of the cost.
3. Fighting the Flu – Many people today are hesitant to get their flu shots because they have concerns about the toxins that are being pumped directly into the body to fight off that bug. In a study that was released by the Online Journal of Pharmacology and PharmacoKinetics, they found that the extract from the elderflower is extremely effective at treating flu-like symptoms. Patients who experienced the same flu-like symptoms were given either a placebo or four doses of the elderflower extract. After only a few days, 28 percent of those who took the elderflower extract no longer had the symptoms of the flu and 60 percent had fewer symptoms than when the test was begun. What was quite revealing was that none of the patients who took the placebo had experienced any improvement in their flu-like symptoms during the exact time frame.
4. The Power in the Flower – If you want to know why the elderflower has been so effective treating a variety of illnesses, you need to know what makes up this amazing plant. The plant is rich in both flavonols and bioflavonoids. Some of the flavonols range from quercetin, anthocyanins, and isoquercitrin, each having antiviral properties too. The chlorogenic acid in the plant can help reduce allergy symptoms, loose stool, and regulate blood glucose levels. Other health benefits from the erythrodiol and oleanolic acids, they have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer properties.
5. Fighting Oxidative Stress – The elderflower juice is rich in vitamin C, and this can be very helpful for the health of your tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and skin. This plant is a powerful antioxidant, helpful for protecting the body from oxidative stress. When the body is under a constant attack from stress, many of the vital organs in the body are at risk. The elderflower can help to lessen the effects of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. One of the ways this plant can strengthen your body is to build up the immune system by cleansing any toxins through the lymph glands, working like traditional detoxification of the system. This lessens the load of the liver that is responsible for cleaning the system.
6. Strengthening Immune System – One of the ways the elderflower has been used in European countries is as a preventative medication for when the long cold winters set in. The elderflower is given to children before the cold arrives to help strengthen their immune systems and allow them to easily fight off the common cold and coughs that accompany winter. The flower extract helps the children to fight off the effects of even influenza during those harsh winter months and is even given to the elderly who do not have the ability to fight off the effects of those illnesses on their own.
7. Helping Alleviate Allergies – Flower and tree pollen can wreak havoc on the eyes and noses of those who have allergies each year. In a surprising twist, this flower actually can help to lessen the symptoms associated with common allergies. The elderflower extract has been effective at reducing symptoms associated with sinusitis and pollen allergies. Rather than popping a pill at the first sign or red eyes or a runny nose, you can drink the juice each morning during allergy season and enjoy your day without those uncomfortable symptoms.
8. Improving Skin Conditions – With all health benefits of elderflower juice for the inside of the body, now we focus on how this plant can help heal the skin. The extract from this unique flower has been used to treat skin rashes, burns, or infections. The healing properties of the flower can also be used to fade freckles and to help to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes like acne. Rather than sink serious money into skin creams that are packed with toxic ingredients, you can restore your skin with this all-natural plant at a fraction of the price.
Benefits Of Yarrow: The Many Advantages Of This Ancient Herb
Yarrow contains alkamides and s. lactones which give it many medicinal properties. Yarrow tea can relieve menstrual cramps, lower blood pressure, ease asthma, improve digestion, and help you sleep better. It can also prevent and treat gastric ulcers and relieve stomach cramps due to irritable bowel syndrome. Drink a tea of yarrow, elderberry, and peppermint to ease your cold symptoms.
Yarrow or Achillea millefolium has some serious bragging rights. According to legend, it takes its name from Achilles – the Greek hero who fought in the Trojan War used this very herb to treat the wounds of his soldiers! A prolific plant found in Asia, Europe, and North America, yarrow contains bioactive compounds like alkamides and sesquiterpene lactones which are responsible for many of its beneficial effects. The flowers, stems, and leaves of yarrow are all used medicinally.1 Let’s take a look at the ways in which this herb can benefit your health:
1. Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Yarrow tea has traditionally been used to ease menstrual cramps. It helps by relaxing smooth muscles in your uterus.2 To make this healing tea, steep 2 to 3 teaspoons of yarrow flowers in a cup of hot water for around 15 minutes. It’s a good idea to start drinking this tea a couple of days before your premenstrual syndrome symptoms begin. About 3 to 5 cups of tea a day should do the trick.
2. Lowers High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that affects around 1 out of 3 adults in the United States.4 And while a healthy diet and exercise can go a long way in managing this condition, a cup of yarrow tea could help too! Animal studies have found that this herb can lower blood pressure, working by preventing calcium from entering blood vessel cells. This in turn allows blood vessels to relax.5 So, try a cup of yarrow tea. You can boost the blood pressure-lowering capacity of this tea by adding other beneficial herbs like hawthorn and lime flowers as well.
3. Soothes Cold When Combined With Elderberry And Peppermint
The common cold is, well, a pretty common problem. But there’s an easy fix for the constant sneezing and stuffy nose that come with it. Try the classic northern European yarrow–peppermint–elderberry tea. Most of the symptoms that you experience with a cold are caused by your body’s inflammatory reaction to the cold virus. Yarrow helps here because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, peppermint and elderberry have a decongestant effect.
Mix equal quantities of all three herbs and steep a couple of teaspoons of this mixture in a cup of boiling hot water for around 20 minutes. Drink the tea hot as often as you need till your symptoms ease.10
You can also make a soothing chest rub by diluting yarrow oil and peppermint oil in a little almond oil. But do keep in mind that peppermint is not suitable for very young children so this remedy is not recommended for them.11
4. Eases Asthma Symptoms
Asthma is caused by swelling of your bronchi, tubes that pass air into and out of your lungs. When your bronchi become inflamed, they can become narrower temporarily and cause breathing problems. But animal studies have found that yarrow can dilate or widen your bronchi. This makes it helpful for people suffering from asthma.12 So put the kettle on and make yourself a cup of yarrow tea to ease your breathing.
5. Improves Digestion
Here’s another common problem that a cup of healing yarrow tea can slay – indigestion! According to research, dicaffeoylquinic acids and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide present in yarrow can increase bile flow. And bile helps break down fat and improve digestion.13
6. Heals And Prevents Stomach Ulcers
Yarrow has commonly been used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disturbances. Now, there’s scientific evidence that it prevents and treats gastric ulcers. One animal study found that an extract of yarrow was effective at protecting the gastric mucosa from ulcers caused by alcohol and indomethacin, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It was even found to be effective at healing chronic gastric lesions caused by exposure to acetic acid.14
It’s worth noting that yarrow has also been found to work against Helicobacter pylori, bacteria that have been associated with stomach ulcers.15
7. Eases Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Tackles Stomach Cramps
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. The other common symptoms of this condition are abdominal cramps and pain. And this is where yarrow may be able to help. One animal study found that yarrow has antispasmodic activity and can inhibit smooth muscle contraction in the intestine, thereby easing intestinal spasms. The relaxatory effect of yarrow could be due to its ability to block plasma membrane proteins such as voltage-dependent calcium channels.16
So the next time you get those terrible stomach cramps, try a soothing cup of yarrow tea for relief.
8. Helps You Sleep Better
Yarrow has traditionally been used as a sleeping aid. As one animal study found, yarrow extract has sedative as well as anti-anxiety effects. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating sleep. According to the researchers, yarrow works by impacting a central adenosine mechanism.17 So try drinking yarrow tea for a good night’s sleep.
9. Treats Minor Wounds
And finally, let’s test the remedy suggested by Achilles himself! An animal study found that an ointment containing 5% yarrow extract was able to significantly speed up wound healing. This effect was attributed to its ability to quicken the growth of new tissue and collagen, a protein that gives structure to your skin and makes it firm.18 So looks like this Greek warrior had the right idea after all!
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your . Health Care Provider.
References:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-ashwagandha-or-indian-ginseng.html
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits#13
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-ashwagandha-or-indian-ginseng.html