According to the Center for Disease Control, seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, affect approximately 8% of both adults and children in the United States. These are just the people who have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies, so we can assume that a much larger percentage suffer from symptoms, which may include runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery and red eyes, and restriction of airways. For some, the discomfort is overwhelming. So what exactly is happening in the body when we experience seasonal allergies, and why are some people so much more susceptible? Is there anything to be done, beyond the use of allergy medications?

First, we must give recognition to the ways in which our bodies keep us alive and well on a daily basis. The human immune system is made up of an astoundingly efficient, complex, and capable set of processes that keep us safe from a constant barrage of substances that would harm us, most of the time without our conscious awareness. This system is characterized by an incredible army of players able to distinguish our own body cells from those of foreign organisms, and to quickly destroy, engulf, and otherwise render them harmless. Our immune system even “learns” though its ability to identify and later recognize and quickly attack specific harmful organisms. The inflammation response is a key process of the immune system, characterized by a series of messengers and actors whose efforts combine to increase blood flow and the ability of blood plasma to “leak” into tissues. This process delivers immune cells and causes redness, swelling, heat, and sometimes pain. This process may be localized, such as in the case of a cut to the skin, or may be systemic, as is the case with fever. Additionally our body cavities, including the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts, etc. are lined with protective mucous membranes, some of which produce mucous. In the respiratory tract, mucous traps foreign substances and helps to move it toward the mouth and nose in a process known as expectoration.

An allergic response, such as that of hay fever, is an overreaction of the immune system, provoked by a substance not innately harmful to the body. As an unfortunate twist on the normal functioning of the immune system, some people’s immune cells “flag” a particular substance, often a pollen, as harmful, causing a strong immune reaction whenever that substance is later encountered. In this instance, the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract kick into high gear, producing the copious mucous known all too well to allergy sufferers and making eyes weep. Sneezing also helps to clear the upper respiratory tract of invaders. Localized inflammation is responsible for redness, swelling, and itching. Restriction of the airways may also occur, as is the case in allergic asthma. It should also be noted here that, in addition to the discomfort caused by the misguided inflammation response, long-term inflammation may cause tissue damage, and long-term inflammation (especially systemic inflammation) as a major cause of disease.

Why do some people experience seasonal allergies while others do not? While there is some mystery as to why some people’s immune systems are more easily provoked, there are some factors that seem to play a role. Thankfully, these factors lend themselves well to holistic treatment. Through food, herbs, and lifestyle habits, we can encourage a more healthy immune response by improving the overall functioning of several body systems.

First, we can decrease the likelihood of the immune system being provoked by increasing the body’s natural ability to process inputs effectively, including toxins. When our innate digestion and elimination processes are somewhat compromised or sluggish, those substances that the body perceives as harmful, appropriate or not, are not as efficiently broken down and eliminated. This may lead to an immune system which is hyper-vigilant, and more prone to provocation. If the digestive process is weak or irritated, characterized by bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, etc., we may turn to foods and herbs which ease and encourage efficient digestion, such as bitter greens in the diet, bitter herbs (artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus), gentian (Gentiana lutea), dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale), and more), and aromatic herbs such as ginger (Zingaber officinale), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and even culinary basil (Occimum basilicum). Luckily, or perhaps as a result of our co-evolution with plants, the spring season, when allergies seem to be most problematic, offers an array of wild and cultivated plants that help the body in processing and elimination. Dandelion is one of the most notorious and tenacious lawn “weeds”, and yet offers the aforementioned bitter leaf that aids digestion, and is also a wonderful diuretic, encouraging the kidneys to increase their processing while replacing nutrients including potassium. Dandelion root improves the processing of the liver and contains pre-biotics, choice food for beneficial gut bacteria. Other herbs known to be greatly beneficial to the eliminative processes include burdock root (Arctium lappa) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which is highly protective of liver cells.

We can directly influence the allergic response with plants that reduce the susceptibility of tissues to the effects of inflammation. Repeated inflammation damages tissue, increasing capillary permeability and other markers of inflammation, and making future provocation more likely. By protecting tissue, increasing tissue repair and even blocking chemical mediators of inflammation such as histamine, some herbs such as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) can be great allies to the allergic individual, even easing the acute symptoms of allergies. Other strong anti-inflammatory herbs include turmeric (Curcuma longa) and licorice root (Glycyrhhiza glabra).

We can turn to herbs which help to “teach” the immune system to react to pathogens more appropriately. Amazingly, some herbs demonstrate the ability to increase immune function when it is needed, while also soothing the overreaction we see in the allergic response. Some of the most helpful include medicinal mushrooms such as reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).This mushroom cannot be eaten whole, but the delicious shitake (Lentinula edodes) has demonstrated similar effects. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is another favorite herb for modulating immune system effects. Many immune-balancing herbs are also considered to be herbal “adaptogens,” which help to reduce the effects of stress on the body and mind. While we could all use a bit of this anyway, a reduction in stress can help to ease allergies too, as a stressed nervous system correlates with a stressed immune system.

These are just a few of the herbs and strategies we can employ to reduce the suffering of seasonal allergies through the improvement of our body’s innate functions. Herein lies the beauty of a holistic approach, by which we may reduce the strain on our systems and bring them closer to balance, helping us to feel well and be well.