Dealing with itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing? It’s the time of year for seasonal allergies to rear their ugly head. Thankfully there are several different herbs that make wonderful teas for seasonal allergies.
When buying tea it is important to be aware that the typical bags used for tea bags release microplastics into your wonderful cup of tea. If you can buy organic loose-leaf tea, that is the way to go. Even better is foraging your own herbs, but that’s not always an option.
Buying the individual herbs and mixing together your own blends is a great cost-effective way to build your tea and herbal cabinet. This way you have herbs not only for tea, but also for making tinctures and poultices.
Teas for Seasonal Allergies
Stinging nettle makes a rather mild tea and is pretty easy to come by. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It can be very beneficial for addressing sinus infections caused by allergies. The gingerols and shaogals present relieve a sore throat. Ginger is also used for helping with asthma due to the compound zerumbone that is present.
Turmeric has been shown to block hitamine release from mast cells. It is also antiinflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial. Turmeric is also high in antioxidants.
Alfalfa is anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants. It is also high in b vitamins as well as vitamin c. Alfalfa can be genetically modified, so this is one to be extra mindful of finding in a nongmo or organic option.
Licorice root is known for it’s strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a cough suppressant and expectorant. Licorice root is not pregnancy safe.
Peppermint is a wonderful decongestant. It is also antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Breathing in the steam can be very helpful for opening up airways due to the menthol that is present in peppermint.
Elderberry is high in quercetin and blocks histamine. It also works as an expectorant making it fabulous for all that phlegm.
How to make the tea
Try some different mixtures of these different herbs to discover a tasty and effective blend for yourself. Or add in other herbs, there are no rules you have to follow! I personally really enjoy a mix of turmeric, ginger and stinging nettle. Sometimes I will also add some lemon peel to it as well.
Once you have settled on your mixture steep it however long you would like. A longer amount of time is going to give a stronger flavor and allow the herbs to put more of their nutrients into the hot water.
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Where to buy teas and herbs
Premixed loose-leaf teas
Loose Herbs
Have you tried tea before for seasonal allergies? What is your favorite tea combination?
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