Join Julie Polanco on this episode of Crunchy Christian Podcast as she discusses how to fight allergies naturally with herbs and essential oils.
Fight Allergies Naturally!
Before talking about herbs and essential oils, please remember that all information shared is for educational purposes only. This discussion about the historical and personal uses of herbs and essential oils does not constitute medical advice. Herbs and oils don’t cure anything. They simply provide the raw materials for your body to heal itself the way God intended it to do. So, if you choose to fight allergies naturally, keep this in mind.
Fight Allergies Naturally with Herbs
As mentioned in previous episodes, herbs and oils work best as part of a wholistic approach to wellness. Diet, habits, and herbs/oils work together to heal your body. In the podcast, Julie covers a few herbs and oils, but they aren’t the only ones that help! The ones discussed are safer and more readily available than some other plants.

A note about children: rarely do children under age 5 show signs of seasonal allergies unless they have severe allergies to other things as well. Julie’s sons showed seasonal allergy symptoms at age 4, but they also tested positive for more than fifteen total allergens. These other allergens included foods and animals. It is imperative that the food allergens are addressed even while using herbal remedies. The sooner, the better. Otherwise, they could face a lifetime of misery and eventually, autoimmune conditions as well!
Nettles
Nettles can be found all over the world and tends to live in wooded areas. The leaves are most often used even though they have stinging hairs all along the edges of them. If you trigger any of these hairs, you will develop the characteristic red, itchy, inflamed rash. In the podcast, Julie tells about the antidote to the venom and some unusual historical uses of this plant.

Nettles can be prepared as an extract or as an infusion. It is the most frequently used herb to fight allergies naturally because of its astringent and anti-asthmatic properties. It tends to dry up mucus and improve air flow. It is also widely available compared to some other herbs and in many places, can be wild-harvested or grown in your yard.
Horseradish
Yes, this is that pungent vegetable root from the grocery store! Grate it and inhale the aroma of it or eat it. The strong antiseptic and stimulant properties clear mucus in the sinuses and nasal passages in a hurry. But, don’t use too often or with children. The effect is too strong.
Reishi Mushroom
This mushroom, found primarily in China, is sometimes called the “queen of mushrooms.” It has many effects on the body, but when we fight allergies naturally, reishi works by boosting and stabilizing the immune system to work at its best. And, it inhibits histamine response which helps the allergy sufferer.
Astragalus
This root is well known to the Chinese and can be prepared as a decoction. It is often paired with others because of its tonic effects on the immune system and vital organs. It has shown anti-inflammatory, soothing, and repairing properties. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2010 showed that an herbal mineral supplement containing Astragalus root significantly decreased seasonal allergy symptoms compared to placebo.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow is found in most parts of Europe and the U.S. along marshes and banks. It is said that its use goes as far back as the Romans. While most parts of the plant can be used, the root is most often used in a decoction. It has demulcent and emollient properties that soothe inflammation and irritation of the urinary and respiratory tracts. Paired with Astragalus, it helps soothe the irritated nose and throat of the allergy sufferer.
Fight Allergies Naturally with Essential Oils
On the podcast,