To combat seasonal allergies, use the power of nature

Seasonal allergies affect more than 81 million Americans, with approximately 26% of adults and 19% of children experiencing symptoms that can significantly impact daily life, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From persistent sneezing and runny noses to itchy, watery eyes and debilitating fatigue, these symptoms cost the U.S. economy up to $40 billion annually in direct and indirect costs.

To deal with intense allergy seasons, many allergy sufferers are seeking natural alternatives to traditional antihistamines and other over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications.

A specially formulated product like Dee Cee Laboratories’ PHYTOFED-DF, which combines some of the most effective natural allergy fighters, such as goldenseal, eyebright, echinacea and others, can make a huge difference in quality of life for your patients who cope with seasonal allergies.

Goldenseal: Immune modulator

Recent clinical studies have highlighted goldenseal’s remarkable respiratory health benefits, mainly due to its ability to ease inflammation, a major factor in allergy flare-ups.

A 2021 study demonstrated Hydrastis canadensis’s effectiveness in reducing inflammation in respiratory tract cells, while additional research confirmed its ability to support a healthy immune system response. Goldenseal’s primary alkaloid, berberine, has shown particular promise in its ability to manage nasal and sinus discomfort; a 2019 berberine study showed it suppressed mast cell-mediated allergic responses and suppressed anaphylaxis in mice.

Note that goldenseal can potentially interact with certain medications, so be sure to review all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements your patient is already taking before suggesting this supplement as part of their care plan.

Eyebright: Traditional wisdom meets modern science

Euphrasia officinalis, an herb commonly known as eyebright that has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for eye disorders, contains powerful compounds that work together to combat respiratory inflammation, including iridoid glycosides and flavonoids.

Research has shown eyebright’s effectiveness in reducing seasonal allergy symptoms through its natural astringent properties. The herb’s anti-inflammatory action, particularly through its aucubin content, helps dry up excessive mucus, a relief to any allergy sufferer.

Nettle extract: Clinically proven symptom relief

Clinical trials have demonstrated nettle extract’s impressive ability to reduce allergy symptoms. In a recent randomized, double-blind study, participants taking nettle extract showed significant improvement in their Sino-Nasal Outcome Test scores. Patients take this questionnaire-style assessment by rating each of their symptoms on a scale of 0 (no problem) to 5 (a major problem); while it is a subjective test, it gives healthcare providers an idea of how the patient’s quality of life is affected by allergies.

In a more objective outcome measure, nettle users in this study showed a statistically significant drop in their level of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell involved in the allergic response).

The herb’s rich composition of flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol, provides natural antihistamine effects without the drowsiness typically associated with conventional antihistamine allergy medications, especially older ones such as diphenhydramine.

This happens because histamine is involved in the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle; suppressing it with allergy medication disrupts that cycle. Some antihistamines also inhibit the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a role in alertness. One of these or the combination of the two can equal extreme sleepiness.

Purple coneflower: Immune system support

Groundbreaking research from 2022, conducted in Bulgaria during the COVID-19 pandemic and published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, revealed that the extract of the perennial plant purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, can reduce viral infections by up to 63% while modulating immune response. Echinacea’s ability to balance inflammatory cytokines makes it particularly valuable for managing respiratory health.

Other studies have shown echinacea not only helps prevent infections but also reduces their severity when they occur. “Published evidence supports echinacea’s benefit in decreasing the incidence and duration of the common cold,” the authors of an echinacea study meta-analysis in The Lancet Infectious Diseases wrote.

Grape seed: Antioxidant protection

The body’s allergic response is often associated with oxidative stress. Grape seed extract’s antioxidant properties and known immune system benefits counteract that stress and help ease allergy symptoms. Vitis vinifera also supports overall cardiovascular health.

Final thoughts

Patients could certainly create their own supplement “stack” to fight allergies and buy all of these helpful supplements, but what would really help an allergy sufferer is a convenient, non-drug way to receive all of the above benefits in one convenient product.

The synergistic combination of natural allergy fighters goldenseal, grape seed, nettle, eyebright and echinacea, as found in an expertly formulated product such as Dee Cee Laboratories’ supplement, PHYTOFED-DM, offers allergy sufferers a comprehensive approach to managing their symptoms along with the ability to stay alert and focused, without the drowsiness that commonly accompanies antihistamine drugs.

With some regions now experiencing year-round pollen exposure, a natural, non-drowsy yet exceptionally effective allergy option is in high demand. As a DC and holistic health and wellness expert, you are well-positioned to recommend a top-quality holistic allergy product to your patients.