With the arrival of spring, nature wakes up... but for millions of people, this season means sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Spring allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, are a real ordeal for those who are sensitive to them! In this article, we'll explore the biological mechanisms of pollen allergies and suggest natural solutions to prevent and relieve them.
What is an allergen and why is pollen one?
An allergen is a substance that is generally harmless to most people, but which triggers an excessive immune system response in sensitive individuals. Pollen from trees, grasses and herbs is one of the most common seasonal allergens. When inhaled, an allergic person's immune system misidentifies it as a threat, triggering a cascade of inflammatory reactions.
The biological mechanisms of pollen allergy
When pollen comes into contact with the nasal mucosa, it is detected by the immune system. In allergic individuals, B lymphocytes produce specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies bind to mast cells, immune system cells found in the tissues. On re-exposure to pollen, these mast cells release histamine and other chemical mediators, triggering symptoms such as :
Repeated sneezing.
Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
Toux and breathing difficulties.
This inflammatory reaction generally affects quality of life, leading to severe fatigue.
Conventional solutions to pollen allergy
To counter these allergic reactions, conventional medicine offers several solutions:
Antihistamines block the action of histamine, reducing symptoms.
Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation and improve breathing.
Desensitization (allergen immunotherapy) This technique involves gradually exposing the body to the allergen to reduce sensitivity.
Although these treatments are effective, they can have side effects such as drowsiness or dry mucous membranes. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives. Here are some of them.
Natural solutions to relieve spring allergies
1. Acting on the intestinal microbiota with probiotics
The link between gut microbiota and allergies is increasingly well documented. An imbalance in intestinal flora can exacerbate inappropriate immune reactions. Taking probiotics helps restore intestinal balance and can reduce sensitivity to allergens. Strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum are particularly recommended.
2. Blackcurrant bud in gemmotherapy
Blackcurrant bud (Ribes nigrum) is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. It acts like a plant corticosteroid by stimulating the adrenal glands, helping to reduce allergic reactions without the side effects of conventional corticoids. It is taken as a glycerine macerate, generally 5 to 15 drops a day in a little water in the morning.
3. Natural antihistamine plants
Some plants have antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively relieve seasonal allergies. Most of them can be found in our gardens:
The plantain (Plantago lanceolata) anti-inflammatory for mucous membranes, consumed as an infusion or liquid extract.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) rich in quercetin, an antihistaminic flavonoid, is taken as a herbal tea or in capsule form.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) contains polyphenols that modulate the immune response and can be taken as an infusion.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Its active ingredient, curcumin, reduces inflammation and stabilizes mast cells.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) inhibits histamine production and can be used as an infusion or dietary supplement.
Spring allergies can be a real burden, but there are natural solutions to mitigate their effects. By acting on the intestinal microbiota with probiotics, using gemmotherapy with blackcurrant bud and integrating antihistamine plants into your daily routine, it is possible to reduce symptoms naturally and sustainably. We remind you that the use of dietary supplements must be part of a balanced diet and a revised lifestyle. For further information, don't hesitate to consult a naturopath.
Discover our selection of natural products on Santi Shop to help you fight seasonal allergies!