Natural Relief for Menopause Allergies
Looking for ways to treat your menopause allergies naturally?
Sneezing, sniffing, itching and wheezing. One of the lesser known side-effects of changes to our hormones at menopause is the sudden appearance of allergic responses such as hay fever, eczema, food intolerances and even asthma. Hot flushes are a classic menopausal symptom - but allergies?
Melinda McDougall is a registered Medical Herbalist, with a specific focus on herbal medicine for perimenopause and menopause.
Using a natural approach and the latest scientific research, Melinda takes a comprehensive view of women’s health, working with clients to regain control of their health and rediscover the joy of wellbeing in midlife.
Childbirth, menopause and even changes in the menstrual cycle can result in hormonally-influenced allergic responses. Oestrogen receptors help regulate T-cells in our immune system. When our levels of oestrogen – and progesterone – start to yoyo from perimenopause onwards, these cells may over-react to previously benign substances like tree pollen or dust-mites, releasing histamine and increasing levels of inflammation.
Our nervous system, digestion and sleep patterns may also be impacted by hormonal changes, leading to fatigue and changes in cortisol levels – which all, in turn, affect our immune system.
Because so many factors are at play, it’s important to take a holistic view to bring the body back into balance. As a Medical Herbalist, I help women pinpoint the root causes of imbalance and use natural medicine to support the body’s ability to heal itself. When unusual allergies appear, these are some of the strategies I might suggest to reduce the immune system’s heightened response:
5 Ways to treat menopausal allergies naturally
Drink a cup of nature’s anti-histamine
The humble stinging Nettle can be your best friend during hayfever season and is beneficial throughout menopause. It’s a powerhouse of a plant - rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, Vitamins A, C, K and a range of B Vits. It actively inhibits pro-inflammatory pathways linked to allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Pick a bunch of the fresh tops off the spring plants (using gloves), place in a teapot or cafetière, steep for 10 minutes and drink. To be effective as allergy relief, take nettle tea every day throughout allergy season – either as dried loose tea or picked fresh.
Calm the immune response
Plants like Echinacea and Astragalus help support healthy immune function while Eyebright and Plantain (not the banana plant) reduce inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract. Diet is key – reduce inflammatory foods like sugar and white processed carbs and eat more oily fish (salmon, mackerel), leafy green vegetables and dark-skinned fruit which is full of anti-oxidants. If your allergies are really getting you down, try eliminating dairy and gluten for 3 weeks to see how you respond. Wine is (sadly) full of sulphites and sugar which can increase allergic responses. Try clear spirits like gin or vodka instead - in moderation.
Make a Spring tonic to support your lymphatic system
Our lymphatic system supports our immune and circulatory systems and rids the body of toxins, waste and unwanted material. Cleavers (also known as goose-grass or sticky willy) has long, sticky stems and is commonly found in most parks and gardens. Used for hundreds of years to move us from Winter to Spring, this plant has a gentle detoxifying action that is perfect for the start of allergy season. Pick a bunch of cleavers, immerse them in a 1L jug of cold water with some slices of lemon. Leave overnight and drink the next day. Repeat for a week.
Reduce stress and improve your sleep
We all know that stress impacts our immune system and keeps us awake at night, which then leaves us tired, vulnerable to infection and ups our levels of histamine. It’s a vicious cycle. Sometimes we are unable to immediately change the things that are causing us stress – money, family problems or a work situation that’s driving us crazy. Alongside exercise and meditation, two great stress-relievers, I may prescribe Ashwaganda or Rhodiola to help take women out of ‘fight or flight’ mode. Ashwaganda should be avoided by women with an over-active thyroid.
Be kind to your liver
The liver is one of our most amazing and versatile organs. Among its many important functions is hormone metabolism – so we need to make sure it is in great shape. Herbs like Milk Thistle and Dandelion Root are the cornerstone of herbal menopause support. Cut down on caffeine and reduce your alcohol intake – aim for 4 days a week off the booze. Love your liver and you’ll reap the benefits.
Always seek professional advice before using herbal medicine and use high-quality supplements from reputable sources.
Melinda McDougall
Medical Herbalist, MSc, MNIMH
April 2020
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