Astringent Plants

Can Reduce Hay Fever Symptoms

Astringent herbs support your body’s drying action. This is extremely effective when treating wet runny symptoms. If your seasonal allergic response presents with itchy, runny eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and coughing, you might very well benefit from astringent herbs. Through testing various herbs with my son, and many other people, we found the plants Stinging Nettle, Goldenrod, and Oxeye Daisy to be the most effective.

This combination seems to knock the hay fever right out of him. Each plant reacts in a slightly different manner to help his body reduce or eliminate its errant histamine response. This compound tincture can be taken for acute symptoms, but it can also be taken as a preventative. My son begins taking this tincture around 2-3 weeks prior to the time his symptoms have historically started. When taken in this manner, he is able to significantly shorten his allergy season.

Finding The Necessary Plants To Use
The plants discussed in the previous article can be purchased at health food stores. They are also available from various online sources. While most retailers are reputable, there are others who are only interested in making a quick buck. You may never be entirely certain that you are getting exactly what you are paying for. I have heard horror stories of people receiving something other than the plant they ordered. I recommend doing some research prior to choosing an online resporce. Talk to people you know who use herbal supplements. You might also want to join an online herbal forum. Other members of these forums are a great resource.

Those of us who have learned to grow these plants in our gardens, or to recognize them in the wild are always assured of getting high quality plant material to make medicine for our families. With a little practice you too can learn to identify these common plants near your own home. In a very short time you can harvest enough of these plants to last your family a year or more.

Harvesting Plants Locally
While you can certainly purchase fresh and or dried plants from local or online retailers, there is nothing like the feeling of harvesting the plants locally. When you harvest locally, you can take the time to pick only the freshest, most perfect plants. By taking this added care, you can ensure you are giving your family the best possible herbal supplements.

While you certainly can head off into the forest to harvest your plants. It is not necessary. You can find these plants growing in places you might not expect. Any untreated field will probably yield a treasure trove of oxeye daisy and goldenrod. While walking along a local river or pond, you will more than likely end up running into 0stinging nettles. I can harvest all 3 within a mile of my house. Once you are familiar with the characteristics of these plants, you will start noticing them everywhere. You can learn about these plants and many more by attending LivingAfield plant walks.