green tea may prevent seasonal allergies
As a new seasonal allergy sufferer, I have been seeking out several ways to combat my body’s negative reaction to the beautiful outdoor world. My first instinct was to turn to tea. The heat of the soothing cup relaxed my mind and senses, but I had an inclination that tea may work wonders beyond the warmth.
research shows that elements of green tea,
“possess potent anti-allergy activity due to their ability to block substances known to trigger allergies.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, can affect the action of mast cells and basophils, cells that are responsible for the histamine release that occurs in seasonal allergy sufferers. Histamine triggers allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.
The researchers investigated the effects of EGCG on receptors for Immunoglobulin E (IgE) on mast cells and basophils. IgE attaches to mast cells in the respiratory and intestinal tracts and plays a major role in allergic reactions. EGCG inhibited the activity of an important receptor for IgE on basophils, preventing the IgE-triggered activation of the cells that would normally result in a histamine release.
EGCG also is found in black and oolong teas, but green tea has a much higher concentration of this anti-allergy substance.”
learn more about the researchers and detailed scientific data here.
And if you’re looking for other natural ways to prevent or soothe seasonal symptoms (say that five times fast), then try adding a few pieces of fresh ginger (a natural antihistamine and decongestant) to boiling water. Let it boil for about 15 minutes and then steep your tea.
Adding a few drops of local honey to your cup may also assist in preventing allergies, as local bees frequent nearby flowers containing the pollen that would cause your seasonal allergies. By giving yourself little doses of the local honey on a daily basis, you may in fact be desensitizing your body to local pollen.
So brew some green tea (maybe with fresh ginger and local honey) and enjoy your cup outdoors!