Mushroom, onion may hold cure to hay fever

By Sade Oguntola - updated: Thursday 25-06-2009

        Onion                            MushroomNasty colds, flu viruses and allergy asthma are reasons many take days off at work. While over-the-counter anti-histamines alleviate symptoms for most sufferers, there is a growing demand for natural remedies.

Scientists, looking for a natural solution to colds, flu viruses and allergy asthma, have found a cure in onion skins. The skin contains quercetin, a potent chemical substance that helps prevent immune cells from releasing histamine, the hormone that initiates itching, sneezing and swelling in allergic reactions such as asthma, hay fever, hives and eczema.

The body’s defence mechanism normally works over time to react against foreign particles which may pose danger to normal functioning of the human system. These foreign particles are known as allergens. People who are known to be allergic, respond to harmless allergens in an exaggerated manner thus, resulting in irritation and discomfort to the body. There are several types of allergies like: hay fever, asthma, eczema, hives, contact dermatitis (skin reactions), conjunctivitis (red eye), sinusitis, anaphylaxis (life-threatening reaction).

Allergic rhinitis triggered by the pollens of specific seasonal plants is commonly known as “hay fever”because it is most prevalent during haying season. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, frequently include nasal congestion, a clear runny nose, sneezing, nose and eye itching, and excess tear production in the eyes.

Postnasal dripping of clear mucus frequently causes a cough. Loss of the sense of smell is common, and loss of taste sense occurs occasionally. Nose bleeding may occur if the condition is severe. Eye itching, redness, and excess tears in the eyes frequently accompany the nasal symptoms. These allergic symptoms often interfere with one’s quality of life and overall health.

Studies on mice by Dutch researchers, found that quercetin strengthened the immune system, improved blood circulation, lowered blood pressure and decrease harmful LDL-Cholesterol levels.

The studies had evidences to show that it boosted body functions during physical exercise by aiding in stamina and endurance. All, which may have important future implications for the enhancement of athletic performances as well as the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Edible mushroom has been used in traditional medicine for a range of diseases. It has traditionally been used for the prevention of a range of diseases, including cancer, hepatitis, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and skin diseases.

It has been shown to protect the body against disease-causing germs and helpful in cancer patients. Scientists have confirmed that the extract from mushroom may both prevent and cure allergy.

According to the latest edition of the journal, Clinical and Molecular Allergy , the researchers said extract of mushroom can protect against allergy after trying it out in mouse model for allergy, saying it had chemical substances in it, that can help regulate immunity against allergies.