How Turmeric / Curcumin Can Help with Seasonal Allergies
If you suffer regularly from Allergic Rhinitis (AR), commonly known as hay fever, you may surprised and pleased to know that turmeric / curcumin may bring some relief.
Symptoms can include:
- Frequent sneezing
- Itchy, runny / blocked nose
- Itchy / watery eyes
- Mouth breathing
- Headache
- Snoring
- Irritated throat
If you’ve ever experienced seasonal allergies, you'll know how frustrating it can be when your symptoms linger - sometimes it can be for days!
Research has shown that the antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties of turmeric/curcumin are very effective at helping the body maintain a normal inflammatory response. Since many allergy symptoms, such as coughing and sinusitis, are the result of a hyperactive inflammatory response, turmeric may help improve these symptoms.
A 2008 study showed the effectiveness of turmeric/curcumin in treating symptoms of both the allergic response and asthma. It found that the allergic response was significantly inhibited for those patients receiving turmeric/curcumin as part of their standard diet.
A study from 2013 found that turmeric/curcumin reduced the allergic response. The group of patients were sensitized to allergens and then turmeric/curcumin supplement was added into their regular diet. The patients who received the supplement showed a reduction in the number of allergic rhinitis symptoms, including sneezing, frequency of nose rubbing, eye tearing, and nasal congestion.
In 2016 study, 241 subjects received either oral turmeric/curcumin or placebo over two months. The researchers found that those who received the curcumin showed significantly reduced signs of sneezing, runny nose, and less nasal congestion. These symptoms were reduced by approximately 70 percent and persisted after the trial had finished.
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References:
1. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A multicenter study. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2014;9:451-458.
2. Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin in allergy. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2008 Sep;52(9):1031-1039
3. Therapeutic potential of curcumin in experimentally induced allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs. International Immunopharmacology. 2013 Sep;17(1):18-25
4. Effect of curcumin on nasal symptoms and airflow in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2016 Dec;117(6) 697-702
Below is some further reading on the study of turmeric/curcumin for hay fever symptoms.
Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin in allergy
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a global increase in allergy and asthma, particularly in developed countries. Attempts to develop effective control measures for allergy and asthma resulted in the exploration of alternate medicines including herbal remedies traditionally used in old world countries.
Turmeric is known for its multiple health restoring properties, and has been used in treating several diseases including several respiratory disorders. Turmeric is a common spice used in the culinary preparations in South and East Asian countries. The active component of turmeric is curcumin, a polyphenolic phytochemical, with anti-inflammatory, antiamyloid, antiseptic, antitumor, and antioxidative properties.
Curcumin was reported to have antiallergic properties with inhibitory effect on histamine release from mast cells. The effectiveness of curcumin in allergy and asthma has been further investigated using a murine model of allergy. The results indicate a marked inhibition of allergic response in animals treated with curcumin suggesting a major role for curcumin in reducing the allergic response.
Effect of curcumin on nasal symptoms and airflow in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis
Abstract
Background:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder that can significantly affect patient quality of life. Previous studies have found that curcumin had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and clinical benefits in cancer and asthma.
Objective:
To determine the efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of AR and to explore the molecular mechanisms involved.
Methods:
In a randomized, double-blind study, 241 patients with AR received either placebo or oral curcumin for 2 months. The therapeutic effects of curcumin were evaluated by nasal symptoms and nasal airflow resistance. In addition, the production of interferon γ, interleukin (IL) 4, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α from mononuclear cells and IL-8, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, polyethylene glycol 2, and leukotriene C4 from polymorphonuclear neutrophils were compared before and after curcumin treatment.
Results:
Curcumin alleviated nasal symptoms (sneezing and rhinorrhea) and nasal congestion through reduction of nasal airflow resistance. Curcumin was found to exert diverse immunomodulatory effects, including suppression of IL-4, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α and increased production of IL-10 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule. However, curcumin did not affect the release of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene C4 from polymorphonuclear neutrophils.
Conclusion:
This pilot study provides the first evidence of the capability of curcumin of improving nasal airflow and modulating immune response in patients with AR.