Herbal Remedies for Cat Allergies

Many cat lovers (and people who live with them) are allergic to their furry friends. The symptoms may include rashes, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, asthma attacks, headaches and sneezing. These are caused by the cat's skin dander, urine and saliva, rather than the cat's fur, and these allergens are easily spread in the air. Before you give up your precious Fluffy, begin doping yourself with prescription meds or start getting allergy shots, try herbal remedies.

  1. Stinging Nettles

    • Stinging nettles have an anti-allergy effect and may reduce nasal congestion and mucus, according to an article on Alive.com. The herb works by reducing the amount of histamine a person produces in an allergic response to an allergen. Allergy sufferers should take one to two 500 mg capsules every four hours while experiencing allergy symptoms.

    Borage

    • Borage, also called starflower, is a natural herb that helps boost the immune system. Use borage oil directly on your skin or drink a borage herbal tea to relieve cat allergies. Borage oil is high in gamma linolenic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that treats skin rashes and eczema. It also helps to combat imbalanced levels of fatty acids in the body that may lead to asthma.

    Licorice Root

    • If you are suffering from coughing and sneezing symptoms, take 500 mg of licorice root tablets or drink licorice root tea every four to six hours while experience uncomfortable allergy symptoms. This herb is found in modern cough syrups and has been used for centuries as a cough suppressant. It is sweet to the taste, so it is good for children with allergy symptoms. However, anyone with high blood pressure should avoid excessive consumption.

    Elder Flower

    • Elder flower teas are very effective at fighting the runny nose allergy symptoms associated with cat allergies. This herb is commonly used during cold and flu season, as well as to fight off sinus infections. It is also an immune booster and anti-viral agent that can help lower fevers and prevent coughing as well. Elderberries can be used as well, but they are typically not as effective as their flower counterparts.

    Cayenne

    • Cayenne peppers have very high levels of capsicum, which is one of the most powerful herbal healers. Capsicum helps to clear the sensitive nasal passageways and ease inflamed sinuses. This herbal remedy can consumed via 500 mg tablets every four hours, or by simply adding cayenne pepper oil to warm water or tea.