We can already feel it in the air with these sunny days.
The flowers are blooming, the days are getting longer, and this means two things: 1) spring is coming, 2) pollen season is coming.
Allergy sufferers are already experiencing the first symptoms: an itchy nose, watery eyes and sneezing...lots and lots of sneezing.
Today we're talking about a natural antihistamine that can help you leave the tissues at home: today we're talking about Blackcurrant.
Blackcurrant properties and curiosities
The Black Currant plant (botanical name Ribes Nigrum) grows wild in regions of Asia and northern Europe.
The flowers are small, greenish and appear in spring. The fruits reach 8-12 mm in diameter and have a typical dark blue color.
It has long been known for its countless beneficial properties on the body.
Each part of the plant can exert a specific action: the fruits slow down the cell aging process, promote diuresis, and fight water retention.
The oil extracted from the seeds is used to counter PMS and menopausal symptoms; the leaves help treat oral cavity infections and cystitis.
In addition to its medicinal uses, black currants are also widely used in cooking in the preparation of juices, jams, jellies and desserts.
Blackcurrants and allergies
What happens in allergy is that the immune system becomes over-activated when faced with normally harmless substances (such as pollen, animal dander, or food).
Because of this, histamine, the substance responsible for itching, sneezing, red eyes and swelling, is released into the body.
Blackcurrant has been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis; this is precisely because of the rich presence of anthocyanosides, which, together with Vitamin C, exert a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.
In this respect, Blackcurrant extract exerts an action similar to that of standard over-the-counter antihistamines because it blocks the action of histamine and reduces airway inflammation.
Our Black Currant Forte supplement contains not only the fruit, but also parts of the whole plant and the leaves, so as to ensure maximum effectiveness.