Allergy to wormwood and ragweed

People of all ages are susceptible to allergies, and pollen from plants like ragweed and wormwood is one of the most frequent seasonal triggers. For those who are sensitive to these plants, the airborne particles they release can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing and itching.

Managing such allergies can be particularly difficult for families, particularly when there are kids involved. It’s essential to comprehend how these allergens function and how to treat the symptoms if you want to keep everyone comfortable during allergy season.

This post will discuss the common symptoms to look out for, the causes of ragweed and wormwood allergies, and doable strategies for limiting exposure and controlling flare-ups. Acquiring the appropriate knowledge can be crucial, regardless of the severity of your reactions or the degree of discomfort you’re experiencing.

Symptoms of an allergy to wormwood

These two kinds of weeds can lead to:

  • lacrimation, redness of the conjunctiva and swelling of the eyelids (conjunctivitis);
  • nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing (rhinitis);
  • sore throat and occasionally swelling of the larynx and pharynx;
  • exacerbation of asthma and skin manifestations of allergies (eczema, dermatitis);
  • headache;
  • food intolerance of cross-allergens of wormwood food products.

The literature also reports cases of anaphylactic shock from inhaling common ragweed pollen, eosinophilic esophagitis, and contact dermatitis from exposure to common wormwood on exposed skin.

Wormwood and ragweed allergies are prevalent, particularly in the late summer and early fall when these plants release copious amounts of pollen. This can mean managing symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing for kids and families, as well as occasionally more severe reactions like asthma flare-ups. Families can cope with allergy season more easily if they know how to manage or prevent exposure to these allergens, identify the causes, and recognize the symptoms.

Which parts of the plant are allergenic

The amount of wormwood we use on a daily basis may surprise you.

To begin with, wormwood is a plant that is frequently used in pharmacopoeia as an appetite stimulant, anthelmintic, and anti-inflammatory.

Second, every cook is familiar with another variety of wormwood known as estragon-leaved, estragon, or tarragon. A common ingredient in Caucasian cooking is this hot herb. Azulene, a bright blue-green substance, is abundant in natural tarragon syrup, which was a component of the well-known Soviet lemonade bearing the same name.

Finally, wormwood is used to make popular alcoholic drinks. The most famous is absinthe, a bright green liqueur that in the past contained a significant amount of toxic plant volatile substances – thujone and absinthine, which caused hallucinations and inspired the impressionists to create masterpieces. Manet, Degas, Picasso and Van Gogh were no strangers to this drink, but now you are unlikely to find inspiration in absinthe – the modern drink has a different composition. The bitterness of wormwood gives a unique taste to vermouths – Martini and Campari, liqueurs – Czech Becherovka, domestic Zubrovka, and many others. But the leaves and stems of wormwood – pharmaceutical and food raw materials – do not contain allergens.

However, the eleven chemicals that wormwood pollen contains are found in the grain’s shell and cause allergies. I use the initials of the Latin species name Artemisia to identify them: Art1, 2… 11. The strongest allergens, Art1 and Art11, are also found in ragweed pollen and can sensitize 10 to 50 percent of people when they come into contact with them. Ninety percent of people who are allergic to common wormwood pollen experience allergic reactions when exposed to common ragweed pollen.

In central Russia, the wormwood pollination season starts in mid-July, peaks in the first ten days of August, and ends in October. The plant blooms in Siberia from the end of July through the first frosts. Additionally, August and the first two months of fall are allergy season in regions with mild to moderate temperatures (Western Europe, North America).

The morning is when the pollen concentration is at its highest.

Cross allergies and food intolerance

As the history of the relationship between birch catkins and apples (read here>>>>) has already shown, the immune system’s tendency to view plant proteins similarly results in highly branched crosses between even the most seemingly unrelated allergens.

Because these plants share a protein profilin, birch, wormwood, celery, and other umbelliferous pollen can cause cross-food allergies or intolerances (differences in the severity of symptoms and duration). Look around if eating fresh celery (stalks, roots, and juice) in the winter does not make you sneeze or scratch your eyes when you come into contact with greens in a salad, or if drinking healthy, fresh vegetable juice in the warm months suddenly starts to give you a sore throat. What does blooming mean?

Twenty percent of individuals who have become sensitized to profilin will exhibit signs of dietary intolerance and react to plants:

  • umbelliferous family (carrots, parsley, celery, caraway seeds, dill, fennel, cumin);
  • stone fruit family (apples, pears, plums, researchers especially highlight peaches);
  • nightshade family (bell peppers, potatoes);
  • Cucurbitaceae family (cucumber, zucchini, melon).
  • As well as to pollen of weeds and birch.

Pollen grain wall protein sensitization Cross-reactions with cruciferous (cabbage, mustard) are provided by Art 4.

After coming into contact with any allergen—not just pollinating plants—high levels of IgE can lead to reactions to foods like onions, garlic, fermented foods like pickled vegetables, mature cheeses, and wine, which can cause mast cells to release histamines.

Allergy to Wormwood Wormwood allergies can cause sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Symptoms might worsen during the summer and fall when wormwood is in bloom.
Allergy to Ragweed Ragweed allergies often lead to nasal congestion, itchy throat, and coughing. The pollen from ragweed is a common trigger in late summer and early fall.
Common Symptoms Both wormwood and ragweed allergies can cause similar symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose.
Prevention Tips To reduce symptoms, avoid outdoor activities during high pollen seasons, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers.

Wormwood and ragweed allergies can be uncomfortable, particularly in the months when pollen counts are highest. Itching, watery eyes, and sneezing are examples of symptoms that can interfere with daily life and need to be carefully managed.

It is possible to manage symptoms with appropriate measures, like reducing exposure to pollen, taking prescribed drugs, and speaking with a healthcare professional. It can be very beneficial to keep an indoor environment clean and to be aware of high pollen times.

Families can lessen the negative effects of these seasonal allergies on their health and well-being by being proactive and adopting easy precautions to protect against allergens.

Video on the topic

Allergy to wormwood. School of health. GuberniaTV

How to get rid of allergies forever? Doctor Tsarevskaya A. tells.A. #medicine #allergy #health

Seasonal allergies (hay fever).

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Anna Petrova

Child psychologist with 10 years of experience. I work with children and parents, helping to understand the intricacies of upbringing, psycho-emotional development and the formation of healthy relationships in the family. I strive to share useful tips so that every child feels happy and loved.

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