Wasabi
Wasabi is an integral part of Japanese cuisine. This green condiment is fiery hot and served with many Japanese foods such as sushi. The wasabi plant is commonly known as the Japanese horseradish. It is so powerful that a smattering will clear your sinuses up in seconds. Wasabi is different from the capsaicin in chili peppers. Capsaicin causes a burning sensation on the tongue. Wasabi releases vapor into the nasal passages. The burning is a short-lived sensation and soon wears off. Wasabi contains allyl isothiocyanates. These compounds help get mucus in the body flowing.
Allergic rhinitis causes an overflow of mucus in the body. There is mucus in the throat which forms a postnasal drip. There is also mucus in the nasal passages. Expelling the mucus from the body helps you to overcome an allergy attack. Wasabi has antibacterial properties to ward off the potential infection allergic rhinitis can cause. As an anti-inflammatory, wasabi can ease the swelling of the nasal cavities and sinuses. You needn’t like the taste of wasabi to make the most of its allergy relieving properties. Most pharmacies sell capsules containing freeze-dried wasabi extract. Studies into why and how wasabi can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies are ongoing.