Dealing with seasonal allergies can be a real struggle, especially with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus pressure, and a scratchy throat.
While many people turn to over-the-counter or prescription solutions, natural antihistamines can also offer relief from these symptoms. Let’s explore how they work and which natural options might be beneficial.
In this blog post:
WHAT ARE ANTIHISTAMINES
TYPES OF ANTIHISTAMINES
WHAT ARE NATURAL ANTIHISTAMINES
HOW DO NATURAL ANTIHISTAMINES WORK
TOP 10 EFFECTIVE NATURAL ANTIHISTAMINES
BENEFITS OF NATURAL ANTIHISTAMINES
What are Antihistamines?
Antihistamines help with allergies by stopping histamine, a chemical made by the immune system, from causing symptoms. They also use them to prevent motion sickness, alleviate nausea, and as a short-term solution for insomnia.
Although effective, conventional antihistamines can have side effects such as drowsiness and nausea, prompting some to seek natural alternatives.
Types of Antihistamines
Typically, doctors classify antihistamines into two groups:
a. Sedating Antihistamines: These can make you feel drowsy and include medications like chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, and promethazine.
b. Non-Sedating Antihistamines: These are less likely to cause drowsiness and include medications like cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine.
They come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, gels, eyedrops, and nasal sprays.
What are Natural Antihistamines?
Natural antihistamines come from foods, herbs, plants, and supplements. They can help with allergies by fighting against histamine in the body. For those with allergies, natural antihistamines can offer symptom relief.
How Do Natural Antihistamines Work?
Natural antihistamines reduce inflammation and strengthen mucous membranes, which helps with itching and sneezing by limiting histamine release. Common natural antihistamines include quercetin, bromelain, vitamin C, and probiotics. They offer a holistic alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, particularly for mild allergy symptoms.
Top 10 Effective Natural Antihistamines
1. Butterbur
People value Butterbur, a shrub from Europe, Asia, and North America, for its medicinal properties. People have used it since the Middle Ages to help with various health issues. These include urinary problems, stomach aches, headaches, allergies, and more.
Researchers believe that Butterbur helps with allergies by reducing inflammation, similar to vitamin C. This could provide relief from allergy symptoms caused by inflammation.
Bromelain, a collection of enzymes present in pineapples, holds potential health advantages. In the past, people in Central and South America used pineapples to help with digestion and sinus problems.
Certain practitioners in naturopathy suggest its efficacy in relieving nasal congestion by mitigating nasal inflammation.
Bromelain supplements have more enzyme than fresh pineapple. This is because people usually do not consume the stem and core, which contain the most bromelain. Click the button below to shop Bromelain-enriched products!
Vitamin C can help reduce cold symptoms and inflammation. It also has strong antioxidant properties. Recent research indicates that inflammation plays a crucial role in allergy symptoms, and reducing inflammation may alleviate these symptoms.
You can get Vitamin C from supplements or foods. Foods high in Vitamin C are red and green peppers, oranges, grapefruits, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts. Grab yours by clicking the button below.
Probiotics are good bacteria and yeasts in your gut that help your digestion and immune system. Recent research indicates their potential in alleviating allergies.
Having a good balance of microorganisms in the gut is important for a strong immune system. Scientists call it the gut microbiome. Conversely, an imbalance may trigger abnormal immune responses and the onset of immune-related conditions like allergies.
By restoring equilibrium to the gut microbiome, probiotics may help mitigate allergic reactions. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, pickles, and sourdough bread, not just in supplements. Choose your probiotic essentials now!
5. Berberine
Berberine, an extract derived from the barberry plant, possesses antibacterial, gastrointestinal, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. While human studies are limited, research in mice indicates that berberine may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on allergic rhinitis. This suggests its potential to alleviate inflammation and allergy symptoms, presenting a promising alternative treatment option.
Quercetin, an antioxidant abundant in various plants, exhibits promising anti-allergy properties. Research conducted on rats suggests that quercetin may obstruct the pathways responsible for histamine release into the bloodstream.
This mechanism is believed to occur through the inhibition of mast cells, specialized blood cells that release histamine upon activation.
While quercetin naturally occurs in numerous foods and herbs, including apples, berries, black tea, broccoli, buckwheat tea, grapes, Ginkgo biloba, and green tea, its effectiveness in treating allergies is better attained through supplements rather than dietary intake.
This preference arises from the significantly higher levels of the flavonoid found in supplements compared to foods.
Hailing from the Urtica dioica shrub, stinging nettle is a globally recognized herbal remedy with a rich historical lineage. Its versatility extends to both topical and oral applications, catering to a wide array of unrelated conditions. Notably, some practitioners within the naturopathic community endorse its potential as an antihistamine.
The availability of stinging nettle spans diverse forms, from teas to tinctures and supplements, providing flexibility in consumption. Nevertheless, it's essential to be mindful of potential side effects, which may include upset stomach, fluid retention, sweating, and diarrhea.
Spirulina, an algae variant commonly consumed in supplement or powdered format, has garnered attention for its potential antihistamine properties.
Recent research, exemplified by a 2020 study involving 53 subjects with allergic rhinitis, indicates that spirulina might outperform traditional antihistamines like cetirizine in alleviating allergic symptoms.
Notably, researchers observed that to reap these benefits, individuals may need to administer a relatively high dosage of approximately 2 grams of spirulina divided into four daily portions.
Cinnamon Ceylon, derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, has a long history in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This natural antihistamine targets inflammation, reducing allergy symptoms. Known as "true cinnamon," it comes in various forms like powders, extracts, and supplements, offering a convenient option for natural allergy relief.
Compared to Cinnamon Cassia contains higher levels of antioxidants. Often used in Ayurvedic medicine for its mild and beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and digestion.
Black pepper extract, a staple in traditional medicine, is believed to possess antihistamine properties effective in reducing allergy symptoms.
Widely used for treating ailments ranging from bacterial infections to inflammation, black pepper extract supplements are readily available and serve as a convenient addition to natural health routines.
Benefits of Natural Antihistamines
Natural antihistamines are gaining popularity for their ability to manage allergy symptoms without the drawbacks of synthetic medications. Here are four key benefits of using natural antihistamines:
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Many natural antihistamines come with the added benefit of anti-inflammatory properties. For example, bromelain, an enzyme present in pineapples, not only helps to decrease histamine levels but also reduces inflammation in the body.
This can be particularly beneficial for conditions like asthma or chronic sinusitis, where inflammation plays a significant role. By addressing both histamine production and inflammation, natural antihistamines offer a more comprehensive approach to managing allergic reactions.
Enhanced Immune Function
Natural antihistamines often provide additional immune system support. Vitamin C, a potent natural antihistamine found in citrus fruits and leafy greens, helps to lower histamine levels while also boosting the immune system.
This dual action can help the body to better fend off allergens and reduce the severity of allergic reactions over time. A stronger immune system means the body is better equipped to handle allergens, potentially reducing the frequency of allergic episodes.
High Antioxidant Content
A significant advantage of natural antihistamines is their richness in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can contribute to inflammation and other health issues. By incorporating antioxidant-rich natural antihistamines into your diet, you can support overall health and well-being while managing allergy symptoms.
Nutritional Benefits
Natural antihistamines often come from nutrient-dense foods that provide a wide range of health benefits. Foods high in quercetin, such as berries, apples, and onions, are also rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
This means that while you are managing your allergies, you are also nourishing your body with important nutrients that support overall health. Incorporating these foods into your diet can enhance your nutritional intake, leading to better health outcomes beyond just allergy relief.
In summary, natural antihistamines offer a holistic approach to managing allergies. They come with fewer side effects, provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits, are rich in antioxidants, and contribute to overall nutritional health.
This makes them a valuable option for those seeking a more natural and comprehensive way to address allergy symptoms. Browse through our collection of allergy and hay fever remedies by clicking this button.
Conclusion
Navigating through allergy season doesn't have to rely solely on pharmaceuticals.
Natural antihistamines like butterbur, bromelain, and quercetin provide effective, holistic alternatives for alleviating symptoms.
These natural options can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and minimize the discomfort of allergies with fewer side effects.
Before adding any new supplements to your routine, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they're suitable for you. Embrace nature's remedies and breathe easier, knowing you have healthy, natural options at your disposal.
Sources:
Dellwo, A. (2024, March 27). 6 Natural Antihistamines to Help With Allergies. Verywell Health. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-antihistamine-5224433
Leonard, J. (2024, February 27). Top 8 natural antihistamines for allergies. Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323276
Schaefer, A. (2020, January 3). The 4 Best Natural Antihistamines. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/best-natural-antihistamines
National Health Service. (n.d.). Antihistamines. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antihistamines/#:~:text=Antihistamines%20are%20medicines%20often%20used,short%2Dterm%20treatment%20for%20insomnia.
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Antihistamines. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21223-antihistamines
