Antihistamine
We all know that our health is (or should be) the most important thing for us to worry about. Keeping our immune system optimized is one of the best ways to do this.
Here are a number of natural antihistamines that may help relieve allergy symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C boosts the immune system as well as acting as a natural antihistamine.
In 2018 studies found that Vitamin C proved effective in the treatment of allergies as well as being a powerful; antioxidant as well as possessing anti-inflammatory properties.
Oxidative stress plays a key role in allergic diseases, and high doses of intravenous Vitamin C has shown to reduce allergy symptoms. Vitamin C deficiency may also be related to allergy-related diseases.
Vitamin C supplements, with and without bioflavonoids, are available in health food shops, online and other outlets online.
Vitamin C is found in the following natural foods:
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cantaloupe Melon
- Cauliflower
- Citrus Fruits
- Kiwifruit
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes and Tomato Juice
- Butternut Squash
Butterbur
Butterbur is a respected and reputable plant extract from a shrub found in Asia, Europe and some of South America. It is used to remedy migraines as well as improving uncomfortable allergic symptoms while avoiding the sedative effects of antihistamine.
Raw butterbur extracts contain compounds called alkaloids that can cause liver damage and cancer, although Butterbur extracts without these substances are available.
No research documenting the long-term effects of these products has been shown. People with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies will experience an allergic reaction to butterbur.
Bromelain
Pineapple juice contains the anti-inflammatory enzyme Bromelain.
Bromelain is an enzyme found in the core and juice of pineapples and is also available as a supplement.
Bromelain is a widely used natural remedy for swelling and inflammation, especially of post injury/surgery of the sinuses.
Research on mice suggests that Bromelain can reduce allergic sensitization and allergic airway disease thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
The oral administration of Bromelain can cause side effects such as:
- Changes in menstruation
- Digestive upset
- Increased heart rate
People who are allergic to pineapple should avoid Bromelain. Bromelain supplements are available at health stores and online.
Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms may offer health benefits by promoting maintain a balanced amount of good bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics can boost the immune system, helping it to fight off intolerances and allergies. (See my article Probiotics Pack A Powerful Punch here.)
Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid found in many plants and foods. Studies show adding quercetin to the diet may help relieve allergy symptoms, proving to possess antihistamine qualities.
Quercetin is naturally present in the following foods:
- Apples
- Berries
- Black tea
- Broccoli
- Buckwheat tea
- Grapes
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Green tea
- Peppers
- Red onions
- Red wine
It is worth noting that some people, of course, are allergic to Grapes, Apples, Red Onions etc, so where does that leave them? Well, in these cases, it is best to take an anti-histamine tablet, prescribed by your health practitioner.
Taking supplements of Quercetin will be more effective than consuming them in the foods they are found in because foods contain significantly lower levels of the flavonoid.
Quercetin may cause headaches and tingling in the arms and legs of some people, and high doses, especially when taken long-term, may cause kidney damage.
Other natural Anti-allergy Antihistamine remedies include:
- Astragalus
- Grape seed extract
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Stinging nettle
- Pycnogenol
- Spirulina
Alternative Allergy Treatments
Using natural anti-allergy remedies may not work for everybody and in some cases alternative medication is advisable.
Medication
Antihistamines break down histamines in the body, and like allergy medicines can ease off the immune system’s reaction to the allergen. Antihistamine medications can reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment for people with more severe allergies where allergy medicines prove ineffective.
The premise is to inject minute amounts of the allergen into the body over several years until the body is desensitised to the allergen. Pollen allergies have been treated with sublingual immunotherapy, placing a tablet under the tongue until it dissolves.
Epinephrine Treatment
People experiencing severe allergies may need to carry an emergency epinephrine shot (
Day-to-Day
Although it is challenging to manage allergies on a daily basis (especially if you experience symptoms on a daily basis) there is extensive information and healthcare practitioners and doctors can always advise on how to manage these conditions.
As mentioned in this article, many natural substances can have antihistamine properties, and where possible avoiding exposure to known allergens is always an advantage, alongside consumption of natural antihistamines.
What Vicky Says:
I’ve got a client who puts a beetroot in his smoothie every morning and he hasn’t had Hayfever since. The minute he stops with the Beetroot, he starts sneezing!
As always, here at Juicy Lucy’s Kitchen, before embarking on any new or different regime of supplements, and natural remedies, please check that they don’t interfere with certain medications, it is advisable to check with a nutritionist, Naturopath, herbalist or doctor beforehand.
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