What is the most powerful natural antihistamine
The 4 Best Natural Antihistamines
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If you have seasonal allergies, you know they can be challenging. Sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure these symptoms can become difficult to tolerate.
Youve likely used many over-the-counter (OTC) solutions to attempt to lessen these seasonal symptoms and may want to try something else. Theres evidence that completely natural solutions may ease your symptoms.
Whether its called hay fever, allergic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies, numerous drugs both prescription and OTC are available to help combat these cold-like symptoms. But some of these medications have their own lengthy list of side effects.
Understanding how antihistamines work can help you better understand how natural antihistamines can be an ally during allergy season.
Your allergies are an immune response to an otherwise harmless substance. This substance whether its pollen, animal dander, or dust comes into contact with cells in the mucus membranes of your nose, mouth, throat, lungs, stomach, and intestines. In a person with allergies, this ends up triggering the release of the chemical histamine.
Histamine is a part of the immune system that causes all the symptoms you associate with allergies the sneezing, itching, and cold-like symptoms you dislike. Antihistamines block histamine activity, seeking to stop the allergic reaction.
Many allergy medications on the shelves of your local drugstore work as antihistamines. But there are also certain foods and plant extracts that may similarly block the effects of histamine.
A common herb in natural medicine, stinging nettle, may also be a natural antihistamine. In a 2000 study, 58 percent of participants found their symptoms relieved with the use of freeze-dried nettles, and 69 participants rated it better than the placebo.
Stinging nettle can be found online and at health food stores. The study participants in question used 300 milligrams (mg) each day.
Quercetin is an antioxidant found naturally in onions, apples, and other produce.
A
You can purchase quercetin as a supplement or simply add more quercetin-rich foods to your diet (the better choice of the two).
Bromelain is a compound most commonly found in pineapples, but you can also find it in supplement form. Its said to be effective at treating respiratory distress and inflammation associated with allergies.
A 2000 study suggests taking between 400 to 500 mg three times daily.
Taking in bromelain through pineapple consumption is recommended.
Butterbur is a marsh plant thats part of the daisy family, found throughout Europe and in regions of Asia and North America.
Other
Butterbur can be taken as an oil extract or in pill form.
When you have allergies, relief can seem just out of reach. By combining natural remedies with proper self-care and allergen avoidance (when possible), you can find allergy symptom relief. Proper diet and exercise can help your immune system operate at its highest levels.
Also, remember that while food sources of these antihistamines are natural and safe, supplements arent regulated in the United States. So, be sure to get them from quality sources, and check with your doctor prior to using supplements.
Where can I get quercetin?
- Quercetin is found in grapefruit, apples, and okra.
- Its available as a supplement in pill and tablet form, but try to opt for natural sources first.
9 Best Natural Antihistamines For Allergies and Immune Health
The Link Between Allergies + Histamines
Histamines are chemicals in your body that are produced in response to allergens. Specifically, your body produces white blood cells called mast cells to release histamines during the inflammatory-immune response to allergens like the rise in pollen as the weather changes. While this is part of a healthy balanced immune system, chronic allergies are not normal.
As the weather changes the increase in pollen in the air contributes to the rise in season allergy symptoms. However, if your allergies are anything but seasonal, something else is to blame. In fact, our modern world has a lot to do with it.
Everything from toxin exposure, environmental pollution, mold, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammation both trigger an allergic response and mess with your bodys natural ability to fight off allergens.
Antihistamines work to block your bodys histamine response to this onslaught of allergens in order to bring relief from these uncomfortable symptoms.
Artificial Vs Natural Antihistamines
Conventional medicine often turns to artificial antihistamines like Benadryl to relieve symptoms. While these do offer temporary relief, they can come with a slew of other negative side effects like sedation, dry mouth, drowsiness, impaired memory, headaches, and cardiac arrhythmia. Plus, theres the cost of continually buying these expensive pills to consider, too. Basically, you are just exchanging one symptom for another problem!
Even worse, potency of these medications can wear out over time with continued use, leaving you with a baggage of side effects alongside your persistent allergy symptoms.
What Is A Natural Antihistamine?
Certain substances like foods, vitamins, or supplements, naturally contain antihistamines and other compounds that assist in fighting your bodys allergen response. Research is continually evolving surrounding these natural antihistamines, but I have seen strong anecdotal experiences and scientific evidence to support the use of all-natural antihistamines.
What is the most powerful natural antihistamine?? Some of my top recommendations include:
1. Stinging Nettle
This shrub has been used for thousands of years across the world as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. Recently, its use as an herbal antihistamine has been on the rise as well, but further research needs to be done on its long-term efficacy. The mechanism by which it can help allergies may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are supported by studies (1).
How to use: You can find stinging nettle in tea, tinctures, and capsule supplements.
2. Vitamin C
Both inflammation and high levels of oxidative stress have been linked to chronic allergies. Vitamin C has been shown to act as both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. (2) While Vitamin C is found in many foods like oranges, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and grapefruit; a high-quality supplement can help give your vitamin C levels a much-needed boost if you are deficient.
How to use: Eat more Vitamin C-rich superfoods or take a high-quality, bioavailable supplement like Brillian-C.
3. Quercetin
This antioxidant is also a natural antihistamine due to its ability to inhibit histamine production and pro-inflammatory pathways. Studies have shown that it can also regulate your immune system by balancing your Th1/Th2 white blood cell levels. (3) As these operate as part of your bodys defense system to fight off viruses, bacteria, and allergens, an imbalance of these cells can lead to increased inflammation and a poor immune response to allergens.
How to use: Eat more quercetin-rich plant foods like apples, berries, dark leafy greens, and broccoli. and/or take a high-quality supplement.
READ MORE: Quercetin Supplement: Amazing Health Benefits And Use Guide
4.Bromelain
This enzyme is uniquely found only in pineapples, it has been used for years to fight inflammation with studies also showing it to be effective at reducing allergy-related inflammation and respiratory irritation, making it an extremely effective natural antihistamine. (4)
How to use: Take a high-quality bromelain supplement. Its important to note that while bromelain is found in pineapples, they actually contain a high amount of naturally occurring histamines, so it's best to avoid eating fresh pineapple if you have issues with histamine such as histamine intolerance.
5. Probiotics
Your gut is the foundation of your entire health, especially your immune system. In fact, close to 80% of your immune system resides in your gut. Thats why it is so important to prioritize the health of your gut when it comes to fighting off allergies as it directly impacts the strength of your immune system.
Because your gut microbiome is made up of a collection of various bacteria strains - some good and some bad - the goal is to make sure the good guys outnumber the bad. Probiotics work to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your microbiome.
How to use: Eat more probiotic-rich superfoods like sauerkraut, kefir, and tempeh. Take a high-quality probiotic supplement like The Probiotic. Also, feed the good bacteria already in your gut with prebiotic foods rich in fiber, especially garlic, asparagus, and onions. These foods act as a food source to good gut bacteria to facilitate their growth and multiplication in your gut.
6. Butterbur
Commonly found throughout Europe and parts of Asia and North America, this shrub is often used to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and migraines. Research has examined its efficacy as a natural antihistamine and has found it to be just as effective at reducing symptoms without the drowsiness that accompanies traditional antihistamines. (5)
How to use: Look for a high-quality supplement in capsule or liquid form.
7. Ginger
This root is more than just a flavorful addition to your recipes. It is actually a powerful antihistamine with studies showing it is actually comparable to the conventional antihistamine Loratadine in treating seasonal allergies without any of the negative side effects. (6)
How to use: Cook with more fresh or ground ginger, drink as a tea, and/or take a high-quality supplement.
LEARN MORE: Ginger: A Functional Medicine Guide
8. Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil, from the nigella sativa plant, has shown some good results for treating allergy symptoms. These include nasal congestion, itchy nose, runny nose, and sneezing. (7)
How to use: Black seed oil can be ingested as a pill or liquid. It can also be massaged into the skin. Keep in mind that if you use it for cooking, black seed oil has a low smoke point, so it might be best to keep it to things like dressings, mixed with other flavors.
9. Turmeric
I love turmeric for so many reasons. Its magic lies in the active component curcumin. Research has shown that curcumin has antiallergic properties and inhibits histamine release from mast cells. (8)
How to use: Take a supplement like The Curcumin. You can also add turmeric powder to soups, smoothies, or to make a golden milk latte. Find the recipe for that latte and other anti-inflammatory drinks you can make in this article.
Additional Natural Antihistamine Solutions
In addition to switching to natural antihistamines, there are many other natural ways to alleviate symptoms of seasonal and chronic allergies, including:
- Acupuncture
- Neti pot
- Essential oils
- Switch to non-toxic products
- Get your house checked for mold
- Use an air purifier at home
- Change your diet
- Eat more nutrient-dense superfoods
Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help you further determine the best course of action to address your symptoms.
9 Proven Natural Antihistamines
I am very familiar with seasonal and plenty of other types of allergy. As a child, I suffered very badly from springtime onwards with all the usual symptoms including rough, itchy or watering eyes, constant bouts of sneezing and congestion.
Spot testing found that I was extremely allergic to everything from house dust to rabbits to human hair of all things. Funny enough, I was allergic to cats but not to dogs so we had to say farewell to Lucy the cat while the dogs remained as part of the family.
Back in those days, there was little awareness of natural treatments for allergies and I was largely treated with antihistamine medications before finally being cured with a series of injections known as allergen immunotherapy over the course of a year or so.
Pharmaceutical antihistamines are well-known to have an extensive list of undesirable side effects. They make you very tired and as a child they had a detrimental effect on my ability to focus at school and to my work at night.
People taking antihistamine medication are advised not to drive not operate machinery which can affect their day to day lives and also their ability to work effectively and safely.
Fortunately, there is growing evidence that you can keep your allergic reactions in check naturally and with far fewer of the after effects so familiar to those who rely on over the counter medications.
How Antihistamines Work
Allergic reactions are effectively your bodys immune response to a substance which is otherwise harmless. When a substance like pollen, pet dander or dust makes contact with your mucus membranes whether in the nose, throat, mouth or lungs an immune response occurs which causes histamine to be released.
Histamine is actually a protein and its release into your system is responsible for the many familiar allergic symptoms that you are so desperate to be free of.
Antihistamines, as the name implies, inhibit the production of histamines and prevent allergic reaction from happening.
If you suffer from allergies, then no doubt you have tried various antihistamine medications and you may well have also suffered from their side effects.
Fortunately there are alternatives to be found in nature and various foods and herbs may be an effective and much safer option. Lets take a look at some of the best-known natural antihistamines.
Natural Antihistamines
1. Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant flavonoid and natural antioxidant found in a number of foods including apples, onions, citrus fruit, red wine and berries. Several animal studies have showed that quercetin was an effective treatment for allergies because of its ability to reduce the respiratory effects of histamine.
A study published in 2007 demonstrated that quercetin reduced inflammation in the airways of rats with researchers concluding that it was a potential natural treatment for allergies. (1)
Quercetin is widely available in supplementary form but you could also try adding foods rich in quercetin to your daily diet. The recommended dose of quercetin for allergic rhinitis is between 250 mg and 600 mg three times each day before meals and may be more effective when taking bromelain at the same time.
2. Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a commonly used herb which is often drunk in the form of a soothing, healthy tea. Studies have revealed that it may actually be an effective treatment against allergies.
One commonly cited study with 60 participants found that 58% of those who were treated with stinging nettles at a dose of 300 mg a day experienced a significant reduction in their allergic symptoms with 48% rating it effective when compared to their prescription medications. (2)
3. Vitamin C
Studies have found that Vitamin C can exert a variety of inhibitory effects on histamine. It seems to block the secretion of histamines by the bodys white blood cells and also to improve its detoxification. One study that treated participants with a vitamin C nasal spray 3 times a day found that 74% experienced an improvement in allergic symptoms including congestion and edema. (3)
Vitamin C is a great option to deal with your allergies because it is non-toxic and free of any unwanted side effects. Of course, you can get increase the amount of dietary vitamin C in your diet but supplements are also freely available. Studies suggest taking at least 2 grams each day for allergic rhinitis.
4. Salt
Believe it or not, salt might be a surprising addition to your allergy prevention arsenal.There are no studies to back this up but plenty of anecdotal evidence is available to suggest that it is very effective.
- Proponents suggest placing a little unprocessed salt onto your tongue and letting it absorb.
- Another option is to place a little on your hand or arm and licking it off. It is certainly worth a try and in small enough doses is unlikely to do you any harm.
5. Bromelain
Bromelain is a naturally occurring enzyme which is present in high levels pineapples. Studies have revealed that bromelain may be an effective natural antihistamine because it can treat respiratory problems and other allergic symptoms.
It does this by blocking the agents responsible for inflammation. While it is present in the pineapple fruit, it can be bought in higher concentrations in supplementary form. Experts recommend taking 400 or 500 mgs three times daily for best effect. When combined with quercetin, it may be even more effective.
6. Butterbur
Butterbur is an herb which grows commonly throughout Europe, North America and Asia. Studies have demonstrated that as well as being effective against migraines, it is an extremely effective natural antihistamine.
A British study published in the BMJ in 2002 which recruited 125 patients found that after two weeks of treatment with butterbur it was just as effective as Zyrtec-a commonly prescribed antihistamine medication.
There are however some safety concerns regarding butterbur and it is important that you purchase butterbur certified to be free of PA or pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are known to cause liver damage.
7. Spirulina
Spirulina is a little known natural remedy for allergic rhinitis. It is actually a bluish green type of algae which preliminary studies suggest can exert an antihistamine effect. Spirulina inhibits the release of the histamine responsible for the familiar allergic symptoms.
It should be noted however that research conducted to date has only been done in vitro and on animals and there is no guarantee that it would have the same effect on humans.
8. Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb which belongs to the legume family which preliminary studies have shown may reduce allergic response. A study published in 2010 which used a formula containing 40% polysaccharides found that astragalus reduced familiar symptoms of allergic rhinitis including sneezing, itching and runny nose. (5)
9. Essential Oils
Several essential oils may also be effective in relieving the symptoms of your allergies. We have published a detailed article about the best essential oils for allergy relief here but if you cant wait to find out, some of the very best essential oils to relieve your allergies include:
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Basil
- Tea tree
- Lemon
Natural Antihistamines for Children
It can be very distressing to see your child suffering from allergies but there are several natural remedies that you can try without fear of side effects. Of course, it is always wise to speak to your doctor before trying to treat your child with any natural remedy but nettle tea is considered to be safe as is vitamin C and several of the more gentle essential oils such as lavender and clary sage.
Bottom Line
If you are one of the tens of millions of people who are affected by allergies, the there are plenty of natural remedies that you can try as well as the common lifestyle changes like avoiding the allergens in the first place. Please let us know if you have tried these or any other remedies and also how they worked out for you.
Good luck. (1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18026696 (2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2192379 (3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2065622 (4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11799030 (5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19504468
