If you suffer from allergies, you know how annoying and uncomfortable they can be. Sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sinus pressure are some of the common symptoms that can ruin your day.
You may have tried various over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines to relieve your symptoms, but did you know that there are natural alternatives that may work just as well or even better? Antihistamines are drugs that block the effects of histamine, a chemical that your immune system releases when it detects an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander.
Histamine causes inflammation and irritation in your body, leading to allergic reactions. By blocking histamine, antihistamines can reduce or prevent these reactions.
However, antihistamines can also have side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, and blurred vision. Some people may also have allergic reactions to antihistamines themselves, or experience interactions with other medications.
That’s why some people prefer to use natural antihistamines, which are substances that can inhibit histamine production or activity without causing unwanted effects. In this blog post, we will explore some of the strongest natural antihistamines that you can use to boost your immunity and fight allergies.
We will also discuss how they work, how to use them, and what are the possible benefits and risks of each one.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is renowned as a natural antihistamine and a potent antioxidant, helping to shield cells from damage due to histamine and allergens. It plays a role in regulating the immune system and preventing excessive reactions to benign substances.
Consuming this vitamin can lower histamine levels in the blood and boost the activity of the enzyme responsible for histamine breakdown. It also improves the functioning of mast cells, which release histamine, thereby potentially easing allergic symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing.
Adults typically need 75 mg (women) and 90 mg (men) of Vitamin C daily. Some research indicates that up to 2,000 mg daily might be more effective for allergies.
Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, berries, kiwis, peppers, broccoli, and spinach, and supplements are available. However, exceeding 2,000 mg daily can lead to side effects like diarrhea and nausea.
Quercetin
Quercetin, a plant flavonoid, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine qualities. It inhibits histamine production and release from mast cells and basophils, immune cells involved in allergic reactions.
Quercetin also helps stabilize these cells’ membranes, preventing them from releasing histamine into the bloodstream. This compound influences other immune cells, like T cells and B cells, involved in antibody and cytokine production.
This action can help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema. Quercetin is present in onions, apples, grapes, berries, tea, and red wine, with an average daily intake from food ranging between 10 to 100 mg.
Higher doses, up to 1,000 mg per day, might offer greater allergy relief. Quercetin supplements are available but can interact with certain medications and cause mild side effects like headaches or stomach upset.
Bromelain
Bromelain, found in pineapple stems and fruit, is a group of enzymes known for breaking down proteins. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and antihistamine properties, helping to alleviate swelling and inflammation caused by histamine.
Bromelain also boosts the absorption and effectiveness of other antihistamines like quercetin. This enzyme complex can regulate the immune system, reducing its overreaction to benign substances.
It diminishes the production of cytokines and antibodies linked to allergic reactions and activates immune cells to remove allergens. Consequently, bromelain can help mitigate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and skin allergies.
Bromelain supplements, often combined with quercetin, are typically taken in doses of 400 to 500 mg three times daily on an empty stomach. However, it can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects like diarrhea or nausea.
Butterbur
Butterbur, a traditional remedy for headaches, fever, and asthma, contains compounds with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antihistamine effects. It inhibits histamine and leukotrienes, another inflammatory mediator, and relaxes airway and blood vessel muscles, aiding in allergy symptom relief.
Like bromelain, butterbur modulates the immune system, reducing cytokine and antibody production involved in allergic reactions. It’s available as a supplement, typically in standardized extract form.
The usual dosage for allergies is 50 to 75 mg twice daily. However, butterbur may interact with certain drugs and cause side effects like headaches or drowsiness.
Importantly, some butterbur products may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, harmful to the liver and potentially carcinogenic. It’s crucial to choose products certified free of these alkaloids.
Probiotics
Probiotics, live microorganisms beneficial to health when consumed in adequate amounts, are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, and are also available as supplements. They play a role in modulating the immune system and the gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms in the digestive tract.
These beneficial bacteria can alter the gut microbiota’s balance and diversity, impacting the production and metabolism of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. They also affect the immune cells in the gut and other mucosal tissues, such as the nose and lungs.
Probiotics boost the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that neutralizes allergens, and regulate cytokines and other signaling molecules that modulate immune responses. Thus, probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, and food allergies. However, their effectiveness depends on factors like type, strain, dosage, and duration of use.
It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using probiotics for allergies.
Comparison of Natural Antihistamines
The following table summarizes the main features, benefits, and risks of the natural antihistamines discussed above.
| Natural Antihistamine | Source | Dose | Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Fruits and vegetables, supplements | 75 to 2,000 mg per day | Reduces histamine levels and mast cell function, modulates immune system, protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation | Diarrhea, nausea, kidney stones, interactions with some medications |
| Quercetin | Onions, apples, grapes, berries, tea, red wine, supplements | 10 to 1,000 mg per day | Inhibits histamine and leukotriene production and release, stabilizes mast cells and basophils, modulates the immune system, protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation | Headache, stomach upset, tingling sensations, interactions with some medications |
| Bromelain | Pineapple stem and fruit, supplements | 400 to 500 mg three times a day | Reduces swelling and inflammation, enhances absorption and effectiveness of other antihistamines, modulates the immune system, activates immune cells that eliminate allergens | Diarrhea, nausea, allergic reactions, interactions with some medications |
| Butterbur | Plant, supplements | 50 to 75 mg twice a day | Inhibits histamine and leukotriene production and release, relaxes smooth muscles of airways and blood vessels, modulates the immune system, activates immune cells that eliminate allergens | Headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, liver damage, cancer, interactions with some medications |
| Probiotics | Fermented foods, supplements | Varies depending on type, strain, dose, and duration | Modulates immune system and gut microbiota, influences histamine and cytokine production and metabolism, enhances IgA production and secretion, regulates immune response | Varies depending on type, strain, dose, and duration, may cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, allergic reactions, interactions with some medications |
Alternative Remedies
For those seeking natural ways to manage allergic rhinitis, options are varied but should be approached with caution due to limited evidence and potential interactions with medications. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of astragalus, grape seed extract, omega-3 fatty acids, stinging nettle, French maritime pine bark extract, and spirulina in treating allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender might offer some relief by opening airways or reducing inflammation, but they should be used carefully, diluted, and not ingested. Saline nasal irrigation, using sterile water, can also help clear nasal passages.
If natural antihistamines aren’t effective, consider these alternatives:
- Allergen Avoidance: Identify and minimize exposure to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or mold.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can alleviate symptoms.
- Immunotherapy: Suitable for severe allergies or when medications fail, this involves controlled exposure to allergens to build tolerance.
- Epinephrine Treatment: For severe allergies, carrying an emergency epinephrine injector (e.g., EpiPen) is crucial for immediate response to allergic reactions.
FAQ
Can natural antihistamines replace prescription antihistamines for severe allergies?
While natural antihistamines can be effective for mild to moderate allergies, they may not be sufficient for severe allergic reactions. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for severe allergies, which may include prescription antihistamines or other medications.
Are there any dietary changes that can enhance the effectiveness of natural antihistamines?
Yes, incorporating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, and whole grains can enhance the effectiveness of natural antihistamines. Reducing intake of processed foods and those high in sugar can also be beneficial.
Can natural antihistamines help with skin allergies like eczema or hives?
Natural antihistamines like quercetin and vitamin C may help alleviate symptoms of skin allergies by reducing inflammation and histamine response. However, it’s important to combine these with other treatments recommended by a healthcare professional for comprehensive care.
How long does it take for natural antihistamines to start working?
The onset of action for natural antihistamines can vary. Some people may notice improvements within a few days, while others might need to use them for several weeks to experience significant benefits. Consistency and correct dosage are key factors.
Are natural antihistamines safe for children with allergies?
Some natural antihistamines may be safe for children, but it’s crucial to consult a pediatrician before administering any supplements or significantly altering a child’s diet. Dosages and safety can vary greatly depending on the child’s age and health condition.
Can lifestyle changes complement the use of natural antihistamines for allergy relief?
Absolutely. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding known allergens can complement the use of natural antihistamines. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga can also help manage the immune response related to allergies.
Final Words
Natural antihistamines are compounds that can suppress histamine production or activity, while also regulating the immune system to prevent overreactions to benign substances. These natural solutions can effectively alleviate allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, sinus pressure, asthma, eczema, and anaphylaxis.
Key natural antihistamines include vitamin C, quercetin, bromelain, butterbur, and probiotics, available through various foods or as supplements. However, they might carry certain risks or interact with medications, so consulting a healthcare professional before using them for allergies is advisable.