Antihistamines are one of the classes of medications that are commonly employed to treat symptoms associated with allergic reactions. These medications help treat diseases that are caused by excessive histamine, a substance produced by the immune system of your body.
Antihistamines block histamine’s activities in the body. Histamine is a protein that can trigger allergic reactions, like sneezing, eyes that are itchy, and a scratchy throat.
The over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamines are efficient in relieving symptoms, however, they may cause adverse negative effects, including nausea and drowsiness. In the end, many individuals are interested in trying alternative remedies that are natural.
What is an Effective Natural Antihistamine?
Natural antihistamines give allergy relief similar to pharmaceutical antihistamines do. They’re thought to also have fewer side effects than prescription and prescription antihistamines. These include sleepiness.
It is possible for individuals to get used to the use of the antihistamines in the pharmaceutical market in time, which could reduce their effectiveness; however, this isn’t the situation with natural alternatives.
In comparison with ancient antihistamines that are pharmaceutical, natural antihistamines will take a touch longer to kick in – some a pair of weeks, or maybe more.
Natural antihistamines are found in abundance in vegetable fruits and herbs. They can also be consumed in tablet or capsule form. Learn more about this below.
What Histamines Do — A Brief Allergy Background
Histamine is an amino acid that causes the uncomfortable symptoms of allergy that such as runny nose, eye itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, and further. Histamine is produced by mast cells when they are exposed to environmental triggers of allergic reactions (things like dust, pollen, dander, or any other skin irritations).
Mast cells collaborate with other cells within your immune system and cause inflammation, which you notice as sniffling, coughing Sneezing, and many of your favorite allergy symptoms.
Therefore, even although histamine is a component of your allergic reaction, the ability to control or reduce the production of it can have a substantial positive effect on the reduction of the symptoms of allergy.
Natural antihistamines might not be able to compete with the effectiveness of OTC alternatives, but their efficacy is well-documented in case you’re looking for a more effective solution.
The article below will discuss the top five natural antihistamines. We also review the research behind the effectiveness of these medications.
- Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid present in a wide variety of plants and food items. Studies suggest that adding quercetin to your diet could help alleviate symptoms of allergy.
Quercetin has been identified as a substance that may possess anti-allergic as well as antihistamine qualities.
In a study on animals, researchers discovered that quercetin can lower the effects on the respiratory system of allergies in mice through slowing inflammation of the airways.
But, evidence to support its effectiveness is mixed. According to the NCCIH, it is not enough evidence to suggest quercetin may help relieve allergic rhinitis.
Quercetin is found naturally in a myriad of herbs and foods which include:
- apples
- Berry
- black tea
- Broccoli
- Tea made from buckwheat
- grapes
- Ginkgo biloba
- green tea
- Vitamin C
According to a study conducted in 2018 on the impact on the effects of Vitamin C on allergies, large doses of infusions of Vitamin C aid in helping reduce symptoms of allergy. It’s believed the antioxidant qualities of Vitamin C helped in reducing the oxidative stress that triggers allergies.
An additional study conducted in 2000 revealed that taking 2,000 mg of Vitamin C daily can be helpful in reducing histamine levels.
- Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle – yes it is the plant that could cause swelling and itching when you stroke it incorrectly for herbal as well as a homeopathic treatment for many centuries. It is often used in the treatment of Gout, diabetes, and arthritis as well as for allergies that occur during the season.
As with quercetin and stinging nettle, the stinging nett has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that could prove beneficial in the treatment of allergic rhinitis 21. In an in vitro study, the researchers also found that the extract of stinging nettle was able to block the histamine-related activity which is responsible for the hayfever symptoms. However, in a randomized controlled study of people suffering from allergies, they found no difference in the effects between stinging and substitute 23. As of now, the research findings are inconsistent to make stinging nettle an effective natural antihistamine.
- Astragalus
Astragalus can be described as an ayurvedic remedy that enhances its production of interferon. Interferon blocks the majority of cell functions which includes the release of histamine. If your immune system reacts too strongly to the body, even small quantities of allergens can trigger an increase in allergic reactions. One may suffer from nasal congestion, a runny nose, ear stuffiness as well as dry coughs, eyes that are red and swollen, and a scratchy throat. Astragalus can help to soothe our immune system thereby decreasing allergic reactions.
- A shift in lifestyle
A regular exercise routine and balanced diet can lessen the symptoms of allergy. Researchers have discovered that 30 mins of moderate exercise every day can help relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.
Fruits and vegetables that are packed with essential vitamins, including Vitamin C, can aid in keeping your immune system strong. Utilizing the saline nasal spray nasal irrigation to eliminate airborne allergens out of your nose can also help reduce nasal congestion and sneezing during the course of.
- Black Seed Oil
The amber-colored oil derived from the seeds that are black that are part of the blossoming Nigella Sativa plant has powerful anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supportive components.
In one study over half of the participants experienced an improvement in symptoms of allergy like an irritation to the nose and inflammation following applying the oil of black seeds for six weeks.