Take Back Springtime With These NATURAL Antihistamines

April 05, 2022
Posted by Malcolm Lamb

Spring! The weather is warming up, and the trees are getting their leaves back, but for many of us, pesky allergies have us running from flowers rather than stopping to smell them.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. Itchy or watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, headache, sneezing. No thank you!

Medicine used to treat allergies are often referred to as antihistamines, but over-the-counter antihistamines can be expensive and often come with side effects such as drowsiness.

Thankfully, natural alternatives to popular over-the- counter antihistamines exist and are widely available!

What’s an Antihistamine?

Allergic reactions are caused when our immune system registers contact with an otherwise harmless substance (such as pollen or pet hair) as a threat. In response, the body releases histamine, a chemical which increases the permeability of the capillaries in order to allow the rapid passage of white blood cells.

Antihistamines work by blocking histamine activity, reducing symptoms, and freeing you from the discomfort caused by your overenthusiastic immune system.

The 3 Best Natural Antihistamines

Over-the-counter antihistamines are certainly popular, they can often be expensive and produce unpleasant side effects. Research of many products has even been restricted from long-term use precisely because of these side effects.

Maybe you’ve had a negative experience with an over-the-counter antihistamine and want to try something else. Maybe you are a firm believer in the value of natural treatments. Whatever your reason, these 3 natural antihistamines are certainly worth checking out.

Butterbur

Butterbur is a marsh plant that’s part of the daisy family whose effects are often said to be similar to those of cetirizine in patients with seasonal allergies. Butterbur blocks the inflammatory chemical leukotriene that causes allergic reactions, relieving or in some cases preventing allergic reactions entirely.

One study concluded, “Butterbur should be considered for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis when the sedative effects of antihistamines need to be avoided.”

Quercetin

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant belonging to a group of polyphenol compounds known as flavonoids. Often referred to as the “master flavonoid”, it protects the body from free radical damage and supports overall good health and longevity.

Flavonoids are renowned for their ability to inhibit histamine release, and seeing as quercetin is the “master flavonoid”, it stands to reason that it is more effective than other options.

Bromelain

You may have heard of bromelain, the enzyme famous for being found in pineapples. Bromelain can also be found in supplement form, and it is commonly believed to be an effective treatment for sinusitis.

Conclusion

This allergy season, don’t just survive. Thrive! You don’t have to hide indoors or live with unpleasant symptoms, and you don’t have to overspend at the pharmacy either! Try any of these natural antihistamines, and see what works for you!