What is a natural antihistamine? Natural antihistamines can block histamines, which are proteins that trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes and throat. Antihistamine herbs and foods mimic the effects of well-known pharmaceutical drugs on histamine production without the discomforting side effects. Brain fog, drowsiness, rapid heart rate, dry mouth, and dizziness do not typically occur when using natural antihistamine home remedies.
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How Natural Antihistamines Work
Allergies are highly prevalent. It is considered the 6th leading source of chronic diseases in the US. The annual number of Americans suffering from different allergies exceeds 50 million.
Allergens trigger the immune cells in connective tissues, also known as mast cells, to release histamines. These newly released chemicals cause the blood flow to surge toward different parts of the body leading to inflammation. Inflammation gives rise to the myriad of allergic reactions commonly experienced, such as sore eyes, rashes, runny nose, and overall discomfort, which can be relieved by the natural antihistamine.
Antihistamines, in general, inhibit the effects of histamine in the body. Prescription and over the counter antihistamine are efficient and quick, but the adverse effects compel people to look for alternatives like antihistamine natural herbs. Intake of these drugs requires precaution. For instance, taking an antihistamines alcohol mixture is a dangerous combination. Food and drinks generally do not affect the medication, but other drugs and substances can worsen its side effects.
Few studies have been conducted on the comparison between natural and pharmaceutical antihistamines in terms of effectivity. Also, it is essential to note that natural antihistamine supplements, sourced from either herbs or foods, are not created equally. Therefore, each employs different mechanisms that determine its effectiveness.
Naturally-Occurring Substances That Fight Allergies
Vitamin C
Many people wonder if Vitamin C is an antihistamine? Yes, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that provides nourishment to the body. Its potency as an antioxidant helps prevent cell damage, fight infections, and reduce allergy severity. Taking vitamin C during allergy season can prohibit sending the histamine production into overdrive. The recommended vitamin C antihistamine dosage is at least 2,000 mg in one day. Vitamin C is nontoxic and can aid in treating symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.
Bromelain
Bromelain, an enzyme that is naturally found in pineapples, is also available as a supplement. Numerous research studies have proven bromelain as the best natural antihistamine for allergic rhinitis as it assists in solving respiratory distress and reducing inflammation. The recommended dose is between 400 to 500 mg thrice daily.
Quercetin
Most natural products, like garlic, contain the antioxidant quercetin. It interferes with the histamine response of the body by inhibiting mast cells, thus pacifying asthma symptoms and inflammation.
It is available as a supplement, but quercetin-rich foods are healthier additions to an antihistamine diet.
Stinging Nettle
The leaf of this natural herbal antihistamine can bring down the effects of hay fever. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve symptoms of sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose. The leaves are turned to an antihistamine tea to remove the hair-like barbs that can cause irritation. These barbs contain chemicals like leukotrienes, histamine, formic acid, and acetylcholine that may trigger rashes and bumps.
Probiotics
Probiotics improve the digestive system. They also help the body adjust to foreign substances introduced into the system. Having a balance of good bacteria can strengthen an individual’s immune response when exposed to common allergic triggers. Probiotic-rich drinks and supplements are widely available in the market.
Butterbur
One of the most useful natural antihistamine herbs is butterbur. It is rich in extracts that can cure migraines and relieve cramps, allergies, asthma, and coughing fits. Its mechanism of action remains a mystery, but it likely can block histamine and leukotrienes.
N-Acetyl Cysteine
While many are choosing between decongestant vs antihistamine for allergy relief, some natural products can do both. N-Acetyl Cysteine is a natural antihistamine, but its supplement form can also help unclog the congestion that resulted from allergies, infections, or chronic illnesses.
Foods High in Antihistamine to Fight Allergies
Below is a comprehensive antihistamine food list comprising of herbs, vegetables, and fruits. All-natural foods in the list can repress inflammation and equalize mast cells.
- Watercress – Watercress has a lemon-like and pepper-like taste. Known for being highly nutritious, it is also one of the best antihistamine foods. It can prevent 60% of histamines that were released by mast cells during an allergic reaction.
- Garlic – Garlic possesses antioxidants and probiotics that stop mast cells from releasing histamine.
- Moringa – This is one of the essential superfoods and natural antihistamine herbs. Compared to watercress, it can inhibit 12% more of all the histamines released by mast cells.
- Aloe Vera – A natural antihistamine for the skin that is abundant in vitamin E. It helps reduce itching caused by hives.
- Peppermint – It contains flavonoids that are potent inhibitors of histamines. Traditionally, it has been used as an H2 blocker. Its oil version is considered as one of the few and most effective antihistamine essential oils. Most people use it as a natural topical antihistamine when diluted with a carrier oil. Others prefer diffusion therapy.
- Oatmeal – Oatmeal is one of the commonly-used natural antihistamine foods for hives, but not by ingestion. Oatmeal baths can quickly soothe pain and itching caused by allergies.
- Ginger – Ginger’s antihistamine effects come from its ability to stabilize mast cells. It has been known to prevent allergic reactions since the early days.
- Turmeric – It has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal natural antihistamine for hives. Both fresh and frozen rhizomes can be easily integrated into numerous dishes.
- Apples – Apples contain flavonoids and polyphenols that can prevent histamine release. Most of these nutrients come from the apple’s skin.
- Pomegranates – They are rich in vitamin C, tannins, and anthocyanins. They contain potent antioxidants that are even greater than that of green tea. These properties render this sweet and tangy fruit a natural antihistamine for allergies. Knowing how much vitamin C to induce antihistamine effects is assistive when consuming fruits rich in it.
In contrast to using anti-allergy medications, regular consumption of these natural foods will not lead to an antihistamine overdose and tolerance. It is highly recommended to incorporate them into one’s diet, not only for their anti-allergy effects but also for their beneficial nutrients.
However, some of them can cause allergies as well – so make sure to check the health condition regularly.
Alternative Allergy Treatment Options
Some people are concerned about the possibility of developing antihistamine addiction. Using natural herb antihistamine can be helpful for individuals with mild allergies and an excellent adjunct to treatments intended for more aggressive conditions. Unfortunately, for severe cases, medical interventions and other several precautions must be taken.
While many can benefit from water, salt antihistamine, and other natural foods, patients who are suffering from antihistamine anxiety, may require avoiding allergens and immunotherapy.
Avoiding Allergens
Avoiding allergens may sound simple and sensible, but several steps need to be taken to figure out what is causing one’s allergic reactions. Environmental interventions need to be observed. The patient has to be evaluated first and foremost. Aside from switching to antihistamine food, different environments such as house, workplace, school, are also checked. Once trigger factors are detected, intervention strategies are recommended.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the process of introducing increasing doses of an allergen to the allergic person.
The immune system can be desensitized to specific triggers that cause allergic symptoms. Initially, the patient will be tested for trigger factors. Symptoms may decrease during the initial stages of treatment, but it may take a full year to notice a more drastic improvement. If successful, the treatment should be maintained for three to five years.
Natural Anti-Allergy Safer Remedies
Antihistamines come in both natural and synthetic forms. While many antihistamine brand names are effective, they affect the body causing harmful effects. Some individuals take an antihistamine for sleep problems taking advantage of the drowsiness that goes with it. Due to these side effects, a lot of individuals prefer natural remedies. However, it is still essential to consult a physician before stopping antihistamine medications and switching to natural alternatives.
Note that stopping some antihistamines can cause withdrawal symptoms. In such a case a patient should consult the professional from the drug dependence treatment center. The process of allergy medication addiction treatment is not long or difficult, but the medical approach may prove useful.
Page Sources
- Allergy Facts. American College of Allergy, Asthma, And Immunology. https://acaai.org/news/facts-statistics/allergies
- Anita Mehta, Babita Agrawal. Investigation into the mechanism of action of Moringa oleifera for its anti-asthmatic activity. 2008. Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine20088(1), 24-31
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