Do you suffer from allergies? If so, you know how miserable they can be. Symptoms include sneezing, running nose, itchy eyes, and a sore throat. It can be difficult to get through the day when you feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, some natural antihistamines can help relieve your symptoms. This blog post will discuss the best natural antihistamines and how they can help you feel better.
What Are Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are drugs that block the action of histamine. Histamine is a chemical released by the body in response to an allergic trigger. When histamine binds to receptors on cells, it causes the cells to release substances that lead to allergy symptoms. Antihistamines work by preventing histamine from binding to these receptors. Also, some antihistamines have the additional effect of reducing inflammation.
There are two types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), are older drugs that are available over the counter. They are generally less expensive than second-generation antihistamines. However, they can cause drowsiness and other side effects. Second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are newer drugs that are also available over the counter. They are less likely to cause drowsiness but may have other side effects.
Common Allergens
Many things can trigger allergies. Common allergens include:
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Dust mites
Cockroach droppings
Mold spores
Pet dander
Certain foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish
Certain medications, such as penicillin
Latex
Best Natural Ant
Natural Antihistamines
Many substances can act as natural antihistamines. Studies have shown that some of these substances effectively treat allergy symptoms. One review found that these natural remedies are as effective as first-generation antihistamines in treating hay fever symptoms. However, they are less effective than second-generation antihistamines. Studies are ongoing to determine the most effective dose of these substances.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle or Urtica dioica is a perennial herb used to treat allergies and other conditions for centuries. The leaves and stems of the plant contain histamine, acetylcholine, and other compounds that can act as antihistamines. Stinging nettle can be taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule. It can also be applied topically as a cream or ointment.
Whenever the stinging nettle plant brushes against the skin, it leaves behind tiny hairs that can cause a stinging sensation. These hairs are hollow and filled with a liquid that contains histamine and other compounds. When the liquid comes into contact with the skin, it causes a reaction that leads to the release of histamine. This is why stinging nettle is often used to treat hives and other conditions that involve histamine release.
Stinging nettle is generally considered safe. However, it can cause side effects in some people. These side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, and dizziness. You should not take it if you are allergic to plants in the nettle family, such as stinging nettle.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in many foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and potatoes. It is also available as a supplement. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is these properties that make vitamin C effective in treating allergy symptoms.
Vitamin C can be taken orally as a pill, powder, or liquid. It can also be applied topically as a cream or ointment. The recommended daily vitamin C intake is 75-90 mg for adults. However, some people take much higher doses for therapeutic purposes.
Intravenous vitamin C has been used to treat cancer and other conditions. However, there is no evidence that it is effective in treating allergies. There is also a lack of evidence to support vitamin C use to prevent allergies. In addition to supplements, one can get vitamin C from foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin C is often considered safe. However, it can cause side effects in some people. These side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. High doses of vitamin C can also cause kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, you should not take high doses of vitamin C.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment that is found in many fruits and vegetables. It is also available as a supplement. Quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it effective in treating allergy symptoms.
Quercetin can be sourced from foods like apples, onions, and leafy green vegetables. It is also available as a supplement in the form of capsules or tablets. The recommended daily dose of quercetin is 250-500 mg.
Quercetin is generally considered safe. However, it can cause side effects in some people. These side effects include stomach upset, headache, and dizziness. You should not take quercetin if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed.
Butterbur
Butterbur is a shrub that is native to Europe and Asia. The leaves and roots of the plant are used to make medicine. Butterbur is effective in treating allergies. It is thought to work by blocking histamine receptors.
Studies have revealed that butterbur is effective in treating seasonal allergies. However, it is not as effective as some of the other treatments on this list. In addition, butterbur can cause side effects in some people. These side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, and dizziness.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are found in yogurt and other fermented foods. They are also available as supplements. Probiotics can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut. This can help treat allergies because a healthy gut is less likely to be affected by allergens.
Bromelain
This group of enzymes is located in pineapples. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties. It is these properties that make bromelain effective in treating allergy symptoms. Bromelain supplements are essential to take on an empty stomach. This is because the enzymes must be taken away from food to work properly.
Takeaway
Overall, these are some of the natural treatments for allergies. If your symptoms persist after trying these treatments, you should visit our ENT doctor in Philly. Our doctor can help you to identify the cause of your allergies and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
