Natural antihistamine: how to fight seasonal allergies with nature
Antihistamines stop the activity of histamine, the molecule that causes the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Natural antihistamines are called natural compounds that interfere equally, even though they are not drugs, with the activity of histamine. Certainly they cannot replace the drugs used to treat allergies but these natural remedies can be very useful as adjuvants and as supplements for preventive purposes.
It is certainly not the first time that the remedies of nature have come to our aid for small and big daily problems!
How allergies happen
We speak of allergy when a substance, generally well tolerated, triggers a reaction in the immune system of an individual. Hence, contact with pollen, dust or other substance causes an allergic reaction with the release of histamine, a molecule at the base of all allergic symptoms, such as sneezing and coughing. Antihistamines have the task of inhibiting the activity of histamine and consequently the allergic reaction.
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Why use a natural antihistamine?
By natural antihistamines we mean both natural substances capable of inducing the action of histamine and substances capable of only performing a mild anti-allergic function. Natural antihistamines are not drugs and consequently cannot cure allergic diseases in place of medicines.
Using natural antihistamines has several advantages, first of all they are substances that do not cause many side effects unlike antihistamine drugs which often cause drowsiness, nausea and mild visual discomfort. Furthermore, natural antihistamines are not addictive and can be administered for longer periods. It should not be believed that natural antihistamines can completely solve an allergic problem nor can they provide immediate relief. However, their use can be particularly important to complement the antihistamine therapy prescribed by the doctor.
Nutrition and allergies
Histamine is contained in all foods to a greater or lesser extent. Foods that contain a low percentage of it are cooked egg yolk, meat and fish, all vegetables except tomatoes and aubergines, milk, butter, bread and wholemeal pasta.
Foods that contain high percentages should be avoided by those who intend to follow an "anti-allergic" diet without this substance. In particular, the foods richest in histamine are alcohol, smoked and canned products, yogurt, products with preservatives, ready-made products, green tea, citrus fruits, pineapple, bananas, chocolate and some spices such as cinnamon and chili powder.
Allergies are always lurking. Also find out what to avoid if you have a grass allergy.
Spirulina algae against rhinitis, the natural antihistamine par excellence
Spirulina is an algae rich in beneficial properties for the body. In particular, it is very effective in reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, reducing sneezing, nasal congestion and itching.
Allergies often cause itching. Guduchi is an Indian official plant, also cultivated in Burma, capable of significantly reducing allergic itching. Its action is particularly effective in increasing the immune defenses and prompting the body to react.
All the properties of licorice
Licorice is rich in active ingredients and widely used for the well-being of the human body. Its function as a natural antihistamine is perhaps the least known of its properties. Licorice is in fact generally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, as a gastric protector and as an expectorant. Among its virtues, however, licorice also boasts the ability to reduce histamine. It should always be taken with care because it can interfere with some drugs such as insulin or many oral contraceptives and is contraindicated in cases of hypertension, diabetes, overweight and cardiac arrhythmias.
Supplements based on quercetin and perilla
Other valid natural antihistamines that can directly inhibit the release of histamine are quercetin, a flavonoid contained in various plants and perilla, a plant of the Labiatae family. Supplements based on quercetin and perilla effectively reduce the allergic reaction are useful as adjuvants of drug treatments.
Rosemary against nasal congestion
Rosemary is also a particularly popular natural antihistamine.Taken before the onset of allergic symptoms, and therefore before spring and autumn, it has provided patients with excellent results by significantly reducing nasal congestion.
Black currant: the right prevention
Black currant is one of the best natural antihistamines. To be precise, this is not a real antihistamine because more than carrying out a real antihistamine action, it carries out an anti-inflammatory action capable of activating our immune defenses. Black currant can be very useful in case of allergies, especially if taken as a supplement one or two months before the period in which allergies usually occur, which for most individuals corresponds to the arrival of spring and Autumn. Supplements of this type are not recommended in patients suffering from edema and kidney or heart problems.
Feverfew: not just for migraines
Feverfew is widely used as a natural anti-inflammatory and in the treatment of migraines. Several studies are underway that are demonstrating that feverfew is also capable of acting on histamine levels and is in fact a natural antihistamine. Studies are still ongoing and at the moment the supplements with feverfew are not used as natural antihistamines but exclusively as a remedy for migraines!
Homeopathic remedies
Some natural products are considered homeopathic natural antihistamines. We need to clarify because in reality homeopathy according to the principle "like cures like" proposes remedies that are not able to lower histamine, however they could have a beneficial action for allergies (even if not scientifically proven). Among these, Histaminum hidrochloricum: the homeopathic antihistamine remedy par excellence, which is obtained precisely from histamine.
In any case, if you want to try to fight allergies with natural antihistamines, remember that they can never replace drugs and must always be taken on medical advice. They are not valid for everyone, they cannot be taken during pregnancy, during breastfeeding and in the presence of many diseases.
