Natural Antihistamine
Natural antihistamines are the compounds found in certain foods and herbs, that can naturally reduce the secretion of histamine, and sensitivity to allergens, to alleviate the allergy symptoms and manage the condition in the long run. Find out some nutrients and herbs that act as natural antihistamines, and home remedies for allergies.
Antihistamines are a class of drugs used for allergy treatment, which work by inhibiting the release or action of histamine. Histamine, on the other hand, is a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Histamine is responsible for producing inflammatory response of the immune system, when potentially harmful foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, etc., enter the body. However, an allergic reaction is the hypersensitivity of the immune system, where it recognizes certain harmless substances like pollen, dust and some foods, as harmful foreign particles, and hence, stimulate the production of histamine to destroy them.
Natural Antihistamine Antihistamine drugs are used to control or alleviate the allergy symptoms like, skin rash or hives and breathing difficulties, by counteracting the effects of histamine. However, the over the counter, as well as the prescription antihistamine drugs are known for their side effects. They can produce side effects like, drowsiness, dry mouth and nose, blurred vision, dizziness, headache and upset stomach. Besides the side effects, they can only alleviate the symptoms of allergy temporarily, rather than providing a permanent solution. On the other hand, the natural antihistamine can not only relive the allergy symptoms, but can reduce the frequency of future episodes of allergies, by strengthening the immune system. Here are a few important nutrients and herbs that can be used as natural antihistamine for children and adults as well. More on antihistamine side effects
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Nutrients with Antihistamine Properties The most important nutrients that have been found to possess strong antihistamine properties are, vitamin C
, quercetin, bromelain, pycnogenol, magnesium (citrate), calcium (citrate), L-histadine, selenium, carotenoids and vitamin A. Vitamin C is a well known antioxidant, that fights against the free radicals, boost the immune system and relieve the symptoms of allergies. It is also believed to reduce the sensitivity to particular allergens, so as to manage allergic conditions in the future. It can be termed as one of the best natural antihistamines, that can be found abundantly in citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, cauliflower, cayenne pepper, capsicum, tomatoes, pineapple, guava, etc.
Another vitamin that can help to control allergic reactions is, vitamin A. Our body can prepare vitamin A from the plant pigment, carotenoids, which have strong antioxidant properties. Carotenoids can be widely found in spinach, mango, carrots, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables. Quercetin and pycnogenol are flavonoids that impart the rich colors to certain flowers, fruits and vegetables. Both quercetin and pycnogenol can inhibit the release of histamine by the mast cells, and hence, control allergic flare ups. Quercetin can be found in citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, capsicum, berries, onions, garlic, tea and apples. On the other hand, pycnogenol is largely extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine. Apart from being natural antihistamine, both quercetin and pycnogenol are powerful antioxidants.
Apart from these vitamins and nutrients, an enzyme that is found in pineapple can also be an effective natural antihistamine. This enzyme is known as bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and can facilitate proper absorption of quercetin and pycnogenol. The minerals that work as natural antihistamine remedy for allergies are, magnesium citrate, calcium citrate and selenium. Another natural antihistamine is L- histadine, which is an amino acid, that can inhibit over secretion of histamine. Know more about natural allergy treatment and natural remedies for allergies.
Natural Antihistamine Herbs Herbs have been known for a long time to cure a number of ailments, and some them can prove quite beneficial for allergies too. They are enriched with compounds, that can prevent or lower the secretion of histamine to provide allergy relief. Such a natural antihistamine herb is green tea, which contains the compounds, quercitin and catechins, that possess antihistamine properties. Similarly, herbs like, stinging nettle, licorice root, butterbur and chammomile are also known for their expectorant qualities, and as natural antihistamine. Home remedies like, ginger, thyme, basil
, spirulina, Ginkgo biloba, fennel, garlic, echinacea can also be used for allergy treatment as natural antihistamines. Read more on herbal remedies for allergies.
These natural antihistamine can not only reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, but can manage the condition in the long run. So, including the foods that possess natural antihistamine properties in the daily diet can prove quite effective to reduce the frequency of future allergic flare-ups. They can provide significant relief in both environmental and food allergies. As far as the herbs are concerned, avoid their excessive use, or consult a herbalist or health care professional to know more about their appropriate dosage. Some herbs and foods can produce adverse effects in certain medical conditions, and also if taken along with some medications. Therefore, be sure to consult these issues with your physician before taking any herb or food for therapeutic purposes.
