Top Natural Substitutes For Antihistamine
By suppressing the activities of histamines released by the immune cells during an allergic reaction, antihistamines protect the body cells from the harmful effect of allergic reactions.
By preventing the histamines from attaching themselves to the histamine receptors, antihistamines alleviate itching, sneezing, swelling and other symptoms of allergies. Along with the pharmaceutical antihistamines, several herbs, vitamins, minerals and nutrients can reduce the symptoms of allergies.
Top Natural Substitutes For Antihistamine
Basil
Basil, a common culinary herb, can also heal the bothersome symptoms of allergy. Rosmarinic, a phenolic acid present in the herb, works as an antihistamine. Regular intake of fresh basil juice or basil supplement can benefit people bothered by chronic respiratory symptoms of allergy.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is another popular natural substitute for antihistamines. Drinking tea prepared with dried leaves of stinging nettle or taking small doses of stinging nettle tincture can reduce itching and sneezing induced by hay fever.
Scientists speculate that the herb contains compounds that can suppress histamine production. Stinging nettle supplements are usually safe when used as directed. However, people on diuretics, anticoagulant, high blood pressure, diabetes and anti-inflammatory drugs should use stinging nettle with caution.
Chamomile
The antihistamine property of chamomile is primarily concentrated in a compound called azulene. Among the different chamomile species, German chamomile is the richest source of this antihistamine compound.
Chamomile is especially effective in treating asthma. Spraying chamomile spray into the throat helps to clear the congestions that trigger asthma attacks.
Chamomile tea is generally safe, and can be taken by both adults and children to reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergy. Rashes and itching triggered by allergic reactions on the skin can be healed by applying chamomile ointment on the affected areas.
Echinacea
Echinacea is widely recommended for improving the health of the immune system. This medicinal herb contains a compound known as quercetin, which can obstruct the activities of histamine.
This natural antihistamine is especially effective in alleviating the symptoms of allergic reactions in the upper respiratory tract. Echinacea can be used for reducing runny nose and sneezing.
Butterbur
Butterbur is prescribed in folk medicines in Europe for treating allergic conditions. Studies have reported the effectiveness of the natural antihistamine in alleviating symptoms of hay fever.
Researches have shown that butterbur is as effective as pharmaceutical antihistamines in reducing nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, itching and asthma.
Butterbur owes its antihistamine property to two active components in the herb, petasin and isopetasin. Petasin alleviates spasms and isopetasin lowers inflammation. Both the compounds work together to reduce the symptoms of allergy.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen, an indigenous herb of Southeast Asia, can be used as a natural antihistamine. Antioxidant plant compounds known as xanthones present in the mangosteen fruits can suppress histamine release.
Moreover, they prevent the histamines from binding to the histamine receptors. People suffering from allergies can take mangosteen supplements or beverages. Usually 500mg of mangosteen fruit extract can be taken twice a day.
Quercetin Supplements
Quercetin is a type of flavonoid found in apples, onions, berries, tealeaves, and several nuts, seeds and vegetables. By inhibiting histamine secretion from the mast cells and basophils, it reduces the symptoms of allergy.
