What home remedy is good for seasonal allergies
Butterbur is a plant extract from a shrub that grows in Asia, Europe, and some parts of North America. People often use butterbur to treat migraines and hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis.
According to the National Middle for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), butterbur may own antihistamine effects.
A review of 16 randomized controlled trials, testing 10 herbal products, suggests that butterbur could be an effective herbal treatment for hay fever.
This review suggested that butterbur was better than a placebo, or as effective as antihistamine medications, for relieving allergy symptoms.
However, the authors of the review point out that some large studies received funding from industry manufacturers, and so further independent research is needed.
Most people tolerate butterbur well, according to the NCCIH, but it may cause side effects such as:
Raw butterbur extracts contain certain compounds called alkaloids that can cause liver damage and cancer.
Extracts of butterbur that do not contain these substances are available.
However, no studies own looked into the long-term effects of using these products.
The plant extract can also cause allergic reactions in people with sensitivities to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that might offer health benefits by helping the body maintain a healthful balance of gut bacteria.
Probiotics may boost a person's immune system, which can assist the body fight off allergies.
The NCCIH tell that the evidence for probiotics is mixed and that some probiotics may assist while others may not.
1.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C boosts the immune system. It also acts as a natural antihistamine.
According to a study on vitamin C in the treatment of allergies, oxidative stress plays a key role in allergic diseases. As vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it may act as a treatment for allergies.
The researchers observed that high doses of intravenous vitamin C reduced allergy symptoms.
They also reported that a deficiency in vitamin C might lead to allergy-related diseases.
Another study from suggests taking 2 grams (g) of vitamin C daily to act as an antihistamine.
The vitamin is present in numerous fruits and vegetables, including:
- bell peppers
- broccoli
- tomatoes and tomato juice
- cantaloupe melon
- strawberries
- cauliflower
- citrus fruits
- kiwifruit
- winter squash
Vitamin C supplements, with and without bioflavonoids, are available in health stores, drug stores, and online.
Alternative allergy treatments
If natural antihistamines do not reduce a person's allergy symptoms, they may need to seek alternatives.
Other methods to treat and prevent allergy symptoms include:
Avoiding the allergen
Allergy avoidance is typically the first line of defense against symptoms.
Attempt to identify the allergen, which might be pollen, pet dander, or mold spores, and reduce exposure to it as much as possible.
Medications
Allergy medicines can cause the immune system's reaction to the allergen to calm below. Antihistamines work by breaking below histamine in the body.
Antihistamine medications can reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure.
Medications for allergies are available OTC or by prescription and include:
- oral medications
- liquids
- nasal sprays
- eye drops
Immunotherapy
People with severe allergies may benefit from immunotherapy.
This treatment is also suitable if allergy medications do not relieve symptoms.
During immunotherapy, a healthcare professional will give a person a series of injections that contain tiny amounts of the allergen. This treatment may take put over several years and aims to desensitize the body to the allergen.
For people with pollen allergies, doctors may recommend sublingual immunotherapy. This involves placing a tablet under the tongue until it dissolves.
Epinephrine treatment
Those with severe allergies may need to carry an emergency epinephrine shot (Auvi-Q, EpiPen) with them at every times.
Giving this treatment at the onset of an allergic reaction can reduce symptoms and may save a person's life.
5. Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid found in numerous plants and foods. Research suggests that adding quercetin to the diet may assist to relieve allergy symptoms.
Research reports that quercetin can own anti-allergic and antihistamine properties.
In one animal study, researchers found that quercetin could reduce the respiratory effects of allergies in mice by lowering airway inflammation.
However, the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, and according to the NCCIH, there is not enough evidence to propose that quercetin can relieve allergic rhinitis.
Quercetin is naturally present in numerous foods and herbs, including:
- apples
- berries
- red onions
- black tea
- green tea
- buckwheat tea
- broccoli
- grapes
- peppers
- Ginkgo biloba
- red wine
However, taking supplements of quercetin will work better in the treatment of allergies than eating foods that contain it.
This is because foods contain significantly lower levels of the flavonoid.
Quercetin is generally safe for most people. It may cause headaches and tingling in the arms and legs of some people. Extremely high doses, especially when taken long-term, may cause kidney damage.
People can purchase quercetin supplements at health stores or online.
Other natural remedies
The NCCIH state that there is not enough evidence to propose that the following natural products can assist with the symptoms of allergic rhinitis:
- astragalus
- grape seed extract
- Pycnogenol
- omega-3 fatty acids
- stinging nettle
- spirulina
3.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in the core and juice of pineapples and is also available as a supplement.
Bromelain is a favorite natural remedy for swelling or inflammation, especially of the sinuses and following injury or surgery.
Research on mice suggests that bromelain can reduce allergic sensitization and allergic airway disease thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
In some people, oral supplementation of bromelain may cause adverse reactions such as:
- changes in menstruation
- digestive upset
- an increased heart rate
People who are allergic to pineapple should avoid bromelain.
Bromelain supplements are available at health stores and online.
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