How to Treat Pollen Allergy: Can Natural Antihistamines Help?

Author: Sara Rhodes
Date Of Creation: 13 February 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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NATURAL POLLEN ALLERGY REMEDIES | How to get rid of hayfever and allergy symptoms
Video: NATURAL POLLEN ALLERGY REMEDIES | How to get rid of hayfever and allergy symptoms

Content

Pollen allergy, or hay fever, affects many people around the world. Pollinosis is accompanied by symptoms such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies), asthma, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy throat, and coughing. These symptoms are the result of an overreaction of the body's immune system, producing histamine to protect against various microorganisms. Since these symptoms are caused by excess histamine, pollen allergies can be treated by getting rid of this substance. There are hundreds of different over-the-counter allergy medications on the market, but many of them have side effects, so it's worth trying natural antihistamines to help relieve pollen allergies.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Food

  1. 1 Use turmeric to help relieve airway inflammation. Turmeric contains so-called curcumin, which interferes with the production of histamine that causes allergic symptoms. In addition, curcumin reduces sore throat caused by an allergic reaction.
    • Increase your turmeric intake by adding a little whisper to a variety of vegetable, fish, and meat dishes. Not having a strong odor, turmeric gives food a pleasant yellow-orange color.
    • The recommended daily dose of turmeric is 300 mg.
  2. 2 Eat fresh honey to boost your immunity to pollen. Bee pollen (bee pollen) in raw honey boosts immunity and helps prevent allergies and infections. Eating small amounts of bee pollen every day will significantly increase your resistance to pollen allergy.
    • Locally sourced honey is best, as it contains local pollen, which greatly enhances its antihistamine effect.
    • Eat two tablespoons of raw honey from your area every day.
  3. 3 Eat basil, which can help reduce inflammation. Basil has antihistamine properties that can help relieve inflammation caused by allergies. It is also used to remove venom from the skin after being bitten by a bee or other insect.
    • Add finely chopped fresh basil leaves to salads, soups, and sauces.
    • You can also brew basil tea by pouring boiling water over finely chopped basil leaves. After waiting 5 minutes for the tea to infuse, strain it and add honey to taste.
  4. 4 Eat onions that reduce histamine production. Onions contain a chemical compound called quercetin, which helps the body control histamine production and soothes pollen allergy symptoms.
    • Add onions to a variety of dishes. Eat raw onions whenever possible, as they contain more quercetin.
    • Quercetin also helps open the airways, thus making breathing easier.
  5. 5 Add ginger to your food to reduce allergic reactions. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that help prevent allergic reactions.
    • Brew ginger tea. Cut off 2-3 centimeters of ginger root, crush or grate it and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Let the tea brew for 5 minutes and strain.
    • You can also add ground fresh ginger to roasts, stews, fried foods, and salads for an “oriental” flavor.
  6. 6 Eat garlic to increase your allergen resistance. Garlic inhibits the production of inflammation-causing enzymes. It is also a natural antibiotic that strengthens the immune system and helps to cope with allergies and infections.
    • Raw garlic is healthier than cooked, so try to eat 2-3 small cloves of garlic per day.
    • If the smell of fresh garlic is too strong for you, add finely chopped or grated garlic to soups, fried foods, and salad dressings.
  7. 7 Drink green tea to help with all types of allergies. Green tea contains a substance called catechin, which interferes with the conversion of histidine to histamine, thereby stopping an allergic reaction before symptoms appear.
    • For maximum effect, try to drink 2-3 glasses of green tea a day.
    • Green tea also helps with other types of allergies (dust, animal dander, etc.).
  8. 8 Eat plenty of apples to help your body control histamine production. Apples contain a beneficial flavonoid called quercetin, which controls the production of histamine, reducing allergic reactions to pollen.
    • Many are familiar with the phrase "who eats an apple a day, the doctor does not have a doctor", and there is some truth in it, since the daily use of apples helps to prevent pollen allergies.
  9. 9 Increase your vitamin C intake as it helps break down histamine. This vitamin reduces the production of histamine, accelerates its breakdown and decreases the sensitivity of the airways to histamine.
    • A lot of vitamin C is found in the following foods: papaya, bananas, mangoes, guavas, pineapples, broccoli, white and cauliflower, sweet potatoes.
    • The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 1,000 mg.
  10. 10 Eat foods rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which can help relieve sinus inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce sinus inflammation caused by allergies. In addition, these acids strengthen the lungs and the immune system, helping the body fight off pollen allergies.
    • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans, cauliflower, sardines, salmon, and shrimp.
    • It is recommended to consume 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids three times a day.
  11. 11 Drink peppermint tea to ease breathing. Peppermint contains menthol, which can help clear a stuffy nose and relax the muscles in the airways, making breathing easier.
    • Peppermint also has anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial effects, helping the body fight infection.
    • Make peppermint tea. Put 15 grams of dried peppermint leaves in a quart jar, fill it two-thirds full with boiling water, and let it sit for five minutes (you can breathe in the steam while the tea cools). Wait for the tea to cool, strain and sweeten to taste.

Method 2 of 4: Herbal Remedies

  1. 1 Consume stinging nettles to lower histamine levels. This may seem odd, since you've probably burned yourself with nettles so that a painful rash appears on your skin. However, research shows that nettle can help lower histamine levels. In one study, more than half of the subjects reported a decrease in allergic reaction after taking freeze-dried nettle. Other studies have shown that taking nettle as a dietary supplement or tea can help alleviate symptoms of pollen allergy, especially during the critical spring / summer season.
    • Nettle is best taken as a dietary supplement, following the manufacturer's directions, or as a tea. Start taking a dietary supplement or drinking tea (2-3 glasses a day) 1-2 weeks before the allergy season starts and keep consuming nettle throughout the season.
    • Nettle is considered safe for everyone except pregnant women - it can cause uterine contractions in them.
  2. 2 Try quercetin and rutin. These related substances are found in many plants. They belong to the class of bioflavonoids. There is evidence that quercetin and rutin protect blood vessels from excessive “leakage,” reducing allergic edema. Both substances are anti-inflammatory.
    • Both quercitin and rutin are considered harmless, although in rare cases, they have caused rashes and indigestion.
    • Quercitin and rutin are taken as a dietary supplement. Follow the directions given in the instructions for use.
    • The safety of quercitin and rutin has not been tested in children or pregnant women.
    • There is evidence that quercetin and rutin can lower blood pressure. If you are taking blood pressure medications, talk to your doctor before taking quercetin or rutin.
    • Quercitin and rutin should not be taken at the same time as cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmun).
    • If you are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or aspirin, talk to your doctor before taking quercetin or rutin.
  3. 3 Take bromelain to help reduce sinus swelling. This enzyme is found in pineapples and other plants. It is used to improve digestion and relieve inflammation.
    • Animal studies have shown that bromelain may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic asthma.
    • The German expert group, Commission E, recommends doses of 80-320 mg 2-3 times a day. Bromelain is taken as a dietary supplement.
    • Do not take bromelain if you are allergic to latex. For unclear reasons, this allergy is accompanied by an allergic reaction to bromelain.
    • If you are taking amoxicillin or any anticoagulant, talk to your doctor before taking bromelain.
  4. 4 Use eyebright to relieve eye inflammation and irritation. As the name suggests, this herb is used primarily to treat allergies and other eye conditions. Eyebright is comparable to indomethacin in its anti-inflammatory effect. For allergies, it is taken both externally and orally.
    • Eyebright has not been proven to be harmful to pregnant women.
    • Eyebright can be taken as a tea or dietary supplement.
    • Eyebright reduces eye inflammation in blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid follicles) and conjunctivitis (inflammation or infection of the lining of the eyelids). It can be used to rinse and instill the eyes, and can also be taken orally as an infusion.
    • Eyebright is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent for hay fever, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and catarrh (inflammation of the mucous membrane).
  5. 5 Take elderberries as a dietary supplement or tea. Elderberries have long been used to treat pollen allergies. They are rich in bioflavonoids, anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that can help fight allergies.
    • Supplements and elderberry tea are considered safe for children.
  6. 6 Use butterbur, which is an effective substitute for antihistamines. This weed, common in Europe, has an antihistamine effect. Studies have shown that butterbur lowers the levels of histamine and other substances that cause inflammation in allergies.
    • Studies have shown that butterbur is as effective as cetirizine, the active ingredient in the popular Zyrtec antihistamine tablets. Although cetirizine is believed to be a non-sedating antihistamine, there is evidence that, unlike butterbur, it causes drowsiness.
    • However, caution is needed: Butterbur is in the same family as ragweed, so it can worsen the condition of those allergic to ragweed.
    • Butterbur is not recommended for pregnant women, although it is generally well tolerated and safe for adults and children.
  7. 7 Try angelica, used to treat allergies and respiratory problems. This herb contains substances with antihistamine and anti-serotonin action. In response to irritation caused by, for example, pollen, dust, chemicals or animal hair, the body produces histamine, serotonin and other substances that cause an allergic reaction. Due to its antihistamine action, angelica soothes allergy symptoms.
    • Butterbur supplements are available in pharmacies. You can also make tea from butterbur leaves by pouring boiling water over them.
  8. 8 Take canadian yellow root to help reduce pollen allergy symptoms. This herb is very popular with herbalists. It has many beneficial properties. Goldenseal is used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, tonic, laxative and muscle-stimulating agent. It is also used to treat catarrh and diabetes mellitus.
    • For allergies, the astringent effect of goldenseal is used on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder and rectum (topical application), as well as on the skin.
    • When used as part of a nasal spray, goldenseal effectively reduces symptoms of pollen allergy.
  9. 9 Use eucalyptus as a decongestant. Eucalyptus is found in many cough suppressants and syrups. The therapeutic effect of eucalyptus is due to the fact that it contains the substance cineole. This substance has many beneficial properties: it facilitates expectoration and coughing, relieves nasal congestion and irritation of the nasal passages.
    • Eucalyptus essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Breathing in the vapors of eucalyptus oil can help relieve nasal congestion, so this oil can be used to treat sinusitis.

Method 3 of 4: Steam inhalation

  1. 1 Choose herbs for steam inhalation. Dried leaves of nettle, eyebright and butterbur can be used. For a steam bath, one teaspoon of the herb is sufficient.
  2. 2 Add the herb to boiling water. Stir the water to disperse the grass. It is not necessary to bring the water to a boil - it is enough to get thick steam from it.
  3. 3 Breathe in the steam. Cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam, inhaling it through your nose and mouth. The duration of the procedure depends on your desire: the longer you breathe in the steam, the better your sinuses will clear.
  4. 4 Be careful! Do not burn yourself with the hot steam! In addition, you should first check if you can tolerate a particular herb. To do this, first take a small breath and step aside for a while, checking your reaction. Since you are allergic to plant pollen, there may be an allergic reaction to some herbs.

Method 4 of 4: When to Seek Medical Help

  1. 1 See your doctor if home remedies have failed. Most flare-ups of seasonal pollen allergy can be managed on your own with natural remedies, over-the-counter medications, and preventative measures (such as keeping pollen out of your home). However, if none of these remedies work, it is important to see a therapist or allergist. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment for you.
    • Your doctor will order tests for you to identify the specific allergen you are having a reaction to.
  2. 2 See your doctor if your allergy is causing serious symptoms. Sometimes pollen allergy causes more serious health problems, including chronic sinus infections and asthma attacks. If your allergies are accompanied by signs of a sinus infection, breathing problems, wheezing, or chest tightness, call your doctor as soon as possible. In this case, you may be shown more aggressive forms of treatment.
    • For example, your doctor may prescribe you allergy shots or immunosuppressive pills.
  3. 3 Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements or herbal remedies. As with conventional medications, herbal remedies and supplements can cause side effects and interact with medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you start taking anything, as not all remedies may be good for you.
    • Tell your doctor about all drugs and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines.
    • Tell your doctor about your medical history. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or any medical condition.
  4. 4 Call an ambulance if you have a severe allergic reaction to an herbal component. Herbal remedies and nutritional supplements in rare cases can provoke severe allergic reactions. Stop taking the product if you experience symptoms such as rash, redness, itching, or swelling. Go to a hospital emergency room or call an ambulance if you develop acute allergy symptoms, including:
    • Labored breathing
    • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
    • Heart palpitations
    • Dizziness, loss of consciousness
    • Nausea and vomiting

Tips

  • Histamine increases the drainage of fluids from blood vessels and triggers a chemical reaction that causes other cells to produce more inflammatory substances.
  • Histamine also acts as a neurotransmitter: it regulates the sleep-wake cycle, triggers stomach acid production, and causes the bronchioles in the lungs to contract.
  • In addition to the natural remedies described in this article, you can also use saline solution and neti pot.
  • Protect your home from pollen to help reduce allergies. Close windows and outside doors, and do not use window and ceiling fans during pollen season (it is better to turn on the air conditioner in these cases). Dry your clothes and bedding in the tumble dryer. Do not hang things outside to dry. Remember that animals can bring pollen into the house on wool, so do not let animals that go outside into their bedroom.
  • If you are driving a car, always drive with closed windows. Turn on the air conditioner if necessary.If you need to go outside, always consider the amount of pollen in the air when planning outdoor activities.