What are the 7 best natural antihistamines? – Happiness and health

A blocked nose, red and irritated eyes, itchy skin or sneezing … that’s it allergy is making a comeback again to your dismay, because you who suffer from allergies, you know that the consequences can be very disabling daily.

Yet the culprit is known: histamine, a chemical mediator that will disproportionately stimulate your immune system. To counteract the allergy, it is necessary to block the proliferation of histamine in the body.

In pharmacy, you have the possibility to buy drugs to counteract the allergy, however I recommend them natural and effective antihistamines.

In prevention or in treatment, these remedies allow you to fight effectively against allergic reactions… at a lower cost and without side effects.

Green tea, a well-known antihistamine

The virtues of green tea have been known for nearly 5 years. In Asian countries, this drink is consumed mainly for its many medicinal properties.

This plant is a concentrate of molecules beneficial for our organism. It contains a cocktail of powerful antioxidants to fight the appearance of certain cancers (1).

Green tea also contains quercetin and catechin. The quercetin works by inhibiting the release of histamine and catechin prevents the transformation of histidine, an essential amino acid into histamine (2).

To get the most benefits from green tea, it is best that you buy it in bulk. A study carried out in 2006 revealed that tea in sachets contained few catechins, so its anti-allergenic power was weaker (3).

To preserve all the qualities of tea, store it away from light and moisture. In order not to alter the properties of the tea, I recommend that you do not let it steep for more than 5 minutes at a maximum temperature of 70 ° C.

Choose foods containing quercetin

As we have just seen, quercetin, a substance of the flavonoid family reduces the amount of histamines in the body which gives it a strong anti-allergenic power.

La quercetin is present in green tea, but to fight your allergies, it is unthinkable to drink liters of green tea. Fortunately, other foods such as capers, onions, yellow peppers, berries, or even broccoli contain this molecule. (4)

Preferably eat raw foods to benefit from all the qualities.

Nettle, your ally in the fight against allergies

Nettle is considered a weed for most of us. Indeed, many of us have rubbed a little too closely to its stinging leaves, an episode that has, in general, left us with bitter memories.

Yet nettle is a concentrate of medicinal substances very popular with herbalists. It acts on the metabolism by toning it but above all it causes a reduction in the level of histamine in the body.

Nettle is effective against allergies, raw, cooked in court bouillon or as an infusion.

To collect nettles, wear latex gloves. Note that once chopped, the plant loses its stinging power. Preferably choose young shoots that contain more active ingredients.

Be careful, however, pregnant women should not consume nettles, ingestion of which can induce uterine contractions. People on treatment for hypertension should also avoid the consumption of nettles.

The importance of vitamins to prevent allergies

As spring approaches, you have a itchy nose, watery eyes, sore throat. Your first instinct is to rush to his neighborhood pharmacist to find the Holy Grail to finally get rid of all these ailments.

However, a varied and balanced diet can allow you to fight effectively against all the harmful effects of allergens.

In 2011, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed through a large study involving more than 10 participants that the onset of the allergy was correlated with a low level of vitamin D (5).

This vitamin is present in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel but also certain oils and cheeses.

This molecule, like all vitamins, is photosensitive. Also to preserve it, please keep your food in opaque packaging to avoid light.

Another vitamin has a scientifically recognized antihistamine action, vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid.

A study carried out in 1990 showed a very effective effect … intranasally (6). It is obvious that it is out of the question to wash your nose with lemon or orange juice.

However, the vitamin C intake thanks to its antioxidant properties will help you boost your immune system and give you a boost thanks to its anti-fatigue action.

This molecule will allow you to fight effectively against the symptoms linked to allergy and asthma.

Remember to regularly take fresh orange and lemon juice to make your vitamin C cure.

Above all, do not drink commercial drinks made with citrus aromas, these drinks do not contain any substance beneficial to counter allergies.

Spirulina

This dried seaweed is a food supplement rich in minerals and vitamins. This marine plant with multiple virtues has in particular anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

These properties are linked to the presence of phycocyanin, a natural pigment responsible for the blue / green color of the algae.

A study conducted on a panel of 127 participants showed that the consumption of spirulina significantly reduced the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (7).

Spirulina can be used as a 6 week cure starting at 2 g per day.

Peppermint, a natural decongestant

Mint contains menthol, a substance known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anesthetic properties. In infusion, this plant helps to decongest the respiratory tract while relieving itching.

To concoct an herbal tea to fight allergies, infuse 15g of peppermint leaves in a liter of boiling water for 5 minutes. Filter and enjoy.

You can also take minty steam inhalations to clear your airways. Preferably consume products from organic farming.

Apple cider vinegar

This drink has many health benefits (8).

It helps regulate blood sugar, fight against muscle pain, fight digestive problems, compensate for the loss of mineral salts essential for the proper functioning of the body and apple cider vinegar also has antiviral and antihistamine properties. .

Indeed, the apple contains quercetin. Remember! the famous molecule responsible for reducing the level of histamine in the body.

The combined action of quercetin with the antiseptic properties of vinegar helps reduce the effects of allergy.

Apple cider vinegar is consumed diluted in water. Count about 1 tablespoon of vinegar for 200 ml of water with a little honey once a day.

Why focus on natural methods to fight allergies?

For the sake of convenience, some people with allergies (too) easily turn to their first aid kit. But beware, taking antihistamines from the pharmaceutical industry is not a trivial act.

The National Order of Pharmacists revealed in May 2015 that some adolescents use these drugs to get high (9), clear evidence that the consumption of such products can cause significant disturbances in your balance.

Also opting for natural anti-allergenic products have many advantages:

• Your wallet will thank you for the money saved. In fact, in your garden or in nature, you can easily harvest the plants and herbs you need.

• Reduced risk of addiction and side effects. In particular, the first generation antihistamines also called anticholinergics caused drowsiness, problems with bowel movements, dry mouth and these drugs increased the risk of developing glaucoma (10) .11

• Decrease the likelihood of developing diseases. An American study showed that an anti-allergen: Benadryl significantly increased the risk of dementia in the elderly (11).

• Simply improve your well-being with healthy and natural products.

Go for natural antihistamines

Hay fever, an allergy related to pollens, to the hair of certain animals, to dust mites, to cosmetics or to food can poison our lives.

However, as you have just read, there are natural solutions that can provide you with quick and effective relief from allergy-related ailments.

However, keep in mind that some plants can also be very dangerous to health.

However, the remedies that I recommend do not induce any side effects… apart from making you feel better in your body and in our head. The proof, it has never been reported any poisoning due to an excess of nettle or green tea.

Despite everything, I recommend that you do not combine the different remedies presented here at the same time and do not overuse them. If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

For more information on allergies:

INSERM file on allergies in France: understanding allergies

Food allergy

The rise in allergies