If you’re one of the 35.9 million people in the US who suffer from seasonal allergies, then you know the routine: sniffles, sneezing, teary eyes and post nasal drip — among others. And within days, you’re taking over the counter medication to ease the many uncomfortable symptoms.
But when your foggy brain becomes clear again, do you think about what chemicals you are actually putting into your body?
The Antihistamine Science
When you begin suffering from airborne allergies, your body is releasing histamine into your system. The release of this chemical causes the tissues in your nose to swell; your eyes will also begin to itch and in some cases run. Thus, the popularity of antihistamines; they are a direct attack on histamine, easing symptoms quickly.
Most name brands, including Claritin and Benadryl, use antihistamines to calm your symptoms. Unfortunately, these drugs have also been linked to:
- Drowsiness
- Abdominal issues
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- And more
However, if your body was having such adverse reactions to food, then you would likely cut that out of your diet. So, instead of going back for more — consider what allergy natural remedies and options you have that will not only relieve your allergy symptoms but work with your body, not against it. 
Finding Natural Relief
Lucky for you, name brand antihistimine drugs are not the only way to go. Mary Hardy MD, Integrated Medicine Director at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles told Web MD, “Using nature-based products can be a very useful way to handle mild allergies and a useful adjunct for more significant allergies, and there are many types of treatments you can safely try.”
Before grabbing your standard allergy medication, consider which one of these might alleviate your symptoms without the adverse side effects.
- Quercetin: Found naturally in citrus fruits, apples, parsley, broccoli and wine, this plant-derived healer keeps your mast cells from releasing histamines by stabilizing them. While this is found in many common foods, you may also want to use supplements to fully kick allergy symptoms to the curb.
- Butterbur: This natural allergy fighter contains petasin, which attacks the histamines your body is releasing. The leaf, root and bulb are often used to make medicine. Take this in a supplement form to decrease nasal tissue swelling and other symptoms.
- Stinging Nettle: The leaf of this herb is what you want to ease your allergy issues. It is in the leaf that you’ll find its natural histamine blockers, making it an effective method for allergy relief. You can find this herb in the supplement section of your local supermarket or drug store.
- Lifestyle changes: some simple changes can make all the difference. For example, keeping your windows rolled down when driving or avoiding the use of ceiling fans when house windows are open – both of which will pull pollen into your direction causing histamines to release.
If you suffer from allergies, then you know the discomfort from a runny nose, itchy eyes and stuffy nasal glands all too well. However, you don’t have to reach for dangerous antihistamine drugs this time around.
If you’re dealing with seasonal allergies this Spring, be sure to grab the allergy natural remedies that are just as effective – from butterbur to simple lifestyle changes, keep your body healthy and free from allergies the natural way.
