Natural Antihistamines for Spring Allergies

Custom Chinese herbal formulations can be one of the most effective ways to relieve allergies with long lasting results.

A trained herbalist will use bulk herbs that are free of preservatives and other impurities to create a formulation which can be decocted into a tea. These formulations help to heal the root of overactive immune system responses to reduce allergies symptoms gradually over time.

Classical Chinese formulations for the relief of upper respiratory allergies are Pe Min Kan Wan and Bi Yan Pian. Both addresses sinus congestion, runny eyes, and runny nose.

Be mindful that some Chinese pre-made formulations contain dyes, preservatives, chemical pharmaceuticals, and other impurities. Always look for products that are GMP certified, meaning they have been manufactured and processed in a factory that meets FDA standards for purity in terms of acceptable levels of heavy metals, lack of chemical drugs, and other impurities.

Plum Flower Brand (Mayway) and Guang Ci Tang are two brands that I use in clinic as they are free of dyes, chemicals and preservatives. These products are available in many local health food stores or can be purchased from a trained herbalist such as myself or John Fung.

In addition to custom and commercial Chinese herbal formulations, western herbs can also be useful. Specifically, nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine that also has the benefit of detoxifying the liver.

However, not all nettle leaf extracts are equal. Some capsule and extract forms are not standardized so do not contain enough of the herb to truly benefit the body on a therapeutic level.

In my private practice, I use Gaia Brand Nettle Leaf with standardized fluid extract because it has one of the most energetically potent and bio-available forms of nettle leaf with no added sugar, so is safe for diabetics.

Quercetin is an anti-oxidant found in the peels of apples and red onions. It is anti-inflammatory and may help address prostate cancer, reduce depression in addition to being a natural antihistamine.

Many forms of quercetin supplements are formulated with bromelain, a digestive enzyme from pineapples, which can help relieve inflammation of sinuses.

Last, you can help relieve allergies by increasing foods that are high in anti-oxidants in your diet. This includes fruits and vegetables including green leafy vegetables, broccoli, turnips, carrots, pineapple, papaya, and beverages such as decaffeinated green tea, oolong tea (helps reduce excessive mucus, a condition we refer to as dampness in Chinese medicine).

Also to build your immunity, consider adding the dried herb astragulus to soups or the fresh herbs, ginger and garlic. It's a natural way to integrate herbs into your meals to further support balanced immunity and reduced allergies.

Note with any herbal remedy, please consult your medical physicians and a trained herbalist as to the appropriateness of using herbs.

Learn more about this author, Kay Hutchinson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Natural remedies for springtime allergies?
We want to hear your view. Write now!