Some naturopathic practitioners tout its effects as an antihistamine. The evidence supporting the use of stinging nettle for allergies is limited. A study from Iran evaluated its effects among 37 people with hay fever who were given a daily dose of a stinging nettle supplement for one month and 37 others who were given a sham drug placebo.

At the end of the study period, the stinging nettle supplement worked no better than the placebo. Even so, the supplement was well tolerated, and no notable side effects were reported. You can buy stinging nettle in several forms, including teas , tinctures, or supplements.

Possible side effects included upset stomach, fluid retention, sweating, and diarrhea. You may know of vitamin C's benefits in shortening the duration and severity of colds, but it also has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Research suggests that inflammation is a major contributor to allergy symptoms and that the alleviation of inflammation may ease symptoms. This is evidenced by a study published in the Journal of International Medical Research in which high doses of intravenous vitamin C delivered into a vein improved allergy symptoms in 71 adults with skin and respiratory allergies.

A single 7. This does not suggest that taking 7. More research is needed. Moreover, taking more than 2, milligrams per day is generally not advised as it can lead to side effects like nausea, stomach upset, cramps, and diarrhea. High doses can also interfere with the absorption of other essential vitamins and minerals.

You can buy vitamin C in supplement form, or you can get it from vitamin C—rich foods like:. Quercetin is an antioxidant found in many plants that appears to have anti-allergy effects.

Studies in rats suggest that quercitin may block the pathways that trigger the release of histamine into the bloodstream. It is thought to do so by preventing specialized blood cells, called mast cells , from breaking open and releasing histamine.

A study conducted in involving 66 subjects with seasonal allergies—half of whom were given a milligram quercetin supplement and half of whom were given a placebo—reported a reduction in eye itching, sneezing, and nasal discharge after four weeks of use.

Quercetin is available as a nutritional supplement and is found in a lot of foods and herbs, including:. Side effects include headache or upset stomach. If you have kidney disease or are pregnant or breastfeeding, quercetin may not be safe and should be avoided.

Butterbur Petasites hybridus is a shrub native to Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. It has been used medicinally since the Middle Ages for the treatment of urinary tract symptoms, stomach upset, headaches, allergic rhinitis, and other conditions.

With respect to allergies, butterbur is thought to ease inflammation in the same way as vitamin C and thereby reduce inflammation-induced allergy symptoms. A study in the journal Pharmaceuticals reported that a butterbur extract used for up to eight weeks afforded significant and sustained relief of seasonal allergy symptoms.

However, the findings were limited by the fact that Butterbur is sold in supplement, extract, or dried forms. Side effects include belching, headache, itchy eyes, diarrhea, and breathing problems. Some people are allergic to butterbur and should avoid the product altogether.

The risk is especially high if you have allergies to ragweed , chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in pineapples that may have health benefits.

Historically, pineapple has been used in Central and South America to treat a variety of illnesses, including digestive disorders and sinus pain. Some naturopaths believe that it can help ease nasal congestion by reducing nasal inflammation.

A small study from Italy reported that people with seasonal allergies given a twice-daily, milligram dose of bromelain had high levels of the enzyme in their nasal passages, suggesting an anti-allergy benefit. However, the study did not investigate whether the high concentration offered any actual benefit in terms of relief from sneezing, runny nose, nasal stuffiness, or post-nasal drip.

Bromelain supplements are a better source of the enzyme than fresh pineapple. In fresh pineapple, the concentration of bromelain is highest in inedible parts, like the stem and core.

Possible side effects include upset stomach and diarrhea. Bromelain may interact with certain antibiotics, including Amoxil amoxicillin , and should be avoided if you are being treated for a bacterial infection.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that naturally reside in your gut which are thought to be beneficial to your digestive and immune health.

Recent studies suggest that they may even help with allergies. A review of studies published in Frontiers of Immunology found that, based on an evaluation of 28 human trials, probiotics significantly relieved symptoms and improved quality of life in adults and children with allergic rhinitis.

It is hypothesized that the normal balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract known as the gut microbiome plays a central role in the immune response. An imbalance of microorganisms, on the other hand, may lead to an abnormal immune response and the development of immune disorders like allergies.

By restoring balance to the gut microbiome, probiotics may potentially temper allergic reactions. That's not to say that all probiotics are created equal. Of the many different probiotics used in supplements, a small handful can produce histamines. These include Lactobacilli casei, Lactobacilli bulgaricus, and Lactobacilli saerimneri.

Taking these probiotic bacteria can potentially cause a reaction in people who are highly sensitive to histamine. With that said, the majority of probiotic organisms do not produce histamine or produce amounts unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

In addition to supplements, you can also get probiotics from fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, pickles, tempeh, kimchi, miso, sourdough bread, and sour cream. Natural products can cause side effects and negative drug interactions. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking natural allergy remedies.

Many alternative products or practices are touted as natural allergy remedies. While most generally lack robust evidence to back them up, there are two that are believed to help:. These approaches may be most effective when combined with other allergy treatments, such as over-the-counter OTC antihistamine medications like:.

First-generation antihistamines like Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetapp, and Tavist can cause drowsiness and may be more appropriate at night to help you sleep. Second-generation antihistamines like Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec are generally non-drowsy and the better option for daytime use.

If allergies are severe and neither natural nor OTC antihistamines help, speak with your healthcare provider about stronger prescription antihistamines like Clarinex desloratadine , Vistaril hydroxyzine , and Xyzal levocetirizine.

There are also antihistamine nasal sprays like Astepro azelastine and Patanase olopatadine and antihistamine eye drops like Emadine emedastine difumarate , Lastacraft alcaftadine , and Livostin levocabastine available by prescription. Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies.

Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms. Arguably, the most important thing to do if you have seasonal allergies is to identify and avoid allergy triggers as best as you can.

However, hydration is important for controlling your allergies. Dehydration is believed to increase levels of histamine in your body, which simulates an allergy attack.

Natural antihistamines work by blocking histamine activity in your body, just as antihistamine medications do. Some also decrease inflammation or oxidative stress, which contributes to allergic reactions.

Histamine: the stuff allergies are made of. American Academy of Allergies, Asthma, and Immunology. Outdoor allergens. Indoor allergens. Easton L, Vaid S, Nagel AK, Venci JV, Fortuna RJ. Stinging nettle Urtica dioica : An unusual case of galactorrhea.

Am J Case Rep. Bakshaee M, Mohammad Pour AH, Esmaeili M, et al. Efficacy of supportive therapy of allergic rhinitis by stinging nettle Urtica dioica root extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

Iran J Pharm Res. Bakhshaee M, Mohammad pour AHM, Esmaeli M, et al. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Stinging nettle. Han M, Lee D, Lee SH, Kim TH. Oxidative stress and antioxidant pathway in allergic rhinitis.

Antioxidants Basel. Vollbracht C, Raithel M, Krick B, Kraft K, Hagel AF. Intravenous vitamin C in the treatment of allergies: an interim subgroup analysis of a long-term observational study.

J Int Med Res. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C: fact sheet for health professionals. Hattori M, Mizuguchi H, Baba Y, et al.

One reason is because it contains bee pollen, which is known to ward off infections and allergies and boost immunity. The bees living in your area go from flower to flower collecting pollen that you are suffering from.

It would make sense then that eating local raw honey will help build up your immunity to local pollen. Honey also contains many enzymes that supports overall immune function, which helps with allergy relief.

You can now find high-quality apple cider vinegar in most supermarkets, which is great considering it can help break up mucus and support lymphatic drainage. Drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of ACV and some fresh lemon juice is one of the best ways to wake up every morning. Considered a bioflavonoid that stabilizes the release of histamines, it helps naturally control allergy symptoms.

According to a study, quercetin has anti-allergic functions that are known for inhibiting histamine production and pro-inflammatory mediators. Another study found evidence that quercetin is effective at reducing congestion because it helps calm down hyperactivity of the airways. Various sources suggest that it is best to use quercetin as a long-term remedy, since it can take several months of use to start working.

People prone to seasonal allergies should start to take it a few weeks before spring arrives when trees and plants start to bloom.

What is the best allergy relief for a runny nose? Neti pots are a natural remedy for allergies and many respiratory conditions because they help clear the sinuses and remove congestion. Use of neti pots has been shown to help improve quality of life in sufferers of respiratory illnesses and cause little to no side effects.

People living in India have been receiving astounding results from using neti pots for centuries, and now you can, too. David Rabago, MD, has conducted several studies on the subject and has proved clinically that using a neti pot is beneficial for preventing and treating several upper respiratory conditions, including chronic and acute sinusitis, the common cold, and seasonal allergies.

When you use a neti pot, make sure that the water is distilled and as sterile as possible. Research has specifically shown that stinging nettle leaf naturally controls histamines , which is why a growing number of doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation before hay fever season begins.

It can also be used as a tea or in tincture form, including in homeopathic remedies. According to sinus allergy experts, other herbal remedies that may help control symptoms by supporting the immune system and reducing congestion include:.

One interesting study evaluated the effect that various essential oils had in killing the highly allergic house mites and found that eucalyptus oil ranked among some of the most potent. Essential oils for allergies work by reducing inflammation and improving detoxification of harmful bacteria, parasites, microorganisms and toxins that can trigger attacks.

Another powerful essential oil for managing allergies is frankincense oil. More than 80 percent of your immune function is stored in your gastrointestinal GI tract.

It should be no wonder that research keeps surfacing that links probiotic supplement use to reduced risk of allergies. They are increasingly being employed to correct gut dysbiosis an imbalance of bacteria in the microbiome and, in turn, to modulate allergic diseases.

I highly recommend getting your soil-based organisms through probiotics in supplement form or from probiotic foods, which are sold at farmers markets and can even be made from foods growing in your own local garden. Here are some of the most effective changes to make to your home, cleaning and beauty routines for natural allergy relief:.

While most of the supplements and tips described above can provide natural allergy relief safely, there are some precautions to keep in mind. When allergies are mild or moderate, they are usually not very threatening and go away with time.

However, severe allergic reactions can be dangerous and require medical attention. Symptoms usually affect the lungs, blood vessels or heart and can include:.

If you or your child experience these symptoms, head to your doctor or the emergency room right away to prevent complications. What can you do for severe allergies? Your doctor may need to prescribe allergy shots or prescription asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.

Discuss these options with your health care provider, and consider trying the natural allergy relief remedies described above in addition to using medications. Popular Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse. More Health Dr. Axe on Facebook Dr.

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However, it is best to look for a practitioner who is licensed, certified, or registered as required by your state. The herb butterbur Petasites hybridus is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts from the herb have been used in folk medicine for migraine headaches, stomach cramps, cough, allergic rhinitis, and asthma.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says studies suggest root or leaf extracts of butterbur may help relieve allergic rhinitis. However, it has not been found to be useful for asthma or allergic skin reactions.

Commercial butterbur extracts are made from the roots or leaves of the plant. They're available in capsule or tablet form to be taken by mouth. Some studies have shown a benefit when commercial butterbur supplements are taken twice daily. Check the label or speak to your healthcare provider about precise dosing.

Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness. Butterbur is in the ragweed plant family. People who are allergic to ragweed , marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums should avoid butterbur and products that contain it.

Do not take the raw butterbur herb on its own or as a tea, extract, or capsule. It contains substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and lungs and may cause cancer. Women who are pregnant or nursing, children, and people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur in any form.

Quercetin is an antioxidant, which helps prevent damage to cells. It reduces inflammatory cells and proteins, especially in skin. It is found naturally in foods such as apples with the skin on , berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea. It is also available in supplement form. Some people use it for allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis eczema , and asthma.

In the lab, quercetin helps restrict the release of histamine, a chemical released by cells in allergic reactions. It can also inhibit the formation of IgE antibodies, another component of the allergic response. Quercetin is chemically related to the existing anti-allergy drug cromolyn sodium.

Quercetin has potential for the development of allergy and asthma therapy. However, research has largely been limited to its effects in test tube or animal studies, without clinical studies of humans. There is some evidence that it may help reduce the effects of allergic skin reactions, such as atopic dermatitis.

There are numerous dietary sources of quercetin. Quercetin is also available as a nutritional supplement in tablet or capsule form. A typical dose for allergies and hay fever is between milligrams mg and mg three times a day. Quercetin should be avoided by people with kidney disease, as well as people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats. These are fats your body needs but can't make itself, so you need to get them from your diet. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, walnuts, vegetable oil, flax seeds, and leafy vegetables.

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, which play a role in allergies and asthma. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown in research to reduce some of the effects of asthma and atopic dermatitis.

However, many studies are on animal models or in the test tube, rather than human studies. Researchers are looking at whether taking omega-3 fish oil supplements when you're pregnant can reduce atopic dermatitis and food allergies in infants. There have been some positive findings, but this research is still very preliminary.

Common sources of omega-3 fatty acids include the following:. Side effects of fish oil may include indigestion and a fishy aftertaste. Fish oil has a mild "blood-thinning" effect.

If you are taking Coumadin warfarin or heparin, or are at risk of bleeding complications, do not take fish oil without consulting a healthcare provider.

Fish oil should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery. Stinging nettle Urtica dioica is an herb that may reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This natural remedy is thought by some to be one of the most effective herbal supplements for relieving allergy symptoms.

One randomized double-blind clinical trial in humans found that stinging nettle seemed to reduce allergy symptoms. There were some changes in clinical measures such as eosinophil counts a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions in nasal smears.

However, these are very preliminary findings, and more studies are needed. Stinging nettle can be used as a tea. Extracts may be found in a variety of supplements for allergy support. Stinging nettle has diuretic properties, meaning it causes your kidneys to make more urine.

It should not be used unless you consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking diuretics for fluid retention. Probiotics are live organisms, or "good" bacteria, that help improve the health of the digestive and immune systems. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that encourages the growth of probiotic bacteria.

Added to infant formula, they may help improve immune responses. Research has looked at whether probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding can reduce the risk of eczema in at-risk infants.

The World Allergy Organization WAO says the evidence is limited for using probiotics for pregnant and breastfeeding women for allergy prevention.

However, they still recommend probiotic use by those whose infants would be at high risk of developing an allergy. They also recommend probiotic use by those infants. The WAO also found that the evidence for using prebiotics is limited. However, for infants who are not exclusively breastfed, supplementing with prebiotics may be considered.

They note there are no studies of prebiotic supplements for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Because of this, they make no recommendation for maternal use of prebiotics.

Probiotics are available in a variety of forms, including supplemental drinks, kefir, yogurt, and capsules. Prebiotics are found in fermented foods. They are also available in tablets, capsules, and chewable products. Probiotics and prebiotics are generally safe. But if you are sensitive to dairy products or other possible ingredients, check for sources that are safest for you.

Black cumin seed oil has several active chemical compounds, including thymoquinone. Research evidence suggests it may relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In one study, people with allergic rhinitis were exposed to black cumin seed oil by smelling it or rubbing it on the forehead.

They found they had reduced nasal congestion, nasal itching, runny nose, and sneezing attacks. Another study used black cumin seed oil in the form of nasal drops to treat allergic rhinitis. A six-week treatment course showed good results in relieving symptoms.

Black cumin seed oil is sold in capsules as well as in bulk oil form. It can be taken as a supplement once or twice a day.

Or, as in the studies of rhinitis, it can be rubbed on the skin, smelled, or applied as nose drops. Studies have found no significant side effects for black seed oil. However, there is always the possibility of a skin reaction when applied topically.

Test a small amount on your skin before using it consistently. Continue to monitor your skin for reactions while using it for any length of time. Supplements aren't always tested for quality and are largely unregulated, so the content of a product may differ from what's listed on its label.

Safety for certain individuals e. is also not established. To ensure that what's on the label is indeed what you are getting, opt for supplements that have been voluntarily submitted for testing by an independent certifying body like U. Pharmacopeia USP , ConsumerLab, or NSF International. Brands certified organic by the U.

Department of Agriculture USDA can also reduce your risk of exposure to unwanted chemicals and pesticides. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement for allergies or any other concern. Allergy symptoms may be relieved with changes in your environment, including the use of a humidifier or an air purifier.

The moist, warm air from a humidifier can relieve nasal passages irritated by dry air. But check with your allergist before using one to talk about the potential risks, too.

The additional moisture can promote dust mites, already the top cause of indoor allergies. It also can lead to mold spores. If not, the exposures can contribute to allergy symptoms. Air purifiers also can remove allergens. A high-efficiency particulate air HEPA filter will remove mold, dust, pollen, and other allergens from indoor air when used properly.

Check with your healthcare provider about your specific allergies and other steps you can take to limit your exposure to allergens. They may include:. Many types of natural remedies are thought to help ease allergy symptoms. These include exercise, nasal irrigation, probiotics, prebiotics, and various herbs and supplements.

For many of these, research is still limited on how they affect allergies. Talk with your doctor first to let them know your symptoms. They can help answer your questions about how natural treatments might work with your other allergy medications. Prossegger J, Huber D, Grafetstätter C, et al.

Winter exercise reduces allergic airway inflammation: A randomized controlled study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drobyshev VA, Shpagina LA, Karmanovskaya SA, Zaitseva IG. Vestn Otorinolaringol. Güémez A, García E.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis by Naegleria fowleri : Pathogenesis and Treatments. doi: A person may use medications to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. Learn more here. Zyrtec and Claritin can reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and rashes.

Read how they compare, including warnings and precautions. Read this article to learn more about the types of antihistamines available and their side…. Nightshade species include potatoes, eggplant, and peppers.

Nightshade allergies are rare but can be severe. A person can have an allergy or an…. Pink eye and allergies can cause similar eye symptoms. Learn the differences between pink eye and allergic conjunctivitis here.

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Top 5 natural antihistamines for allergies. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. Vitamin C Butterbur Bromelain Probiotics Quercetin Alternatives Takeaway. How we vet brands and products Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

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How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. Related Coverage. Smell Essential Oils Essentials oils can be a great way to open up your nasal passages during allergy season.

Any of your favorite essential oils will do, but menthol-based ones will work the best at clearing up your sinuses. Pick up some bottles of pure peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus oils and smell them throughout the day.

Clean Your Home This is a must-do for everyone who lives with allergies — clean, clean, clean your home. No matter what specific plant you are allergic to, it has likely become part of the dust in your home, perhaps trapped in your carpet or fabrics, tracked indoors from your shoes, clothes, pets, and open windows.

In order to get through allergy season without going through ten boxes of tissues, be sure to clean your home more frequently than usual. Quercetin is found in many plants and foods and is an antioxidant flavonoid. Including this herb in your diet may help relieve common allergy symptoms as it works to block the release of histamines.

Butterbur works similarly and also acts as an antihistamine. This herb has been known to help alleviate headaches, seasonal allergy symptoms, and more. Give Acupuncture a Try Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been said to help with health issues such as allergies and chronic pain.