4 Natural Home Remedies for Allergy Symptoms

1. Nettle

One of the best herbs for treating allergy symptoms is nettle. Take 2 to 3 freeze-dried nettle capsules as soon as you experience allergy symptoms. Repeat with 1 to 3 capsules 3 to 4 times a day over the next 24 to 48 hours.

The leaves of nettle, or “stinging nettle,” contain histamine, making them a common component in homeopathic allergy remedies. (Homeopathy uses minuscule doses of the chemical causing the illness to resolve the condition.) Nettle leaves also contain acetylcholine, a chemical often released at nerve endings during stress. It dilates blood vessels, which can help relieve stuffiness. Additionally, nettle leaves contain quercetin, one of the antioxidant plant chemicals called polyphenols.

2. Butterbur

To take butterbur, choose a standardized extract with 8 milligrams of petasine per dose and make sure the extract is free of toxic constituents called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The usual dose is 50 to 100 milligrams twice a day. Take it every day during allergy season, and otherwise just when you’re having symptoms.

Butterbur has been used for centuries to treat allergy symptoms-and clinical trials find it really does work. One trial comparing butterbur to a placebo found it was just as effective as Allegra in improving nasal symptoms in people with year-round allergies. Makes a good case for choosing herbs when you can.

3. Zinc

Zinc is mineral important to the immune system that also helps prevent the release of histamine. Take 15 milligrams a day to prevent allergy symptoms and up to 30 milligrams a day for up to a week when your allergies are flaring.

4. Quercetin

This powerful antioxidant helps prevent the release of histamines. Take 2 to 4 capsules (500 milligrams each) every 4 to 6 hours when you have allergy symptoms; otherwise, take 1 to 2 capsules 3 times a day to help prevent future allergy attacks.

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