How to Naturally Treat Allergies

Over half of the Americans suffer from allergies. This is because in some people, their immune system overreacts to foreign substance such as tree pollen or mold and releases chemicals in the body that cause the unpleasant allergy symptoms.

There are a wide variety of natural supplements that you can take to help ease allergy symptoms.

1. Astragalus – A traditional Chinese remedy for allergies by supporting the immune system.
2. Butterbur – The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) shows potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms.  In one Swiss study, butterbur was just as effective as an over-the-counter antihistamine for reducing allergy symptoms.
3. Evening Primrose – The evening primrose oil acts as an anti-inflammatory to decrease the reaction and stimulates the white blood cells that regulate the production of histamines and antibodies.
4. Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) – GLA has a long history in folk medicine for treating allergies. Studies have found that women and children who are prone to allergies have lower levels of GLA.
5. Green Tea – It delivers EGCG, an antioxidant that blocks production of histamine and immunoglobulin E, both of which trigger allergy symptoms.  
6. Probiotics –Probiotics benefit the immune system and hence reduce allergies.
7. Omega-3s – Studies have shown fish oil can help alleviate hay fever, sinus problems and allergic skin conditions.
8. Quercetin – This flavonoid, found naturally in onions, apples and black tea, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to block histamines or reduce the release of histamine, which decreases symptoms.
9. Skullcap – This herb has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat hayfever. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties.
10. Spirulina – This algae can boost the immune system and protect against allergic reactions.
11. Stinging Nettle – The roots and leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) have been used to treat everything from joint pain to prostate problems. Some people use freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves to treat allergy symptoms.
12. Vitamin C – Found mainly in fruits, its immune-boosting antioxidant lowers histamine levels in the bloodstream, which could prevent the onset of allergies.  2,000 mg of vitamin C can cut histamine levels (which trigger allergy symptoms) by up to 40%, improving breathing and airway.