Antihistamine Herbs
Antihistamine drugs are very popular medications, both over the counter and by prescription – but can we choose natural antihistamine herbs instead?
Histamine is a chemical, which is involved in our local immune response as well as regulating physiological function in the gut, acting as a neurotransmitter. During the time of seasonal allergies, the body’s immune system sees pollen as an invader.
In an allergic reaction, our body produces histamine, as a defense mechanism. This inflammatory chemical attaches the cells in our body and causes irritation. It is the deficiency of this enzyme that triggers an allergic reaction as histamines gathers in the synapses.
An antihistamine serves to reduce or eliminate the effects brought on by histamine, a chemical mediator released during allergic reactions. Antihistamines and antihistamine herbs are commonly used for allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, urticaria (hives), angioedema and pruritus (atopic dermatitis, insect bites).
There are hundreds of plants and antihistamine herbs used all over the world, which are used in herbal medicine as treatments for histamine attacks.
Natural Antihistamine Herbs
Before we go into the list of natural antihistamine herbs, let me recommend a natural antihistamine remedy to you. SOS-Hista Drops has been tested by our editors and found to be very effective at reducing histamine levels, relieving allergy symptoms caused by increased histamine production and clearing runny nose and eyes. I, personally, use SOS HistaDrops natural antihistamine formula for my eldest daughter who suffers from seasonal allergies. This terrific natural antihistamine remedy is outstanding for relieving bothersome symptoms and helping her to breathe more easily.
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Also, they only use WHOLE HERB herbal extracts, the purest form of the herb with the highest quality and therapeutic benefits.
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Here are some of the most accessible and reliable natural antihistamine herbs:
Basil (Ocimum sanctum) – One of the best antihistamine herbs, basil has a history in helping prevent stomach cramps, gas as well as constipation. A poultice of Basil leaves can can work as an antihistamine to draw out insect, bee wasp, or snake venom. It helps alleviate acne, heal abrasions and speeds healing when used on cuts.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – is rich in anti-histamine properties and is one of the most effective antihistamine herbs. The flowers can be crushed and used as a poultice for inflammatory swelling. Make a tea and drink 2-3 times a day. Chamomile can cause histaminic allergic reactions in some very sensitive people. If this occurs, simply discontinue.
Jewelweed (Impatiens aurea) – contains a compound called “Lawsone” that treats uticaria. Jewelweed is used as a natural remedy for poison ivy, poison oak, okra spines, stinging nettle and acne treatment. Of the natural antihistamine herbs, Jewelweed is also used for heat rash, ringworm and many other skin disorders, as well as bug bites and razor burn.
Papaya (Carica papaya) – Some may be surprised that papaya is counted among natural antihistamine herbs, but papaya does indeed inhibit the secretion of histamine. Papaya juice can be taken internally as well as applied topically to diffuse a histamine attack.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – Testing shows Parsley’s antihistamine action which may be helpful for those with hayfever or hives
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) – The very same plant that will produce hives if its hairs inject their histamine into you can also work as one of the best antihistamine herbs to heal the problem. Some herbs whose pollen can cause symptoms of hay fever have been used as a way to reduce symptoms of hay fever, which is the homeopathic theory of “like cures like”. The most important of these are Goldenrod and Ragweed (Ambrosia ambrosioides).
Eyebright and Elder also have a reputation for use as hay fever remedies. However, an individual allergic to one of these plants should avoid them unless under the care of a doctor of natural medicine. Freeze-dried nettle leaf extract taken in capsule form will treat hives and allergies. The plant does not contain enough histamine to cause a problem when taken orally. Tea can be made from the leaves or cooked as greens. The stinging hairs lose their sting when the plant is cooked.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – Echinacea is a widely used herbal remedy for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. This purple coneflower has shown to have antihistamine properties and is counted among some of the more popular natural antihistamine herbs.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – In my Chinese herbal practice, fennel is used for indigestion, spasms in the digestive tract, as well as expelling phlegm from the lungs. Fennel is rich with the antioxidant flavonoid “Quercetin”. Quercetin is a strong natural antihistamine shown to be very helpful for allergies and histamine-related inflammation. Make as a tea and drink 2-3 times per day.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – another classic herb in the Chinese Materia Medica, ginger works well on allergic reactions such as hives and wheals. Slice up a ginger root, boil it in eight cups of water for 30 minutes. Allow the herbs to steep for another 30 after you have boiled it. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day. You may add the tea to a hot bath and soak for 20 minutes. Dip a wash cloth in the tea once it is at room temperature and use as a compress.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – Hailed the “mushroom of immortality” , one of my favorite natural remedies is Reishi (Ling Zhi). Japanese researchers have found that reishi acts as an antihistamine, making it useful for treating allergies. “Lanostan”, a compound found in reishi, appears to control the release of transmitting chemicals in the body, thereby inhibiting the release of histamine. Since reishi also promotes the adrenal function and immune reaction, it has added effectiveness in controlling the body’s reaction to an allergen.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – is a natural antihistamine, as well as having antiseptic properties to help purge infections. The essential oil has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a host of different bacteria and fungi.
Wild Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – aka Wild Marjoram, is one of the very best antihistamine herbs as it has at least seven different antihistaminic chemicals, therefore fights allergies as well as fungus and infection.
Essential Oils as Antihistamine Herbs
Essential oils should be used in a base oil (to avoid irritation) and massaged on the skin. Never use essential oils internally.
Caraway Seed Oil – has antihistamine and antimicrobial properties and is very effective in treating mild allergic reactions.
Clove Oil – has antihistamine properties. This essential oil is helpful in the treatment of dermatitis due to allergic reactions.
Lemon balm (also known as melissa) – has antihistamine action and is useful to treat eczema and headaches. This essential oil has antihistamine properties and helps with allergies.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is believed to be a natural antihistamine agent if used at high doses, around 3,000mg to 5,000mg a day.
Natural Help for Allergies, Hayfever
SOS-Hista Drops is a natural, safe and proven remedy that combines herbal and homeopathic ingredients for fast and effective relief of the major symptoms of hayfever and allergic rhinitis linked to airborne allergens.
Manufactured in a fast-acting tincture formula, this remedy can quickly clear all the troublesome symptoms of airborne allergies, while also helping to strengthen your system against further attacks.
SOS Hista Drops are a safe, natural and effective remedy to treat hayfever, allergic rhinitis and airborne allergens like pollen, grass seeds, house dust, animal dander, etc. Formulated by our team of experts in natural medicine, SOS-Hista Drops is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.
Learn more about SOS-Hista Drops.
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Antihistamine Herbs
Great info, have been looking for something to use on the insect bites on my partners legs, starting to grow basil on a large scale as of the morrow.
keep fighting
~m
Hi I suffer from chronic urticaria and have to take a lot of anti hist and steroids I am looking for a combination to try and help me I take a multibionta imune vit c vit e codliver oil and echinacea every day but still brake out every day.
I have been for every test with no luck has anyone found anything that helps
thanks
I have several allergies… over 100 things, it has become a real problem, I have had 4 antipathetic reactions in 4 months, I am allergic to latex, there for several foods. I am down to eating oatmeal because there seems to be no reaction, In looking at the information I see that there are several things that can be used but there are some there that I have been told to avoid due to the possibility of a reaction, because of the DNA makeup and correlation with latex, what do you recommend?
Hi Sandi,
To be very honest, without seeing you and taking a complete medical history, I am very hesitant to offer specific advice about your situation. My best advice would be to find a very good naturopathic doctor or practitioner in your area. One well versed in several healing modalities such as reflexology, herbs, homeopathy and above all, nutrition. I could spout off several very good products which may help you – but I think it would be better if you saw someone in your area and got very individualized care for your problems.
I’m so sorry I cannot be of more help -but I do believe you’d be much better served by seeing a reputable natural health practitioner in person.
Please come back and let me know how you’re doing. And, if you do see someone, we’d love to hear what worked and helped!
Many blessings,
Dee
Thank You, fir your assistance.I have no idea on how to find a good nauropathic Dr in our area. We are located in the Fresno California area. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations?
Hi Sandi,
I would suggest simply doing google searches for naturopathic doctor, holistic practitioner, naturopathic practitioner and add ‘fresno, ca’ to the search term. 🙂
one remedy to swear by for chronic cough is a chunk of ginger to be kept in mouth throughout – it really helps
Hi, for more than 30 years I had suffer allergy especially when the season changes, by now I had used all type of antihistamine and some homeopathic remedies with partial results. Since your guaranties this product with money for one year, I am willing to try it, if works, there will be more clients, because some of my friends also need allergy relieve.
Sincerely
Dionis Alcantara.
On your website you perpetuate the myth that goldenrod causes hay fever. This is not so. Goldenrod pollen is heavy, being primarily distributed by bumblebees and other large insects. The real culprit in allergy season is ragweed, which displays inconspicuous flowers that release irritating pollen particles into the slightest breeze. A bit of research on the internet will easily confirm this. Please do not continue giving goldenrod the bad rap it keeps getting from a lot of people. This plant is very important for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Hi Monique – goldenrod is not even mentioned in this article, so I’m not sure where you are seeing this information? I have also checked all other articles mentioning goldenrod and nowhere is it said to cause allergies.
Thank you for checking though!
Warm regards,
Dee
Is garden/ cooking oregano less effective than the Vulgare variety. Same question for sweet Basil as opposed to the type you site here. thanks
Hi Anne, all varieties share many of the same properties – there are some major differences in taste and strength. Here are some good resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil
https://www.localharvest.org/blog/39774/entry/oregano_umm_which_one
http://veggieharvest.com/herbs/oregano.html
Hope this helps!
Blessings,
Dee
Plantain is what I use for bronchitis,allergy,insect bites .Consume it one leaf at a time or make tea from 2-3 leaf, for cough , edema or water retention in lungs…
Thank you for the tip!
Blessings,
Dee