> **Healthylife** — Healthylife Pharmacy | Your online health destination > [Products](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse) · [Health Hub](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn) > > --- # Natural Antihistamines Healthylife Pharmacy|1 January 2020|3 min read [](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/natural-antihistamines "twitter sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/natural-antihistamines "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") ### Jump to An allergic response such as allergic rhinitis or eczema, or hypersensitivity disorders are an inappropriate or exaggerated immune response to foreign antigens (allergen). An antigen is something ther body deems is dangerous or potentially damaging. Sometimes these substances assumed to be antigens maybe harmless but the body sees them as a threat. Dust, pollens, animal dander are examples and sneezing, crying and itching are all ways the body is using to remove the substance. Histamines are chemicals produced by the immune system in response to potential allergens. Trouble is this immune system response often releases too many histamines and the symptoms experienced can be overwhelming. This is where an anti-histamine can be useful. ## The immune system response to allergens When the immune system detects an allergen (or something deemed to be harmful to the body), it launches into action first by sending a chemical signal to cells containing stored histamine (mast cells) to release histamine. These masks cells are located in the skin, the lungs, nose, mouth, the gut and blood. Histamine receptors “dock” histamines in the area where the allergen is found. This could be in the gut in response to harmful foods, or the nasal passages from pollen or dust, or skin for instance. ## Symptoms of histamines response **Increased blood flow** – resulting in inflammation and allows other chemicals to initiate repair. But too much inflammation and resources can over-whelm the area. **Somooth muscle contraction** - airways obstruction. **Gastric acid secretion**  **Release of mucous** – resulting in a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip and coughing. **Pruritus** (Itching) – irritation of eyes, nose, throat and skin. **Oedema** - swelling. Some foods are naturally high in histamine such as fermented foods, aged cheeses and red wine, and can cause a response in sensitive people. Histamine is known as biogenic amine and occurs in varying degree in many foods. When too many of these foods are eaten an accumulative effect can result in unpleasant symptoms. Dietary histamine is normally rapidly detoxified by amine oxidases, but in some people [histamine intolerance](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/histamine-intolerance) can result from an imbalance of accumulated histamine and the body’s capacity for histamine degradation. In this dysfunction it is necessary to remove or limit foods high in histamine. Copper and Vit C are crucial components of the DAO enzyme and B6 is a key cofactor that enables DAO to degrade histamine.  Antihistamines block receptors which help to reduce the symptoms of an over-zealous immune system. ## Natural antihistamines Along with reducing or avoiding the known allergy risk, there are some natural nutrients to help reduce the allergic response and help with the breakdown of histamine. ### Quercetin Quercetin has anti-histamine, anti-allergic and antioxidant properties. It may reduce the release of histamine, allowing the allergic response to be down-regulated. As an antioxidant quercetin provides nutritional support for healthy capillaries. In cases of allergic reactions or as a preventative supplement with quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonol found in many foods which include: apples, red grapes, raspberries, tomatoes, red onions, garlic, brassica vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts), black and green tea and citrus fruits. Include as many as you can in the diet everyday. Herbs which contain quercetin include _ginkgo biloba_, _hypericum_ and _sambucas canadensis_ ### Vitamin C Vitamin C offers antihistamine and antioxidant properties. This vitamin cannot be made by the body and must be sourced from the diet or supplemented. Food sources include citrus fruits, guava, strawberries, blackcurrants, pineapples, pawpaw, tomatoes, broccoli and brussel sprouts, raw cabbage, potatoes and rosehips.  **Thyme** is high in vitamin C and other compounds beneficial in blocking histamine release and inflammation. **Eyebright** (_Euphrasia officinalis/rostkoviana)_ offers anti-inflammatory and astringent action to help dry up secretions and relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes. It contains many beneficial compounds including quercetin and also luteolin to help prevent the release of histamine.  ### Chamomile Chamomile has been traditionally used for treating many disorders including allergic disorders and inflammatory mediated diseases. Studies have revealed the methanol extract of _matricaria recutita_ showed potent anti-allergic activity by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells. ### Albizzia Albizia (_Albizia lebbeck_) suppresses histamine signaling thus preventing allergic reactions. ### Stinging nettle Stinging nettle (_Urtica dioica_) extract has been shown to inhibition several key inflammatory actions associated with the cause and subsequent symptoms of seasonal allergies. Reducing allergic and other inflammatory responses. ### Turmeric (_Curcuma longa_​). The active component of turmeric is curcumin, a polyphenolic phytochemical, was reported to have antiallergic properties with inhibitory effect on histamine release from mast cells. Turmeric also provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. It can be supplemented and also included in the diet. ### Ginger Ginger (_Zingiber officinale_) offers many medicinal properties and has been shown to works in the prevention or alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms. It is also beneficial to the immune system. It can be grated and added to foods, drank as a tea or supplemented. ### Probiotics Good gut health is essential for a healthy immune system. Bacteria are involved both in the production and degradation of histamine. Several probiotic bacteria have been shown to both reduce symptoms of allergy and also reduce the allergic response. **Look for:** - **Lactobacillus rhamnosus** (particularly GG) May help stabilize mast cells and reduce the sensitivity of allergy-associated receptors. - **Bifidobacterium longum** is a histamine degrading probiotic. - **Bifidobacterium lactis** – May help break down histamine and tyramine. - **Lactobacillus plantarum** – May help your body break down biogenic amines, including histamine and tyramine. ### Diet Many studies have shown that diet plays a role in allergic responses and a diet high in fat has often been implicated. Choose fats wisely and consume healthy fats such as those found fatty fish, olives, nuts, seeds and avocado.  #### References Mast Cell Function [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230976/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230976/) Histamine and histamine intolerance. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17490952](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17490952) [https://mthfrsupport.com.au/2016/09/dao-deficiency-and-histamine-the-unlikely-connection/](https://mthfrsupport.com.au/2016/09/dao-deficiency-and-histamine-the-unlikely-connection/) The Role of Histamine in the Pathophysiology of Asthma and the Clinical Efficacy of Antihistamines in Asthma Therapy [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6480561/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6480561/) Histamine and histamine intolerance. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17490952](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17490952) Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27187333](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27187333) Fisher, Carole; 2009, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS, Vitex Medica, New Zealand. Henry, Osiecki; _The Nutrient Bible_ 9th Edition, Bio Concepts, AG Publishing; QLD, Australia Anti-allergic activity of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in mast cell mediated allergy model. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2165196](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2165196) Albizia lebbeck suppresses histamine signaling by the inhibition of histamine H1 receptor and histidine decarboxylase gene transcriptions. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21782040](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21782040) Antioxidant activities of curcumin in allergic rhinitis. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27146978](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27146978) Prevention of allergic rhinitis by ginger and the molecular basis of immunosuppression by 6-gingerol through T cell inactivation. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26403321](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26403321) [https://www.drtaniadempsey.com/single-post/2017/06/01/5-Natural-Antihistamines-to-Combat-Allergies](https://www.drtaniadempsey.com/single-post/2017/06/01/5-Natural-Antihistamines-to-Combat-Allergies) Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus downregulates FCER1 and HRH4 expression in human mast cells [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3042653/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3042653/) Systemic Effects of Ingested Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Inhibition of Mast Cell Membrane Potassium (IKCa) Current and Degranulation [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0041234](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0041234) Beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BB536 on human health: Modulation of gut microbiome as the principal action [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464619300684](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464619300684) House dust mite-related respiratory allergies and probiotics: a narrative review [https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/admin/blog/edit/5794](https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/admin/blog/edit/5794) The anti-allergic activity of _Lactobacillus plantarum_ L67 and its application to yogurt [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030216307093](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030216307093) High-Fat and Low-Carbohydrate Diets Are Associated with Allergic Rhinitis But Not Asthma or Atopic Dermatitis in Children. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4769275/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4769275/) Spread the word [](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/natural-antihistamines "twitter sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/natural-antihistamines "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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