For those who struggle with allergies, the weather change that goes along with each passing season is far from enjoyable. Symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, sinus pressure, and headaches, can make everyday life almost unbearable.

In the fight against allergies and the pursuit of enhanced immune health, choosing the right antihistamines—particularly natural ones—can be a game-changer. Natural antihistamines offer a compelling alternative to artificial ones, which often come with side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 natural antihistamines. 

1. Stinging Nettle: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, stinging nettle can reduce histamine levels in the body, providing relief from allergy symptoms.

2. Vitamin C: Beyond its well-known immune-boosting effects, Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine. Increasing your intake through foods rich in Vitamin C or supplements can help manage allergy symptoms.

3. Quercetin: This flavonoid is found in foods like apples and berries. It's effective at stabilizing mast cells to reduce the release of histamine and other inflammatory agents.

4. Bromelain: Found in pineapples, bromelain can reduce nasal swelling and thin mucus, making it beneficial for respiratory issues linked to allergies.

5. Probiotics: Healthy gut flora is key to a strong immune system. Probiotics can enhance gut health, thereby improving immune function and potentially reducing allergic reactions.

6. Butterbur: Studies suggest butterbur can be as effective as antihistamine drugs for relieving allergic rhinitis, without the drowsiness.

7. Ginger: Often used for its medicinal properties, ginger can work as a natural antihistamine and has been shown to be as effective as some over-the-counter options.

8. Black Seed Oil: Known for its wide range of health benefits, black seed oil has been demonstrated to help with symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing.

9. Turmeric: The active component curcumin in turmeric inhibits histamine release, making it useful in managing allergy symptoms.

10. Milk Thistle: This herb helps support liver health, which is vital for detoxifying the body. A healthy liver can better metabolize histamine and potentially reduce allergy symptoms.

Artificial Vs Natural Antihistamines

Conventional medicine often turns to artificial antihistamines like Benadryl to relieve symptoms. While these do offer temporary relief, they can come with a slew of other negative side effects like sedation, dry mouth, drowsiness, impaired memory, headaches, and cardiac arrhythmia. Plus, there’s the cost of continually buying these expensive pills to consider, too. Basically, you are just exchanging one symptom for another problem!  But what if there was a natural solution that could offer relief without all the negative side effects and costs?

Even worse, potency of these medications can wear out over time with continued use, leaving you with a baggage of side effects alongside your persistent allergy symptoms. This can be a frustrating experience, especially when seeking relief from persistent allergy symptoms.

When considering your diet, it's important to note that certain foods can exacerbate histamine responses. Foods like fermented products, aged cheeses, and cured meats are high in histamine or promote its release, which can aggravate symptoms in sensitive individuals.