Quercetin Combats Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

This flavonoid antioxidant is unquestionably one of the best natural substances for combating seasonal allergies. That’s because it has anti-allergic properties and inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory compounds, such as histamine, that cause symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, itching, runny noses, and bronchoconstriction.^{2 3 4}

One randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study examining the effects of quercetin on allergies showed dramatic improvement in those in the supplement group versus the placebo group. Sixty-six subjects (22–78 years old) with allergic symptoms of hay fever were either given 200 mg quercetin or a placebo daily for four weeks. The subjects were asked to fill out a “Quality of Life” questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study. By the end of the four weeks, allergic symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal discharge, and sleep interruption were significantly improved in the quercetin supplemented group compared with the placebo group. Furthermore, the quality of life of these subjects significantly improved based on the original questionnaire, with researchers concluding, “The results indicated that oral intake of quercetin-containing supplements might effectively reduce some allergy symptoms derived from pollinosis [hay fever].”⁵

Quercetin is frequently used to treat a wide variety of allergic conditions, including asthma, eczema, and hives.⁶ Quercetin relaxes the airways, modulates inflammation, and supports healthy respiratory function in the respiratory tract, as well as in the sinuses.⁷ Take a cue and incorporate quercetin into your supplement routine before allergies take hold.

Bromelain Reduces Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple and is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, helping with everything from arthritis to sinus relief. Studies show this enzyme can improve asthma symptoms and reduce overall allergy sensitivity and allergic airway disease by stopping the development of inflammatory responses.⁸

A review of three randomized controlled trials showed that bromelain significantly improves symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis (hay fever).⁹ A mouse study examining bromelain’s effect on dendritic cells—a type of immune cell that plays a role in an allergic response—bromelain was shown to reduce allergic sensitization and the generation of allergic airway disease. “The results suggest that bromelain has a therapeutic effect in established allergic airway disease, which may translate into an effective therapy in patients with similar conditions, such as allergic asthma.”^{10 11} Studies have shown an effective dose to be 750-1,000 mg daily, taken in divided doses.¹²

Nettle Provides Symptom Relief

Some of the best-known allies against allergies can be found in plants and their natural compounds, like stinging nettle, Urtica dioica. For centuries, it’s been consumed as a food and tea and hailed for its many medicinal properties.¹³ Allergy sufferers can attest to its ability to alleviate allergies, as nettle inhibits several key inflammatory processes that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. These include blocking the Histamine-1 receptor and the inhibition of mast cells, preventing the release of a host of pro-inflammatory molecules that lead to symptoms like itchy, water eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.¹⁴

In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 74 patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into two groups and either given 150 mg of nettle or a placebo for one month. Based on the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22), nettle showed a significant improvement in the management of allergic rhinitis on clinical symptom severity.^{15 16}

Xylitol Nasal Sprays Wash Allergens Away

Nasal sprays are a great tool when it comes to combating allergies, but you don’t have to reach for yet another prescription nasal spray as your only resort. Xylitol in a saline nasal spray provides much-needed relief by cleansing and moisturizing nasal passages, helping to wash out contaminants such as pollen.

One study comparing xylitol nasal irrigation versus saline-only nasal irrigation on chronic rhinosinusitis showed that after 30 days of treatment, the scores of Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) were all significantly reduced after xylitol treatment, but not after saline-only treatment. Furthermore, xylitol also showed greater enhancement of nasal nitric oxide (NO) levels, which is created in the sinuses and enters your body when breathing through your nose.¹⁷ Increasing NO levels, by breathing better through your nose, allows the NO to reach the lower airways and the lungs, thus improving oxygenation, increasing blood flow and circulation, and reducing inflammation.¹⁸ To sum it up, xylitol helps you breathe better from your nose for greater enhancement of nasal NO and improves symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.¹⁹

Homeopathic Formulas for Relief

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine based on the theory of treating “like with like” and the more an ingredient is diluted, the more potent it becomes. Homeopathy practitioners believe that a small amount of a substance producing similar symptoms stimulates your body to heal itself.²⁰ And several studies using homeopathy have reported beneficial effects from treating allergy-related conditions. By using homeopathy, the body becomes safely conditioned to tolerate the allergens that previously brought on allergic reactions, ultimately reducing allergic symptoms.

A four-week, double-blind clinical trial comparing homeopathic preparations with a placebo was conducted during a regional allergy season from February to May. Participants included 40 men and women, 26-63 years of age, who were diagnosed with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms using a series of questionnaires.²¹

Results showed significant positive changes from baseline to four weeks in the homeopathic group compared with the placebo group in all three questionnaires. Subjects reported no adverse effects during the intervention period. The study concluded, “These preliminary findings indicate potential benefits of the homeopathic intervention in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis...”²² Look for homeopathic formulas tailored to the region you live in, as they are formulated to provide relief specifically from your local allergens.

References

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15. Negishi, Hideo, et al. “The Interferon (IFN) Class of Cytokines and the IFN Regulatory Factor (IRF) Transcription Factor Family.” Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Nov. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6211389/.
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