Many people take over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine medications to treat respiratory allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever," and seasonal allergies. Several herbal remedies can act like antihistamines by suppressing the histamine stimulation in your body from contact with certain allergens. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies to discuss potential side effects, dangers and negative interactions with other medications.
Butterbur
Butterbur may offer the same antihistamine effects as over-the-counter and prescription medications that you might take for allergies. Butterbur contains the sesquiterpene compound called petasin, which may provide the antihistamine-like effects, explains the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Petasin acts to inhibit histamine and leukotriene actions in the body, helping to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions. A 2005 double-blind study of 330 people with respiratory allergies found that taking butterbur extract was equally effective as the antihistamine medication Allegra, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Another double-blind study published in 2004 of 186 people with intermittent allergic rhinitis found that taking butterbur eased allergy symptoms better than placebo. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 500mg of butterbur daily to reduce allergy symptoms.
Nettle
Taking an extract of stinging nettle may help to reduce your allergy symptoms and act as an antihistamine, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. One double-blind clinical trial found that taking nettle leaf helped to somewhat decrease symptoms related to hay fever, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Published in 1990, the study involved people with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and used freeze-dried nettle leaf. You can take 600mg daily for up to one week of stinging nettle for antihistamine effects, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed has antihistamine effects in that it reduces the levels of allergic reaction-related immune cells, says the University of Michigan Health System. A 1997 test tube study found that certain flavonoids contained in horny goat weed had stimulating and inhibiting effects on the immune system, and helped to suppress the immune system actions involved in allergic reactions. Also, a 1989 study conducted in China found that horny goat weed helped to effectively treat allergic rhinitis symptoms and reduced allergic reactions, the University of Michigan notes. You can make a tea by simmering 1 tsp. of horny goat weed in 1 pint of water for 10 to 15 minutes and drink the tea three times daily for the antihistamine effects.
Tinospora Cordifolia and Tylophora
The herb Tinospora cordifolia may offer antihistamine effects and possibly help to treat allergic rhinitis, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A 2005 double-blind clinical trial found that taking 300mg of Tinospora standardized extract three times daily for two months reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms substantially better than placebo, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Tylophora
Another herb used in Ayurvedic medicine in India is tylophora, which has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. Tylophora inhibits mast cells in the lung airways from releasing histamines, the University of Michigan explains. For antihistamine effects and allergy symptom relief, you can take 200 to 400mg daily of dried tylophora for up to two weeks.
