Seasonal allergies, medically known as allergic rhinitis and commonly called hay fever, can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, itching and sinus pressure. They are normally at their worst in spring, summer and fall and hay is usually not a factor. Pollen -- from trees, grass and weeds -- proves the real culprit. According to MayoClinic.com, allergic reactions take place when your immune system identifies a harmless airborne substance as dangerous and releases histamine, which cause the symptoms. If you have allergic rhinitis, you have plenty of company. MayoClinic.com notes that 1 in 5 people suffer from the condition. Many people turn to natural remedies to treat seasonal allergies. Always consult your doctor before taking herbs or supplements.
Step 1
Purchase 250-mg quercetin supplements at a reputable health foods store. Quercetin, a water-soluble flavonoid, has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. According to The World's Healthiest Foods, it inhibits the activity of macrophages, white blood cells that trigger inflammatory response.
Step 2
Take a 250-mg quercetin capsule two or three times a day to relieve allergy symptoms. In a review of natural treatments for allergic rhinitis conducted by S.M. Thornhill and A. M. Kelly and published in the October, 2000 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review," the authors concluded that quercetin could safely be used, either alone or in conjunction with conventional methods, as a therapy for allergies.
Step 3
Purchase 500-mg vitamin C tablets from a reputable health foods or vitamin store, and take 1,000 mgs. twice a day, preferably along with the quercetin. According to Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., a specialist in nutritional and anti-aging medicine in Lake Elsinore, CA.,vitamin C -- an antihistamine and allergy-fighter in its own right -- is even more potent when taken with quercetin. Lam notes that you may need to take the vitamin C for several weeks to achieve an adequate blood level.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't want to take supplementary quercetin, you can boost your intake by eating apples, grapes, blackberries, parsley and red onions. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that these foods are rich in quercetin. The World's Healthiest Foods asserts that the action of quercetin may be even more effective when it comes from food sources, particularly onions. Eat plenty of dark green vegetables, red peppers, and citrus fruits if you prefer to get your vitamin C from foods.
- According to Rxlist.com, you shouldn't take quercetin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Quercetin can interact with prescription medications; talk with your doctor before taking it. Drugs.com notes that more than 500 mg. a day of vitamin C can cause diabetic patients to obtain false readings on urinary glucose tests. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin C.
Things You'll Need
- 250-mg. quercetin capsules, available at health food stores
- 500-mg. vitamin C tablets
