Allergy Remedies

Natural Histamine Blockers

Try them if: You’d like a gentle alternative to medicine.

How they work: Certain herbs and antioxidants decrease the production of histamines (the chemicals in the body that flush out allergens but cause drowsiness, a runny nose, and watery eyes). Researchers found 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily can lower histamine levels by up to 40 percent and help with the absorption of quercetin, an antioxidant that has also been shown to lower histamine production. Lucille suggests taking 500 milligrams each of vitamin C and quercetin three times daily. Or try Seasonal Freedom tablets (sold at health-food stores), which contain an herb blend shown to reduce allergic responses by up to 70 percent.

Good to know: These temporarily stop histamine production, so you shouldn’t feel any drowsy side effects.