7 Ways to Soothe Your Allergies

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By Christine Climer
First published April 2005

Spring is here, and allergy sufferers everywhere are tearing up. The warmer weather invites us to spend more time outdoors but the red eyes, itchy noses and nasal congestion make outdoor fun a challenge.

Check with your health care provider to see if any of these supplements can help ease those uncomfortable symptoms and to make sure they are safe in your particular situation.

• Bromelain shows promise in decreasing the inflammation associated with allergies. It is often used in combination with quercetin.

• Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been found to block both histamine and leukotrienes. Relieves nasal allergy symptoms.

• Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) may help soothe irritated eyes.

• Magnesium helps calm lower respiratory allergies and wheezing.

• Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica/urens) have been shown to slightly improve allergy symptoms and have historically been used for that purpose.

• Vitamin C appears to counter histamine and decrease allergy symptoms.

• Zinc helps control inflammation in the respiratory tract and support proper immune function.

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© Christine Climer

Christine Climer is a registered nurse with experience in pulmonary disease, pediatrics, home health and hospice services. Also trained in early childhood education, she is currently executive director and child care nurse for an early childhood health promotion organization. She lives with her husband and three children (including a set of twins) in Texas and enjoys researching health issues and gardening.

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