Read on to learn how quercetin works as a natural antihistamine, all the benefits of quercetin for hay fever and other allergies, and how much to take.
How does quercetin work as a natural antihistamine?
Quercetin has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine, a key substance that makes allergic reactions happen. In test tubes, scientists have seen quercetin preventing immune cells from releasing histamines, which are chemicals that cause allergic reactions. This is how quercetin can help reduce symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling of the face and lips.
Why quercetin for hay fever is a better choice
Histamine is released by mast cells in response to allergens, triggering symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. Most antihistamines you can buy from the chemist don’t stop your body making histamine, they just stop it locking onto body cells so that they essentially “ignore” it. This means the effect of histamines can wear off even when you have moved away from the thing you are allergic to. What’s more, it means your body still has to clear out the histamine you have made.
In contrast, quercetin works by preventing the body from making histamine. By blocking histamine release, quercetin can prevent allergic reactions and hay fever. In addition, it won’t make you feel tired or drowsy the way most antihistamines do.
A study was done in Japan on 66 adults (22-78 years old) with allergic hay fever. They took 200 mg of quercetin, or a placebo, each day for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks their symptoms – including eye itching, sneezing, nasal discharge and sleep disorder – had significantly improved in the group taking quercetin for hay fever.
Quercetin can stabilise mast cells
Mast cells are immune cells involved in allergic responses that release histamine and other inflammatory compounds when activated. Quercetin has been found to stabilise mast cells, preventing them from releasing histamine and other pro-inflammatory substances in response to allergens. This action is another way that it helps reduce the severity of allergic symptoms from foods, hay fever or other allergens.
Taking quercetin for hay fever rebalances the immune response and reduces inflammation
If you suffer from allergies, you may have wondered why your immune system is so bad at fighting colds and other infections, yet it goes berserk if you smell a flower or eat a peanut. The reason is that it’s out of balance. Immune cells called lymphocytes are divided into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 immunity is critical for defence against many intracellular pathogens, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. By contrast, type 2 immunity focuses on extracellular parasites and helminths, supports metabolic balance and controls tissue repair following injury. Put very simply indeed, people with allergies (and autoimmune diseases) have too much activity among the Type 2 cells and not enough Type 1 activity.
For a long time, people with allergies and autoimmune conditions have known that they need to get plenty of vitamin D and vitamin A to help their immune system become better balanced. These vitamins help us achieve faster and more successful Type 1 activity against infections, and fewer random acts of violence against our own bodies by Type 2 cells.
Quercetin provides an extra nudge to the immune response, strongly tilting the balance in favour of the Type 1 immune response whilst calming the Type 2 response.
The other benefits of quercetin for hay fever
Quercetin is also a strong anti-inflammatory, which inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in the body. In hay fever and other allergies, the immune system overreacts to allergens, leading to inflammation in the nasal passages and airways. Taking quercetin for hay fever gives the benefit of its anti-inflammatory powers, so it can prevent blocked noses and sneezing.
Quercetin is, in addition, a helpful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress tends to worsen inflammation and allergic reactions, contributing to hay fever symptoms. By neutralising free radicals, quercetin helps protect against oxidative damage and supports overall immune function.
Conclusion: Quercetin for Hay fever
Quercetin, a flavonoid compound found in various fruits, vegetables, and plants, can reduce inflammation. What’s more, it can inhibit histamine release, stabilise mast cells and dampen down the immune response. This makes it a promising natural remedy for managing hay fever symptoms and acting as a natural antihistamine.
While research on quercetin’s effectiveness for hay fever is ongoing, taking quercetin supplements and boosting your diet with quercetin-rich foods is already proven to be a powerful way to prevent allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms associated with hay fever and other allergies.
Sophora Japonica a high quality source of natural antihistamine quercetin for hay fever
