Question from Betty
Hi Debra,
I am curious to know what you think is the safest over-the-counter antihistamine to take. I’m sure it is best to avoid taking anything, but if someone has to, which do you think has the fewest additives, dyes, preservatives, etc.?
Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
I can’t remember the last time I took an antihistamine. Forty years I think.
I don’t think one OTC antihistamine is better than another. As far as I know there are no “natural” pharmaceuticals in the same sense that we have “natural” foods without artificial colors and flavors and presenvatives.
There are pharmaceuticals and there are natural alternatives.
My best suggestion is to search online for “natural antihistamines” or choose an alternative healthcare provider to help you with this issue. Herbs, homeopathy and other alternative practices can help get to the root cause of the problem you are seeking an antihistamine for.
Even some foods have an antihistamine effect.
You’ll find lots of natural solutions online.
Turmeric is often mentioned as an antihistamine, also vitamin C.
Readers, what do you use for antihistamine?
Freeze dried stinging nettle is the best for us. I would never go back to meds again for allergies.
I had some success at times with a xylitol nasal spray, Xlear, mostly when I had reaction to mold exposure and could not breathe. but the best remedy I know of is neti pot, just sea salt and warm distilled water. special herbal mixtures added to the neti are an option, but I have not used them. also can follow the neti with a traditional Ayurvedic nasya oil. be sure to use only reputable ayurvedic sources for instructions and herbal products for nasal applications.
I use “Natural D-Hist” by OrthoMolecular Products when I need an anti-histamine. Non-drowsey formula. Hope that helps…
Vitamin C, nettle tea or Quercetin. Look for brands that contain these ingredients. Can you do allergy testing? If so, that would be helpful. I did and took sublingual drops for 3 years which significantly improved my allergies.