At this time of year, pollen starts to affect thousands of hayfever sufferers across the country. Before heading to the local chemist to pick up a box of anti-histamines, why not try a natural anti-histamine to see if it helps you at all?

Not many people have heard of the exotically named Quercetin, a phytochemical that is part of the coloring found in the skins of apples and red onions. It is a powerful anti-oxidant and is also a natural anti-histamine as well as being anti-inflammatory.

It has been isolated and is sold as a dietary supplement, but is also found in high quantities in apples and red onions. Quercetin’s antihistamine action may help to relieve allergic symptoms and asthma symptoms, and the anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce pain and discomfort.

We would also recommend a diet high in other anti-oxidants and vitamin C. From the point of view of Chinese medicine, the herb Astragalus can also be a useful supplement, because of its strong immunity building properties.

Tags: astragalus, hayfever, quercetin