Nutritional Supplements to Alleviate Allergy Symptoms
Although there isn't much research to confirm the benefits of most homeopathic preparations, some patients swear by them. Our practitioners can help you make the best choices.
In addition to the suggestions below, our patients occasionally use a variety of nutritional supplements, such as bromelain and quercetin, with good results. Dosages and quality vary widely – we would be glad to advise you.
Bee pollen is sometimes very effective at preventing allergy symptoms. It may take a few weeks or months before you see results (if you see them at all – it may depend on the specific agents that you're allergic to), but it is worth trying. Look for loose bee pollen at natural food stores that get the pollen from local beekeepers. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon daily for a couple of months and see if you notice any benefit. Bee pollen has a very mild flavor, but some people like to mix it with a little honey.
Vitamin E: 800 IU (international units) daily can be effective for reducing nasal symptoms, but probably won’t do much for your eye symptoms (Sahir. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology 2004; 92:654-58). We don’t recommend routine use of high-dose vitamin E year-round unless you see a persistent benefit.
Butterbur appeared to be as effective as a conventional antihistamine in one study (Schapowal, A. BMJ 2002; 324:144-46). It can also be used to reduce the incidence of migraine. For allergy relief, use a standardized herbal extract with 8 milligrams petasin per tablet four times daily.
Freeze-dried nettles have shown confirmed benefit in some studies. They tend to sell out in the springtime, so buy early if you want to try some. Use a standardized extract, 300 milligrams daily.
