The main compound our body produces when exposed to allergens is histamine. When histamine is released it tells our body to produce more mucus and causes inflammation as a way of trying to trap and rid itself of the irritant. This can cause a variety of symptoms of which allergic rhinitis is probably the most common. Other symptoms can include itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, post nasal drip, earache, itching, cough, and sore throat. In severe cases, asthma may flare, chronic sinus infections or ear infections can develop with antibiotic or steroid therapy required.

The typical treatment for allergy symptoms is usually an antihistamine and/or a decongestant. The usual antihistamines are Benadryl, Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec to name a few. All of these whether prescription or over-the-counter have numerous side effects some of which range from sedation, fatigue, dry mouth and abdominal pain, to headache and hyperactivity in children. Decongestants also have several side effects including increased heart rate, insomnia, dry mouth, nervousness and gastrointestinal upset and are contraindicated in people with high blood pressure, enlarged prostate and heart disease. Both of these medications can interact with numerous other prescription medications and alcohol.

PHYTOMEDICINE

For centuries people have been using herbs to treat a variety of ailments, and until recently these remedies were often considered folklore. Today, many of these remedies have been scientifically studied and proven to be effective. The following herbs have been found to be effective in the treatment of allergy symptoms and have virtually no side effects.

**Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) has been used for centuries as both a food and medicine and is a common over-the-counter remedy for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis in Europe. Nettle naturally contains histamines and these then attach to the histamine receptors in our body. Instead of causing symptoms however, (like when we produce histamines) the histamine in Stinging Nettles is weak so it blocks our body’s own histamine from attaching to these receptors which can cause symptoms. This is commonly referred to as “competitive inhibition”.

A recent randomized, double-blind study using a freeze-dried extract of Stinging Nettles, demonstrated its effectiveness in treating allergic rhinitis. Ninety-eight individuals were given capsules containing 300 mg of nettle or placebo and instructed to take two at the onset of allergy symptoms. Based on daily symptom diaries and global responses after one week, Stinging Nettles was found to be 58% effective.

Stinging Nettles also has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat can become swollen and inflamed with exposure to allergens. Stinging Nettles not only helps block the histamine response, but also works to calm mucousal inflammation.

**Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is the most extensively studied ethno-phytopharmaceutical worldwide. It has been slightly modified to reduce any potential for hypertension. Numerous scientific studies have validated its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. Licorice works by increasing the half-life of the adrenal hormone cortisol, resulting in an increased anti-inflammatory effect of this hormone.

**Long Pepper (Piper longum) is a traditional Aruyvedic remedy and is a shrub indigenous to the southern regions of India. Piperine, (a naturally occurring alkaloid), has been shown to nonspecifically blockade acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytyptamine, other pro-inflammatory chemicals, as well as histamine in guinea pigs and rats. In one study, it demonstrated protection against allergy-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs.

There is also experimental evidence showing that various compounds found in the pepper family, such as piperine and capsaicin, induced long-lasting desensitization of airway mucosa to a variety of mechanical and chemical irritants.

**Tylophora indica is another Ayurvedic herb native to India and Nepal. It contains a non-stimulating alkaloid, tylophorine which directly stimulates the adrenal glands. While licorice works by lengthening the half-life of cortisol, Tylophora indica causes a direct increase in the production of the hormone.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT COFACTORS

There are several key nutrients which play a critical role in the allergy and histamine response. These include vitamin C (ascorbate), vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and magnesium. Low intracellular levels of these nutrients can increase histamine release and/or production, and generally worsen inflammatory responses.

Vitamin C (the preferred form is magnesium ascorbate) can greatly benefit the allergy sufferer. It works to strengthen the immune system and has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. The buffering effect of the magnesium ion is also an advantage. Magnesium selectively works to inhibit calcium from triggering mucus production through various cellular pathways. This aids in the stabilization of the inflammatory response.

Many individuals with allergies have difficulty in converting vitamin B-6 into its active phosphorylated form, known as pyridoxal-5-phosphate, and may thus have low intracellular levels. In a double blind study it has been shown that vitamin B-6 reduced bronchial constriction.

HISTAREST (by Nutraceutical Research Laboratories, Inc.)

HistaRest® is an all natural product that combines the above listed ingredients. I use it in my clinical practice as a safe, non-sedating, non-stimulating alternative to prescription antihistamines and decongestants. It also has an advantage over prescription allergy medicines in that it does not interact with other prescription medications. For my patients that come to see me for allergy testing and are taking antihistamines, I switch them over to Histarest since antihistamines are contraindicated during allergy testing. The majority of these people stay on Histarest, as it is quick-acting, effective and without side effects. It can also be used safely in children above the age of 6.

Denise Kelley, MD graduated cum laude from Meredith College in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. She obtained her doctorate in Medicine from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in 1997 where she graduated with honors. Following her Family Practice residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, she became family practitioner at Woodlands Healing Research Center, in Quakertown, PA specializing in integrative medicine utilizing nutritional, herbal, and homeopathic treatments. Dr. Kelley has an extensive allergy practice and is a member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine.

HistaRest® is a registered trademark of Nutraceutical Research Laboratories, Inc.