Natural Way to Treat Hay Fever With Quercetin

You can use quercetin as natural way to treat hay fever (allergic rhinitis). This flavonoid (a plant-based pigmentation compound) prevents immune cells from releasing histamines, which are proteins that cause allergic reactions. These reactions result in symptoms like the runny nose and itchy eyes associated with hay fever. Quercetin is also an antioxidant--one of several compounds that neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are damaging particles that can destroy cells and increase the body's reaction to potential irritants. Take quercetin as a supplement to maximize its therapeutic benefits; however, you can add to your intake through dietary sources.

Sources

• For therapeutic effectiveness in treating hay fever, taking quercetin as a supplement is considered most effective. As a supplement, quercetin is available in tablet, capsule or softgel form. Quercetin is often packaged as a supplement with the pineapple enzyme bromelain, which is known for its own anti-inflammatory properties and may possibly enhance the body's quercetin absorption.

  Recently, a new water-soluble form of the quercetin molecule has become available, which can also enhance absorption, according to Dr. L. Stephen Coles of the Los Angeles Gerontology Research Group.

  To augment supplementation, the main food sources of quercetin are fruits and vegetables. Eat citrus fruits, apples and onions in particular to increase dietary sources of quercetin. Other foods that are high in flavonoids (including quercetin) are olive oil, grapes, dark cherries and dark berries like blueberries and blackberries.

Dosage

• For therapeutic application for hay fever, take 400 mg 20 minutes before each meal (two to three times daily). If combining quercetin and bromelain, use an equal amount of bromelain and quercetin with each dose.

Precautions

• Quercetin is not recommended for children, as there's not sufficient evidence to warrant effectiveness and risks.

  Do not take more than 1 g per day without consulting your physician, as there are reports of kidney damage at dosages higher than this.

  While quercetin is considered safe to take, there are reported side effects that can occur in some people, including headache and upset stomach.

  Pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with kidney disease should avoid quercetin.

Interactions

• If you are taking any of the following drugs, do not use quercetin supplements without discussing them with your doctor first.

  Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Quercetin can intensify the blood-thinning effect of drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix) or aspirin, increasing your risk of bleeding.

  Chemotherapy drugs: Laboratory studies suggest that quercetin can enhance the effects of popular chemotherapy medications and some physicians feel that taking antioxidants simultaneously with chemotherapy can be harmful.

  Corticosteroids: Quercetin is believed to cause these drugs to remain in the body for longer periods of time.

  Cyclosporine: Taking quercetin may impede the body's ability to absorb this powerful immune system-suppressing drug.