Natural allergy treatments best for pregnant women

What’s an expectant mother to do with conflicting information about what’s safe and what isn’t to ingest when pregnant?

Past studies have raised concerns about pregnant women taking antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has debunked that research.

While some studies discovered a potential link between antihistamines and birth defects, a review by the CDC of the research that included more than 50 scientific articles through early 2014 found that most of the drugs don't appear to be linked to birth defects, according to U.S. News & World Report.

In any case, it’s safe to say you should always use caution when deciding whether to take any type of medication, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Seasonal allergies, sometimes called hay fever, affects up to 8% of the U.S. population. Allergies are your body's reaction to particles that it considers foreign (allergens). Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, and itching in your nose, mouth or throat.

Why not eliminate the worry of “what if?” when it comes to taking allergy medications by trying some natural solutions for allergy relief?

A healthy diet, avoiding sugar, employing stress relief strategies and regular exercise will go a long way in maximizing, strengthening and enabling your immune system to best relieve allergy symptoms and lessen reactions. In addition, you can limit your exposure to allergens by staying indoors on high-count days of elevated pollen levels.

Here are six herbs and supplements that may provide allergy relief by supporting your immune system and blocking allergic symptoms:

1. Quercetin — A strong antioxidant with demonstrated antiviral and anti-allergy properties, this is found in onions, apples, green tea and grapes and is enhanced by the presence of vitamin C.
2. Bromelain — An enzyme found in pineapples, it’s most effective when used preventively. The enzyme helps reduce nasal swelling and thins mucus, making it easier to breathe.
3. Goldenseal — Berberine, the active ingredient in goldenseal, has antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties and may be helpful for seasonal allergies.
4. Eucalyptus oil — This essential oil contains healing properties for your mucus membranes. Add a drop of the oil to a cotton ball and sniff it several times daily; add a few drops to water for a steam treatment or add a few drops to your bathwater.
5. Vitamin C — A natural antihistamine found in fruits and vegetables, it can also be found in supplemental form. Many people will get loose stools with conventional oral vitamin C at high doses, but liposomal vitamin C doesn’t have this side effect and provides blood levels similar to intravenous vitamin C without the expense or inconvenience.
6. Green Tea — Hot or cold, green tea strongly inhibits mast cell activation and the release of histamine, reducing symptoms of allergies to cedar pollen.