Naturopathic Support for Seasonal Allergies: Managing Histamine Naturally
Spring is finally here! Sunshine, flowers and a new-found energy for most of us (especially here in Melbourne!), but for many it also brings the dreaded sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose that come with seasonal allergies. In fact, around 1 in 5 Australians experience hay fever, making it one of the most common allergic conditions.
But why do some people react so strongly while others breeze through the season unaffected?
What Actually Happens During an Allergic Reaction?
Allergies are an overactive immune response. Your body mistakes harmless elements like pollen, animal fur or dust as threats. In response, it produces antibodies (IgE) which trigger mast cells (type of immune cells) to release histamine.
Histamine is useful in small doses as it helps flush allergens out of your system by making you sneeze or tear up. But when histamine lingers or builds up in excess, it causes inflammation and the classic allergy symptoms:
Sneezing and runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Congested sinuses
Skin irritation (in some cases)
Why Histamine Load Matters
It’s not just pollen or dust that affects allergy severity. Your histamine “bucket” can overflow due to other factors like:
Gut health imbalances (certain bacteria produce histamine)
Vitamin deficiencies (particularly Vitamin C and B6, which support histamine breakdown)
Genetic variations in the enzymes that clear histamine (DAO- Diamine Oxidase and HNMT - Histamine N-methyltransferase)
High-histamine foods such as fermented foods, wine, and leftovers
If your body isn’t clearing histamine efficiently, symptoms can worsen or last longer.
Allergies, Histamine and The Skin
When histamine levels are high, it doesn’t just cause sneezing and watery eyes — it also contributes to inflammation in the skin. Histamine is actually considered the main cause of itchiness.
High histamine or poor histamine clearance can lead to:
Eczema flare-ups
Hives or itchy rashes
Redness, swelling, or skin sensitivity
Exacerbation of rosacea and dermatitis
Because the skin is a direct reflection of what’s happening internally, when the body is in a heightened immune response, the skin barrier can become more reactive and prone to irritation.
Naturopathic Support for Allergies
Naturopathic approach focuses on supporting histamine regulation, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the immune system. This may include:
Antihistamine-rich nutrients and herbal medicines
Vitamin C – powerful antioxidant that lowers histamine in the blood reducing allergic reactions
Vitamin B6 – essential for DAO enzyme activity
Quercetin – a natural mast cell stabiliser known for its antinflammatory and antihistamine properties
Magnesium & Omega-3s – relaxes constricted airways and calms inflammation
Albizia - traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for respiratory allergies
Nettle - a natural antihistamine that helps to alleviate allergy symptoms
Eyebright - Reduces nasal congestion and watery eyes due to astringent properties
Probiotics
Probiotic strains such as Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may improve histamine regulation and immune tolerance.
Dietary changes
Reducing histamine-rich foods (fermented foods, wine, aged cheese, vinegar, slow-defrosted leftovers)
Increasing fresh, whole foods with anti-inflammatory benefits
Seasonal allergies may feel unavoidable but with the right diet, nutrients, herbs and lifestyle support you can reduce your histamine load and ease your symptoms naturally. If allergies are impacting your wellbeing, working with a naturopath can help you create a personalised plan to restore balance and improve resilience through the seasons.
Struggling with allergies that flare up your skin too? You don’t have to just “put up with it.” Naturopathy can help calm your immune system, support your gut, and bring relief from the inside-out.
