Herb: Butterbur
What It Can Do
Butterbur extract reduces symptoms by inhibiting the body's inflammatory response to allergens and by stimulating the release of inflammation-fighting prostaglandins.

What to Look For
High-quality, standardized butterbur root capsules (such as Petadolex), processed to remove any toxic compounds in the herb.

Herb: Stinging Nettle
What It Can Do
Despite its well-deserved reputation as a skin irritant, nettle (when encapsulated) can actually prevent allergic reactions by slowing your production of histamine (the protein you produce when you encounter allergens).

What to Look For
Freeze-dried stinging nettle in capsules (such as Eclectic Institute's Fresh Freeze-Dried Nettle).

Herb: Quercetin
What It Can Do
An antioxidant found in apples and onions, quercetin can block the release of histamine and thereby reduce allergic reactions.

What to Look For
Supplements that also contain vitamin C and/or bromelain (such as Nature's Plus Quercetin Plus), which increase quercetin's effectiveness.