The A, B, Zs of over-the-counter medications annually reach their highest profit margins around this time of year. Aller-tec, Benadryl, and Zyrtec are household names of common antihistamines that provide relief from immune system reactions to allergens such as pollen.
Certain locations in America are especially noted as having much higher concentrations of pollen. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) these locations are:
- Wichita, Kansas
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Greensboro, North Carolina
You will notice these are all in what is considered “the South.” Left out of this list is an area of the Western states where I used to live—the Willamette Valley. In June of 2024, they were reported as having the highest pollen count, while Montana and Wyoming had the lowest pollen count in the nation, as measured by Pollen.com. But when you’re suffering from allergies, it really doesn’t matter who is suffering worse—a friend in Tulsa or you in Oregon. You just want relief. While there are multiple options for treating seasonal allergies, I’d like to make sure you know about quercetin.
Quercetin is a flavonoid that’s naturally found in fruits and vegetables like elderberries, onions (especially red onions), apples, raspberries, grapes, and nuts. Elderberries are among the highest content. Red onions contain quite a bit, as well. In the research, quercetin is said to stabilize mast cells that produce histamine, hindering them from producing excessive amounts. Histamine is the culprit behind the runny nose, itching, congestion, headaches, and the all-over yuck experienced by many during this time of year. Because of its effect, quercetin has earned its nickname as nature’s antihistamine.
Studies of quercetin have found that it has other valuable qualities that are beneficial in the human body, including its antioxidant properties. Other studied benefits of quercetin include its ability to combat inflammation and its valuable immune support during cold and flu season. Some studies suggest that quercetin supports exercise recovery by reducing muscle inflammation and oxidative stress. And lastly, quercetin’s antioxidant properties may help protect neurons from damage, potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
You might want to try increasing quercetin-rich foods in your diet, or reaching for a quercetin supplement to help you get through life a little more pleasantly.
