10 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
These simple natural remedies can be very effective for allergy relief!
Different people seem to benefit from different remedies, so it might be worth trying more than one of these to see which works best.
1. Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers:
To reduce your exposure to things which trigger your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens):
Stay indoors on dry, windy days — the best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
Remove clothes you've worn outside; you may also want to shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
Wear a dust mask if you do outside chores.
Take extra steps when pollen counts are high. Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up when there's a lot of pollen in the air.
These steps can help you reduce your exposure:
Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the Internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels.
If high pollen counts are fore casted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start.
Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high.
Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is an age old remedy that is often suggested for a variety of health conditions. The theory is that its ability to reduce mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system makes it useful for allergies. It is also said to help digestion.
What to do:
Mix 1 teaspoon of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink this 3x/ day. You could consider this as a hair rinse as well to remove allergens; mix ½ cup with ½ cup of water and use to wash hair.
3. Neti Pot and Saline Rinse:
The basic theory is that you use a Neti Pot filled with a sterile saline solution to flush out the sinuses of allergens and irritations.
To use: Either use a pre-made saline rinse or make your own by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in 500 mL boiled distilled water. Cool completely and put in the Neti Pot. Pour through one nostril and let it drain out the other.
4. Quercetin:
As a natural bioflavonoid it is said to help stabilize mast cells to keep them from releasing histamine. It is also a potent antioxidant that is said to help reduce inflammation. It is best used as a long term remedy and many people start taking it about 4-6 weeks before allergy season to help prevent allergy symptoms.
As with any herb, you should check with your doctor before using, especially if you have a liver problem, are pregnant, or are on hormonal contraceptives.
To Use: Though Quercetin is naturally found in foods like citrus and broccoli, it is very difficult to get the amount needed to relieve allergies from food alone. A supplemental dose can be helpful for preventing allergies or helping acute symptoms.
5. Nettle Leaf:
Another natural antihistamine that can be very effective as it naturally blocks the body’s ability to produce histamine. It grows in many places and can be made into a tincture or tea, but for allergy relief, capsules made from the dried leaf are the easiest and most effective option.
To Use: It is often mixed with peppermint leaf and sometimes red raspberry leaf to make a refreshing allergy relief tea.
6. Probiotics:
Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to a stimulus. New research links the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies.
What to do: Consider a high quality probiotic capsule or eating fermented foods and drinks like Kefir can help boost gut bacteria.
7. Local Honey:
There isn’t much scientific evidence to back this one, but there seems to be a lot of anecdotal evidence from people who have tried it. The theory is that consuming local honey from where you live will help your body adapt to the allergens in the environment there. This is supposed to work like a natural allergy “shot” and doesn’t seem to have a downside.
To Use: Consume a teaspoon or more of raw, unprocessed local honey from as close to where you actually live as possible. Do this one or more times a day to help relieve symptoms. It is often suggested to start this a month or so before allergy season.
8. Steam Inhalation:
A great treatment for nasal congestion. Using essential oils and steam to help clear and rinse out the sinuses can alleviate symptoms and remove allergens. Consider trying this before bed if congestion at night is an issue.
What to do: fill large bowl with boiling water and infuse with eucalyptus, rosemary, myrtle and tea tree oils. (Choose 1 or 2; 2-3 drops of each). Create a ‘tent’ over the bowl using a towel, as you lean over the bowl of hot water and deeply breath in the steam for 5-10 minutes. Can repeat 1-3x/day.
9. Homeopathy:
Homeopathic remedies can be effective for all ages without negative side effects. They are targeted to specific concerns, from pollen to pet dander. They work by exposing the body to a highly-diluted dose of an allergen, which helps the immune system recognize the substance as harmless.
To use: Best to consult a with your Naturopathic Doctor, but you can consider;
Euphrasia – for burning, itchy eyes
Allium cepa – for runny nose
Sabadilla – for sneezing fits; many consecutive sneezes
10. Acupuncture:
An individualized treatment protocol can not only target specific symptoms, like nasal congestion, but may also help to temper an overactive immune system.
What to do: Talk to your Naturopathic Doctor!