7 Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies

Using natural remedies for seasonal allergies is a safe and gentle way to reduce those annoying and sometimes painful symptoms that prevent you from enjoying the beauty of spring.

For those who are prone to seasonal allergies, spending time outdoors in spring can quickly turn into a painful experience as symptoms flare up.

The itchy, watery eyes, the incessant sneezing, the congestion – it can feel like a constant battle against nature’s beauty.

Natural remedies for seasonal allergies offer provide a gentle approach to managing the symptoms, with few potential side effects.

By harnessing the power of nature, you can explore holistic solutions that may help alleviate your discomfort and allow you to fully enjoy the joys of spring.

Important Note: Do not discount traditional allergy medications completely. Think of natural remedies for seasonal allergies as complementary strategies to keeping the symptoms under control.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Allergies are the result of an over-active immune response.

Spring allergies, also known as hay fever, are triggered by excessive pollen. When pollen particles enter your body through your eyes, mouth, or nose, your immune system kicks into high gear.

While pollen is not harmful, it triggers an extreme immune response in those who are sensitive to them.
Immune cells start producing protein particles called antibodies. These antibodies pick up the pollen particles and transport them over to white blood cells, which immediately release histamines.

Histamines are chemicals in the body that trigger characteristic allergy symptoms, which include sneezing, coughing, and phlegm. These symptoms are an attempt to expel the pollen from your body. They persist as long as pollen continues to enter the body, or until the pollen sensitivity subsides.

From nonstop sneezing to itchy, watery eyes, inflamed skin, and headaches, allergy symptoms can make for an uncomfortable experience. And for those who are severely allergic, the symptoms can be painful.
If you know that your spring allergies are triggered by pollen, it may help to first learn how to allergy-proof your home against pollen.

Complement this with these tried and tested natural remedies for seasonal allergies, even before your symptoms start. This will help to prevent a severe flare-up of the symptoms. And with natural remedies, you don’t have to worry about any adverse reactions.

7 Natural Ways To Reduce Seasonal Allergies

This article published on The American Sinus Institute does a great job of dispelling the many myths that surround natural remedies for allergies, specifically in terms of which ones to avoid.

I did read through that article as well as several other studies indepth to make sure I was only recommending tried, tested, and safe strategies.

1. Use Air Purifiers Around The House

Using air purifiers in your home is one of the best natural ways to reduce seasonal allergies. Air purifiers work by removing airborne allergens from the indoor environment, reducing your exposure.

Pollen particles are very light and get airborne easily. During peak allergy season, these airborne pollen particles enter your home through open windows and doors.

When you get home, pollen particles stuck to your clothing, hair, and shoes also find their way indoors and settle down on all surfaces and the floor. These allergens can trigger pollen allergy symptoms when they’re disturbed.

Air purifiers work by sucking in the indoor air along with any airborne allergens in it. The airborne allergens such as pollen get trapped in a filter or a series of filters built into the air filter, preventing them from circulating in the indoor air.

When using an air purifier, it’s important to look for models with HEPA filters, which are especially effective at capturing the smallest airborne particles, including pollen. This Levoit Air Purifier With 3-1 Filter With HEPA Sleep Mode is among the top-selling models on Amazon.

To get the benefits of your air purifier for allergies, place the device in a high-traffic area of your home and make sure to clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Use A Neti Pot

Nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot helps remove irritants and excess mucus from the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and other allergy symptoms.

Saline solution can help soothe dry, irritated nasal passages.

Regular nasal irrigation can help reduce inflammation in the nasal lining.

How to Use A Neti Pot For Allergies:

• Prepare the solution: Use distilled or boiled and cooled water mixed with a saline solution. You can purchase pre-made saline packets or make your own solution by adding a teaspoon of non-iodized salt to a cup of distilled or boiled water.
• Tilt your head: Tilt your head forward, ensuring the affected nostril is positioned lower than the other.
  Pour the solution: Gently pour the saline solution into the upper nostril.
• Allow it to drain: Allow the solution to drain out the other nostril.
• Repeat the process on the other side.

Avoid using tap water in a neti pot. Tap water may contain contaminants that can irritate your nasal passages. After each use, clean your neti pot or squeeze bottle with warm water and mild soap.

If you’ve never used a neti pot before, this article on what is a neti pot+how to use it may be a good place to start.

This article on what is a neti pot and how to use it covers everything you need to know and this article, how to use a neti pot for allergies and sinus relief goes into more detail on how to use it specifically for seasonal allergies.

3. Do A Steam Inhalation With Or Without Essential Oils

Steam inhalation is the best way to use essential oils for seasonal allergies. This is a simple, home-based remedy that can help alleviate congestion and soothe irritated nasal passages, often associated with colds, flu, or allergies.

Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, may have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. Adding a few drops into the steam bath help to manage the symptoms associated with allergies.

Here’s how to do a steam inhalation

• Boil water in a saucepan or kettle. Carefully pour the boiling water into a glass or any heat-resistant bowl.
• Lean over the bowl, covering your head with a towel to trap the steam. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
• Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes, or until the water cools down.

For increase the effectiveness of the steam, add a few drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, or chamomile essential oil to the boiling water. These oils have natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, which offer additional benefits to soothe allergy symptoms.

Important safety tips: Be cautious when handling hot water and steam and keep your face a few inches away from the bowl to avoid burns. If using essential oils, ensure they are suitable for inhalation.

Remember: While steam inhalation can provide temporary relief, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for persistent or severe congestion or other symptoms.

4. Diffuse Essential Oils Or Inhale Directly

There are other ways to get the benefits of essential oils for seasonal allergies but don’t want to do a steam inhalation.

Dilute a few drops of oil in a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil and gently rub onto your chest or temples. The chest and temples are the best pulse points for essential oils to reduce allergy symptoms.

Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser and let it disperse into the air.

Place a few drops of oil on a tissue or cotton wool and inhale deeply.

These are best essential oils for seasonal allergies with detailed guidelines on how to use them.

Using a synergy blend essential oils is more powerful than using single oils. Plant Therapy has a specially formulated essential oil synergy blend for allergies.

Sneezy Stop Essential Oil blend is designed to support respiratory health and alleviate congestion in children during allergy season.

This kid-safe formula features a combination of essential oils, including Rosalina, Lavender, Fir Needle, Blue Tansy, and Geranium, which are known for their potential benefits in addressing allergy symptoms.

The Sneezy Stop Pre-Diluted Essential Oil Roll-On adds an extra layer of convenience as you don’t have to worry about diluting the oil for topical application. Simply open and gently apply to the chest and under the nose for easy administration and quick relief from allergy symptoms.
The blend offers a pleasant aroma of a richly blooming forest with a soft floral finish and can be used for kids and adults.

5. Maintain An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Chronic inflammation can play a significant role in exacerbating allergy symptoms. By reducing inflammation, you can potentially alleviate some of the discomfort associated with allergies.

To manage allergy symptoms, include these key anti-inflammatory foods in your diet:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, omega-3s can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
• Fruits and Vegetables: These are packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals that can help fight inflammation. Focus on colorful options like berries, leafy greens, and bell peppers.
• Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread, which are rich in fiber and can help reduce inflammation.
• Lean Proteins: Choose lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and legumes to support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and seeds into your diet.
  Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated and limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption are important natural remedies for seasonal allergies. Drinking plenty of water can help support overall health, flush out toxins, and reduce inflammation. On the other hand, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate inflammation.

Foods to Limit

• Processed foods: These often contain unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial additives that can contribute to inflammation.
• Red meat: Excessive red meat consumption has been linked to increased inflammation.
  Refined carbohydrates: Simple carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks can spike blood sugar levels and contribute to inflammation.
• Fried foods: Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats and can exacerbate inflammation.

The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners: A No-Stress Meal Plan with Easy Recipes to Heal the Immune System is a best-selling book with over 16,000 reviews.

6. Increase Your Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, which can help combat allergies.

Vitamin C also helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to inflammation.

Some studies suggest that vitamin C may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C into your diet, such as citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons), berries (strawberries, blueberries), kiwi, and bell peppers.

If you’re unable to meet your daily vitamin C needs through diet alone, consider taking a vitamin C supplement. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.

Note: While vitamin C can be beneficial for overall health, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications that may interact with vitamin C.

7. Increase Your Quercetin Intake

A natural bioflavonoid, Quercetin works to relieve seasonal allergies by stabilizing mast cells, which inhibit the release of histamines and reduce allergy symptoms. Quercetin is also a powerful antioxidant and helps to reduce inflammatory reactions that are typical in allergic reactions..

Garlic, onions, broccoli, and citrus fruits are rich in quercetin. The problem is you would need to eat large amounts of these foods to get the amounts of quercetin necessary to prevent allergies.

You may need to take Quercetin Supplements for more effective way to soothe symptoms. Start taking Quercetin supplements at least 4 to 6 weeks before allergy season as it takes a while to see the effects.

Seasonal Allergy Prevention Strategies

Stay Informed About Pollen Counts: Check local weather forecasts or pollen count apps to determine when pollen levels are high. Use a mobile app that offers real-time pollen data for your location. There are also websites dedicated to allergies often provide pollen information and forecasts. Both can be especially helpful if you experience severe symptoms.

Limit Outdoor Activities: When pollen counts are high, reduce your time outdoors, especially during peak pollen hours – often highest in the early morning and late afternoon. If you must be outdoors, try to schedule activities for times when pollen counts are lower.

Wear a Mask: If you have to go out, wear a mask. A mask can help filter out pollen particles from the air. While not as effective as specialized air filters, surgical masks can provide additional protection against pollen. N95 or KN95 masks offer higher levels of protection against airborne particles, including pollen.

Keep Windows Closed: Close windows and doors to prevent pollen from entering your home. This is especially important on windy days and during high pollen count times. If possible, use air conditioning to circulate filtered air inside your home.

Change Clothes and Shower Immediately When Coming In From Outdoors: When you return home from outdoors, change your clothes, put them in the laundry basket immediately and shower to rinse off pollen particles stuck to your body clothes. Regularly wash bedding, towels, and other fabrics that may have come into contact with pollen.

Keep Your Home Clean: Vacuum and dust regularly to remove pollen and other allergens. Damp dusting can help trap pollen and prevent it from becoming airborne. Reducing clutter can make it easier to clean and keep your home allergen-free.

Disclaimer

While natural remedies can be effective for many people, it’s important to remember that individual results may vary.

If your allergy symptoms are severe or do not improve with natural remedies, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional.

They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include prescription medications or other interventions.

Related Reads:

12 Ways to Reduce Pollen Allergy Symptoms Naturally 

Powerful Benefits Of Synergy Blends In Aromatherapy

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.