Tired of people telling you “Bless you” a dozen times a day, especially during the spring?
You're not alone - seasonal allergies (hay fever) plague more than 81 million people in the United States and over a quarter of the adult population.
Whether you're dealing with constant sneezing or nasal congestion, the symptoms of seasonal allergies can be a real drag. For some people, these symptoms are life-altering, making it hard to participate in regular activities.
Although there is a large selection of over-the-counter antihistamine medicines available to treat seasonal allergy symptoms, most have side effects - things like drowsiness, dry mouth, and sometimes even blurred vision or dizziness.
That's not to say that these medications don't work - but sometimes, it pays to search for some natural remedies that have fewer side effects and that may help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Keep reading to learn more about allergies, what causes them, and how we can use natural remedies for seasonal allergies.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system reacts to certain allergens in the air, particularly during certain times of the year.
Some of the most common seasonal allergy causes include…
- Pollen from blooming trees
- Grass and weeds
- Mold spores
When any of these allergens enter the body, the immune system responds by producing antibodies. These antibodies then identify the allergens as harmful and trigger the release of histamine to fight the threat.
When histamine is released, typical signs of seasonal allergies may appear, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, throat irritation, and a runny nose. The duration of these symptoms typically depends on the length of exposure to the allergen and the individual person's body reaction.
Natural Tips to Relieve Seasonal Allergies and Nasal Congestion
Diet and Nutrition
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Many people underestimate the impact of their diet on their allergies - even seasonal ones. What we eat has a direct effect on how our immune system functions, and in turn, this can influence our reaction to allergens and other external triggers.
According to some research, one of the best things frequent allergy sufferers can do is to adopt a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet. In doing so, they can support their immune system and improve their ability to fight off allergies.
An anti-inflammatory diet centers around meals that are heavy in…
- Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, collards)
- Fruits (mostly citrus and berries)
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna)
This also means avoiding inflammatory foods, such as…
- Red meats and processed meats
- Commercial baked goods
- Deep-fried foods
- Foods high in sugars and artificial sweeteners
- Trans-fats
It's not just that an anti-inflammatory diet gives your immune system a better fighting chance. Another benefit is that many anti-inflammatory foods, like cabbage and citrus fruits, contain a flavonoid called Quercetin that is thought to reduce inflammation and inhibit histamine release.
Furthermore, sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet generally protects the body from harmful inflammatory pathways and cell damage. Studies show that people who practice anti-inflammatory diets tend to have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases and may even live longer.
Supplements and Vitamins
The next thing you can do to minimize the symptoms of seasonal allergies is to up your intake of certain supplements and vitamins.
Although not everyone benefits from the same additions, learning which supplements to take can have a dramatic impact on your health - especially during heavy allergy seasons like spring and summer.
Some of the most commonly used supplements include…
✓Vitamin C
Found in many fruits and vegetables, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and supports the immune system.
The recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 90 mg a day for men. However, the tolerable amount for most adults is as much as 2,000 milligrams per day. Some research indicates that carefully increasing your daily dosage can have many benefits for your health.
✓Vitamin D
This vitamin actually has a surprising relationship with allergy symptoms. Recent research indicates that vitamin D may activate certain regulatory immune system cells that prevent the release of chemicals, which can actually worsen allergic diseases and their symptoms.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is at least 600 international units (IU) for people between the age of 1 and 70. Unfortunately, it's estimated that almost 1 in every 4 U.S. adults is considered low in vitamin D and the rates are even higher for individuals with darker skin, such as non-hispanic blacks.
✓Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These acids, largely found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, have a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the body. You’ve likely seen fish oil supplements on the store shelves before. This is likely the best way to get up to 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids in your body every day.
✓Probiotics
Although many people take probiotic supplements to help with their digestive system, they may also be beneficial for seasonal allergies. Probiotics are thought to improve the symptoms of histamine intolerance, which can reduce the incidence and duration of allergy symptoms.
Of course, before starting any vitamin or supplement regime, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Herbal Remedies
Neti Pot
A neti pot is a small container you can use to flush out your sinuses with a saline solution. The saline solution is made by mixing salt and sterile water. You'll pour it into one nostril, then drain it out the other through the neti pot.
As uncomfortable as this might sound, using a neti pot helps to remove excess mucus and other allergens from the sinuses, reducing feelings of congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages.
During peak allergy season, allergens like pollen can become trapped in your sinuses, exacerbating your allergy symptoms. If you're able to flush the allergens out, you'll likely experience less discomfort.
Note: it's always important to use sterile or distilled water when using a neti pot. This will prevent you from introducing bacteria and contaminants into your sinuses.
Natural Nasal Decongestant
Another way to naturally open your airways and clear clogged sinuses is to use a basic nasal decongestant ointment. Look for one that is made with all-natural safe ingredients, such as organic extra virgin olive oil, menthol, beeswax, and/or essential oils.
Our “Just Breathe” ointment is specially formulated to help relieve feelings of congestion and coughing. You can apply a little before going to bed or throughout the day as needed (especially during allergy season).
Herbal Teas and Tinctures
When your throat is scratchy and sore, nothing feels as amazing as a soothing cup of hot tea. Fortunately, many herbal teas and tinctures also have real benefits when it comes to relieving the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
For example, peppermint tea can serve as a natural decongestant and is known to open up clogged nasal passages. Nettle tea works as a natural antihistamine while elderflower tea alleviates bodily inflammation, including in the head and nose.
At Just a Little Herb, we’ve combined a long list of powerful herbal ingredients to formulate a tonic specifically for helping with allergies and colds.
Our “Fire Cider” includes all organic…
- Elderberries
- Ginger root
- Turmeric root
- Red clover
- Nettles
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Hyssop
- Onion
- Garlic
- and more!
This tonic can be taken one to three times a day (1 tbsp at a time), or it can be added to meals as an additional ingredient.
Lifestyle Changes
Cleaning and Hygiene
Daily cleaning and hygiene practices can have a big impact on your allergy symptoms. When you regularly change your sheets and wipe down your home's surfaces, you can eliminate dust mites and other allergens that might be triggering your symptoms.
Additionally, it's a good idea to shower after going outside - likely at the end of the day before you go to bed. This will help you spread fewer allergens through the home and make sure you're sleeping in an allergen-free environment.
Some people even go as far as using allergy-proof covers on their pillows and mattresses. Dust mites and other allergens love to hang out in our bedding, so keeping these things protected and clean can go a long way toward minimizing seasonal allergies.
Hydration
Lastly, remember to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is critical when it comes to promoting strong immune functions and flushing out toxins, including allergens.
Additionally, hydrating throughout the day can also help thin out thick mucus, which tends to exacerbate allergy symptoms like congestion and postnasal drip.
Although it's always important to stay hydrated, it's particularly important during allergy seasons. Dehydration can exacerbate allergies and make you more susceptible to harmful pathogens. Make sure you're replacing this water and drinking plenty of fluids throughout the entire day.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal allergies can put a real damper on your life, even if you are inside most of the time. Don't resign yourself to strapping tissue boxes to your hips. Instead, start experimenting with safe, effective, and natural remedies for seasonal allergies, like the ones we listed above.
At Just a Little Herb, we're committed to producing and selling truly high-quality home remedy products - including tonics, ointments, and other nasal congestion remedies.
We were founded by a trained physician assistant, and we pride ourselves on abiding by safe clinical herbal medicine practices.
To learn more about our home remedies for seasonal allergies, visit our website. You can also reach out to the Just a Little Herb team directly to ask questions.