The first thing most of us think of when we hear “allergies” is sneezing or a runny nose. But seasonal allergies are much more than that. From itchy eyes, to sore throats and headaches, allergies can be downright miserable for some people. The good news is there are plenty of ways to treat them naturally—and many of them don’t involve spending hours at the doctor’s office or taking oodles of medications. Here are some sneaky ways to combat seasonal allergies.
1. Take a Small Dose of Raw Local Honey
Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries. While store-bought honey is great, local raw honey has even more health benefits because it contains pollen that can alleviate seasonal allergies, and it’s less processed than store bought varieties.
Local raw honey may also contain natural antihistamines, which makes it a powerful allergy fighter. Even if you’re not allergic to the type of pollen in your area, local raw honey can help treat mild colds and coughs!
It’s important to buy from trusted sources so that you get real honey made by people who care about their bees and the environment around them.
2. Reduce Stress Levels
Stress is a natural response to an event that causes you to feel threatened. When your body experiences this type of threat, it reacts by releasing adrenaline and other hormones that increase blood pressure and heart rate, dilate your bronchial tubes, make muscles twitchy, even cause tears. This is all so the body can deal with whatever danger it perceives. But for someone who is already suffering from seasonal allergies (or other environmental sensitivities), stress can be a huge problem—not only because it’s uncomfortable in its own right but also because it exacerbates existing symptoms by causing inflammation in the nasal passages and lungs.
Stress can also contribute to higher levels of histamine which aggravate those with allergies by triggering immune responses like sneezing or the release of mucus from glands inside our eyes or nose that block airways and make breathing difficult. Stress also makes our bodies more sensitive to allergens; meaning that even if we’re not exposed directly during stressful events they could still trigger reactions later on when we go outside where pollen counts are high! So how do we combat this? Try incorporating stress management techniques and practices into your daily routine.
For example, each morning before work make sure you get some quiet time for yourself. You don’t have to be alone; spending time with a friend or loved one can also help you relax and destress. But try not to engage in activities like watching TV or scrolling through social media—these only increase your stress levels! Instead try deep breathing exercises, yoga or any other activity that helps you relax.
3. Get a Neti Pot
If you’re looking to combat seasonal allergies and allergens, a neti pot may be the answer. This tool is used to irrigate your nasal passages and clear out irritants or allergens that have built up in there. By using a neti pot regularly, you can reduce symptoms of allergies such as congestion and sneezing, feel better overall and even ward off infections.
To use one, just fill it with warm water (don’t use hot or boiling water!), add 1/4 teaspoon of salt (or less if desired) and tilt your head over the sink so that warm water flows into one nostril while you breathe through the other side of your nose. Empty out any excess liquid from both nostrils before repeating on the other side so that no additional salt gets introduced into either nostril at all!
If you’re prone to sinus infections or colds, you may want to try using a neti pot on a regular basis. It can help clear out irritants and allergens that have built up in your nasal passages and reduce symptoms of allergies such as congestion and sneezing. By using one regularly, you can also feel better overall and even ward off infections.
4. Avoid Dairy Products
Avoid dairy products. This is not a complete solution to allergy symptoms, but it can help. Dairy products contain a protein called casein that can cause inflammation of the nasal passages. If you consume lots of milk and cheese, switching to non-dairy alternatives may help reduce your symptoms.
Acupuncture to Relieve Allergy Symptoms
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions and diseases. In recent years, acupuncture has become more widely accepted as a safe and effective treatment option for allergies.
In fact, studies suggest that acupuncture can help reduce the frequency and severity of allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation in the body. Acupuncture also helps improve sleep quality and mood, which can help improve your overall sense of well-being.
5. Ginseng Helps Your Immune System Fight Allergies
Ginseng is a root that has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. It’s usually taken to boost energy and fight fatigue, but it can also be used to help fight allergies. Ginseng can be taken in capsule form or brewed as a tea.
Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb, which means it can help you adapt to stress. As a result, it can boost energy levels and alleviate fatigue. It also has antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation associated with allergies.
6. Try a Saline Rinse to Clear Your Sinuses
If you’re feeling congested, an old home remedy may help. A saline rinse can open up your nasal passages and relieve sinus pain. Saline rinses are also used to help clear out mucus that clogs the airways in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Saline nose sprays are available over the counter at any drugstore or pharmacy, so it’s easy to give it a try if you’re dealing with allergies this season. All you need is water and salt—or saltwater solution as some call it—to make your own at home!
7. Probiotics Might Keep You From Developing Allergies in The First Place
Probiotics can help you keep your immune system balanced, which may help prevent allergies from developing. And when you do develop allergies, probiotics can also help treat them.
The most common probiotic foods are yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. Probiotics can also be found in supplements that you can buy at a health food store or online.
If you’re looking for a probiotic supplement to take, there are many different options available. There are some that are made from bacteria that naturally occur in your body and others that contain strains of bacteria that have been isolated from food sources. In general, products containing the same strain of bacteria as those found in yogurt or other fermented foods will be more effective than those containing different strains.
8. Sip on Some Licorice Tea
Have you been looking for a natural way to combat seasonal allergies? Look no further! Licorice root is a natural antihistamine that can help with seasonal allergies, hay fever and even other health problems like asthma, eczema and chronic cough.
In fact, licorice root has been used for many years by ancient civilizations as both a sweetening agent in foods and beverages (think about the popular candy “licorice allsorts”) as well as a medicine for various ailments. In China it’s called Liu-kong; in India it’s known as mulethi; while in Japan you’ll find it under the name Giri giri (“shiver” or “to shake”).
9. Enjoy a Cup of Green Tea
Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is also a well-known natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, which can help combat allergy symptoms.
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that have been shown to fight free radicals, which are destructive molecules that cause damage to cells and DNA. These antioxidants also promote better health by reducing inflammation in the body.
A study has shown that drinking green tea regularly may improve your immune system response to allergens, making it easier for you to breathe when pollen counts are high or when you’re exposed to other allergens like dust mites or pet dander (allergens from animals).
10. Drink Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a great way to fight seasonal allergies. First, you’ll want to make sure you’re using fresh ginger root and not dried powder. You can find this in any grocery store or market, either fresh or dried (the latter is more common). Once you have your ginger root, all that’s left to do is pop it in a pot of hot water and let it steep for around 10 minutes before drinking. Ginger tea can be drunk hot or cold depending on your preference!
11 Use Apple Cider Vinegar
If you’re looking for an easy way to combat seasonal allergies, try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is inexpensive and can be added to so many foods and drinks without changing the taste. It can also be used directly on your skin, making it versatile enough for even the busiest of people.
In addition to being easy to use, apple cider vinegar has been shown in studies to reduce symptoms caused by seasonal allergies. In one study from 2010, researchers gave participants either two teaspoons of raw ACV or a placebo once per day for eight weeks during allergy season (the spring). At the end of the trial period, participants who took ACV saw significant improvements in their symptoms compared with those who took placebo—including fewer sneezes and runny noses!
12. Cover up.
- Cover up. Wear a scarf or hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella when outside to avoid pollen.
- Close windows and doors at night to trap pollen inside your home.
- Avoid pollen-producing plants such as ragweed, oak and grasses that are found in many yards and parks. If you must be around these plants wear a mask over your mouth (and nose) during outdoor activities such as gardening or mowing the lawns.* Use air conditioning during hot weather on high fan speed setting to keep humidity levels down in your home.* Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from your home’s air during warm months by running it while you sleep at night or while you’re away from home all day long so it can reduce the amount of mold spores floating around inside
13. Clear the air.
- There are lots of things you can do to keep pollen out of your home, but if you’re already in the midst of allergy season, there’s no better way to start than by keeping it from getting IN. You can install a HEPA air filter and run it in your bedroom at night to remove allergens from the air before you breathe them in.
- Consider running a humidifier for some moisture in dry winter months—this helps keep your nasal passages moist and clear.
- If possible, open windows whenever possible! Fresh air is always good for allergies (and other things). Plus opening those windows will help let out any excess moisture that may be lingering around your house during winter months.
- A simple change like this can make a big difference: replace allergen-filled pillows with hypoallergenic ones so that when you’re sleeping at night and breathing deeply, you aren’t inhaling as many allergens into your lungs. Be sure not just to wash these frequently but also flip them over so they don’t become unevenly worn down over time; this ensures that both sides get equal exposure time with dust mites—which are what cause allergic reactions such as sneezing fits!
14. Get a shower before going to bed. Make sure to wash your hair.
If you have issues with seasonal allergies, it can be helpful to wash your hair before bedtime. This will help reduce the amount of allergens in your hair and make it easier to remove them from your pillowcase during the night.
If you have a long day ahead of you, it’s a good idea to wash your hair in the morning instead. This will ensure that any allergens don’t stick around for too long.
15. There are many ways to prevent allergies, but it also helps to know what’s out there in case you do have an allergy attack. Here are some of the most common medications that doctors recommend:
- Allergy shots. These shots can help your body build up immunity to pollen and other allergens so you’re less likely to have an allergic reaction when exposed. They’re given over time and need to be repeated every few months.
- Nasal steroid sprays (such as Flonase or Rhinocort). These reduce inflammation caused by urushiol, which is found in poison ivy and oak trees. They’re not meant for long-term use and should only be used for two weeks at a time with two or three days between each treatment session.
We hope you found our tips on seasonal allergies useful. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or something more long-term, there are plenty of ways to combat the symptoms of allergies. Remember that it’s important to stay optimistic and find ways to make living with allergies easier on yourself!
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2021
Seasonal Allergies, Nip Them In The Bud, Mayo Clinic
