Natural Remedies for Spring Allergies: Breathe Easy This Season

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for allergy sufferers, it can be a season of sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Pollen from blooming flowers, trees, and grasses can trigger seasonal allergies, making it difficult to enjoy the warmer weather. While over-the-counter medications can help, they often come with drowsiness and other side effects. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can provide relief and help you manage your symptoms effectively. Here are some natural remedies for spring allergies.(post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here})

Local Honey

Consuming local honey may help build immunity to pollen allergies over time. The theory is that by exposing your body to small amounts of local pollen, your immune system becomes less sensitive to it.

How to Use:

• Take a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered local honey daily.
• Stir it into tea or drizzle over yogurt or toast.

Tip: Start this remedy a few months before allergy season for the best results.

Quercetin-Rich Foods

Quercetin is a natural antioxidant that helps stabilize histamines, reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching.

Best Quercetin-Rich Foods:

• Apples
• Onions
• Berries
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Green tea

Tip: You can also take a quercetin supplement for an added boost.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle is a natural antihistamine that can help reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms.

How to Use:

• Drink nettle tea daily.
• Take it in capsule form for a stronger effect.

Tip: Combine nettle tea with honey for double the allergy-fighting power!

Nasal Rinse (Saline Spray or Neti Pot)

A saline rinse helps flush out allergens from your nasal passages, reducing congestion and irritation.

How to Use:

• Use a neti pot with a saline solution to rinse your sinuses.
• Try a saline nasal spray for a quick and easy cleanse.

Tip: Always use distilled or sterilized water when using a neti pot.

Probiotics for Immune Support

A strong immune system can help your body respond better to allergens. Probiotics promote gut health, which plays a key role in immunity.

Best Probiotic Foods:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso

Tip: Consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement, especially if you suffer from frequent allergies.

Essential Oils for Allergy Relief

Certain essential oils can help clear congestion, reduce inflammation, and improve breathing.

Best Essential Oils for Allergies:

• Peppermint Oil – Clears nasal passages and reduces sinus pressure.
• Lavender Oil – Acts as a natural antihistamine and soothes irritation.
• Eucalyptus Oil – Opens airways and relieves congestion.

How to Use:

• Diffuse the oils in your home.
• Add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water and inhale the vapors.
• Mix with a carrier oil and apply to the chest or temples.

Vitamin C for Natural Antihistamine Benefits

Vitamin C helps reduce histamine levels, which can lessen allergy symptoms like sneezing and congestion.

Best Vitamin C Sources:

• Oranges and citrus fruits
• Bell peppers
• Strawberries
• Kiwi
• Leafy greens

Tip: Take a vitamin C supplement during peak allergy season for extra support.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and flush allergens from your system.

How Much Water to Drink?

• Aim for 8-10 glasses per day, or more if you’re spending time outdoors.
• Herbal teas (like ginger or chamomile) can also help soothe allergy symptoms.

Tip: Warm lemon water in the morning can help detoxify and boost immunity.

Reduce Allergen Exposure

While natural remedies help manage symptoms, reducing exposure to allergens is key to long-term relief.

Ways to Reduce Pollen Exposure:

• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days.
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors.
• Use an air purifier to filter allergens indoors.
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to remove pollen.

Herbal Teas for Allergy Relief

Drinking herbal teas can soothe inflammation and open up airways naturally.

Best Herbal Teas for Allergies:

• Ginger Tea – Reduces inflammation and relieves sinus pressure.
• Chamomile Tea – Calms allergic reactions and promotes relaxation.
• Licorice Root Tea – Helps clear congestion and supports respiratory health.

Tip: Add honey for extra allergy-fighting benefits.