If you have seasonal allergies, you might reach for an over-the-counter antihistamine when you start to sneeze. While medicines can help manage annoying symptoms, there are also natural remedies for allergies you can try. From nasal rinses to honey, here are five natural methods that can provide some allergy relief.
1. Nasal rinsing is an effective way to clear up a stuffy nose
A runny, stuffy or itchy nose are common symptoms of allergies. What’s worse, these symptoms can lead to a dry, irritated nose and make you feel even more uncomfortable. A saline nasal rinse can soothe irritation and reduce symptoms by flushing dust, pollen and other allergens from your nasal passages.
You can buy nasal rinse or saline solution from your local drugstore. But you can also find relief right in your own kitchen. To make homemade nasal rinse, you’ll need to mix:
- 2 cups (.5 liters) of warm distilled, filtered or bottled water (don’t use tap water as it may contain bacteria)
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of non-iodized salt (options include kosher salt, sea salt and plain table salt)
- A pinch of baking soda
A nasal rinse can be a safe and effective way to relieve allergy symptoms. In rare cases, nasal rinses may cause minor nosebleeds or a stinging sensation in the nose the first time you try one. These are common reactions and they should clear up quickly. But if you experience any uncomfortable or unusual side effects, or if your symptoms get worse, stop using the nasal rinse and talk with your doctor.
2. Nasal sprays can reduce inflammation
There are many over-the-counter nasal sprays that contain medicated ingredients, including corticosteroids, antihistamines and decongestants. While these medications are safe and effective when used correctly, you can also use saline spray as a natural alternative.
Like nasal rinsing, nasal saline sprays contain a mix of water and salt that help flush out allergens and mucus. This can provide relief from allergy symptoms like a runny nose or sneezing.
It’s common to find over-the-counter nose sprays that contain xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol. But unlike saline sprays, xylitol sprays aren’t proven to help manage allergy symptoms. For best results, stick with saline spray.
3. Eye drops can help irritated and itchy eyes
Red, watery eyes are another common allergy symptom that can be as annoying as it is uncomfortable. Eye drops can effectively soothe irritation. Though you can use homemade saline solution for nose irrigation, only use store-bought sterile eye drops to help you avoid infection.
Look for preservative-free eye drops that don’t contain chemical additives, which may make irritation worse. Some preservative-free options include lubricating eye drops (also known as artificial tears) and sterile saline solution. They’ll help wash away the allergens causing the irritation, with the added benefit of hydrating the surface of the eye.
4. Honey can soothe an itchy, sore throat related to allergies
Honey doesn’t impact the way your immune system responds to allergens. But it can help an irritated throat caused by common allergy symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and post-nasal drip. Similar to a cough drop, honey can coat and protect throat tissue. It also contains antioxidants and enzymes that reduce inflammation, easing pain and swelling.
Swallowing a teaspoon or two of honey is a helpful way to alleviate the ache. You can also add it to herbal tea and warm water. Don’t use boiling water, as it can destroy some of the beneficial properties. Rather, let your drink cool before you stir in the honey.
Keep in mind that honey should never be given to an infant or child under 12 months old. Honey naturally contains a spore called Clostridium botulinum that mature immune systems can handle. But children under the age of one don’t have the stomach acidity and gut microbiome to fight off this bacteria, which can cause infant botulism.
5. Eating a well-balanced diet can support your overall health
While an apple a day can’t cure your seasonal allergies, eating a well-balanced diet is good for your overall health. Eating a well-balanced diet can give your immune system a big boost, helping you fight off illness and heal faster. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, and it can even help lower the chances of developing chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Many whole fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation. Healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids can improve brain health. Lean proteins, like turkey, support muscle and tissue health. Whole grains, such as brown rice, keep you energized and aid in digestion.
Taking care of your whole-body health is much more than a well-balanced diet. Regular exercise lowers your risk of chronic diseases, strengthens your heart and improves your mood. And having good sleep hygiene increases your chance of getting better rest, which is crucial for good mental and physical health.
While taking care of your overall health can’t cure seasonal allergies, it may make your symptoms more manageable. Talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes that can help boost your well-being.
What about herbal remedies and essential oils for allergies? These are not recommended.
You may have heard that herbs and essential oils can treat allergy symptoms. However, there isn’t enough strong scientific evidence to support these claims. While some smaller studies have found that certain essential oils and herbs may offer some relief, the risks of using these remedies outweigh the benefits.
Herbal supplements can cause severe reactions and interfere with medications
If you’re sensitive to allergens, certain herbal supplements can cause immune system reactions that range from mild to severe. Herbal supplements can also interact with prescription medicines, which can make medications less effective and even cause dangerous side effects. Examples of this include:
- Ginseng – It can alter blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medications.
- Gingko biloba – A natural blood thinner, it can interfere with prescription blood thinners.
- St. John’s wort – This herb speeds up the breakdown of drugs like birth control, lowering their effectiveness.
Essential oils may make allergies worse
While essential oils should never be ingested, they can be used safely in other ways, including diffusing for aromatherapy. Many people don’t have a reaction when properly diffusing essential oils. But if you have seasonal allergies, using essential oils may trigger an allergic response or make symptoms worse.
Typically, herbal remedies and essential oils are sold as dietary supplements, so there’s no quality control and no clinical testing to determine their safety. There is also no strong scientific evidence that they work to fight allergy symptoms.
While essential oils and herbal supplements may seem “natural,” it’s best to stick to scientifically proven ways of treating your allergy symptoms.
When to talk with a doctor about your allergy symptoms
For many, natural remedies for allergies can help them feel more comfortable. For others, more help may be needed to get lasting relief. Talk with your primary care doctor to find the best treatment option for you. They’re able to treat many common types of allergies and prescribe medications that can relieve uncomfortable symptoms. And if you need more advanced care, they can connect you with an allergist, a specialist who diagnoses and treats allergies.
