Fight Your Seasonal Allergies with These 5 Effective Home Remedies!

With seasonal changes come beautiful transformations all around us: new plants bloom, others die away in awe-inspiring fashion, new produce fills our farmers markets, and we welcome holidays that bring friends and family together. That is all well and good, but in this article, we will talk about what those changes do to us on the inside.

If your sinuses are running or stuffed, your throat is irritated, your eyes are itchy and watering, and you just hate everything right now, then you could be suffering from seasonal allergies. Your reaction to allergens in the air, like pollen, dust, or micro-organisms, is completely normal. There are some great plant-based ways to treat these reactions at the source that act like anti-histamines (histamine release triggers your allergic reaction). There are also methods for treating some of the symptoms above that you can do at home while your body puts up a fight and you get on with your life.

Butterbur Extract

Butterbur is an herb that has been clinically shown to be just as effective at relieving nasal symptoms as common antihistamines on the market, but without making you drowsy. When you are buying the supplement, make sure that it is processed and UPA-free.

• Vitanica, Butterbur Extra, Brain Chemistry and Vessel Support

• Carlyle Butterbur 

• NusaPure Butterbur Extract

Quercetin

Quercetin is an antioxidant and bioflavonoid that helps prevent you from releasing histamine when it builds up in your system. It can also fight nasal inflammation. It is found in citrus, onions, apples, parsley, tomatoes, broccoli, and wine. It can also be purchased as a supplement so that you can get enough of it to prevent instead of lessen the blow of your seasonal allergies. Quercetin works even better in combination with Vitamin C.

• Global Healing Center Quercetin

• Pure Encapsulations Quercetin

• MegaFood Quercetin with Bromelain

• Gaia Herbs Pro Quercetin Synergy 

Saline Nasal Spray

Saline, or purified salt water, can be used to flush out your nose and remove pollen or other allergens while reducing congestion. You can find it as a nasal spray or you can use a Neti pot (or your cupped hand) to flush your sinuses with your own solution.

• Xynase® Natural Saline Nasal Spray

• Nasitrol Natural Nasal Spray 

• ARM & HAMMER Simply Saline Nasal Care 

• Zarbee’s Soothing Saline Nasal Mist with Aloe

Spicy Foods

The hotter your food, the more effective it can be in thinning the mucus in your nose and clearing your nasal passages. Get some hot peppers, ginger, raw garlic, fenugreek, and horseradish in your diet and be prepared for a rush.

Licorice Root

If you are a fan of licorice, then this is great news! If not, we are sorry. Licorice root decreases inflammation, thins mucus, and reduces the occurrence of coughing fits, especially when enjoyed in some tea. You can find it as a supplement and in many teas aimed at soothing an irritated throat. Make sure to throw in some lemon juice for some added Vitamin C!

• Himalaya Organic Licorice Root Herbal Supplement

• Peak Performance Organic Licorice Root Extract Liquid Drops Supplement

• Wild & Organic Licorice Root Tincture 

• Nature’s Answer Licorice Root Herbal Supplement

Other Pro-Tips

By taking antihistamines and other preventive measures in advance of a seasonal change, such as purchasing an air filter for your room, you can decrease the likelihood of experiencing an allergic reaction. Be careful about taking too much of anything or combining multiple remedies that aim to do the same thing. Your body may get overwhelmed. We hope this helps!

More Allergy Resources

• Ward Off Winter Allergies With These Whole Foods
• 12 Foods to Help You Survive Winter Allergies, Colds and The Flu
• Your Guide to Natural Plant-Based Treatments For Fall Allergies
• 7 Home Remedies for Spring Allergies
• 10 Daily Plant-Based Elixirs to Help Fight Allergies
• 15 Plant-Based Recipes to Calm Indoor Winter Allergies
• 10 All-Natural Antihistamines to Beat Winter Indoor Allergies