As wonderful as it is to see the flowers blooming and the trees bursting with new life, many of us also face the dreaded arrival of spring allergies. If you find yourself sniffling, sneezing, and rubbing your itchy eyes—I’ve compiled my best natural remedies for allergies to help you conquer seasonal discomfort and enjoy the season to the fullest.

1. Allergy Hacks That Really Work!

Spring allergies (aka hay fever or allergic rhinitis) are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When these tiny particles enter our bodies through our nose, mouth, or eyes, our immune system perceives them as threats and releases histamines, which are the cause of our annoying allergy symptoms.

If you don’t live in the South, let me fill you in on what happens here in the Spring…

Yellow, dusty pollen makes its way onto everything! I’m talking about covering your car, house, front porch—even in between your toes! It triggers my allergies big time, leaving me with sinus pressure and other nagging symptoms.

Fortunately, I’ve found a bunch of home remedies for allergies that really work to curb my symptoms, plus they’re beneficial for your overall immune system. If you’re an allergy sufferer like me, hopefully, these tips come in handy for you, too!

  • Local Honey: Consuming raw, local honey is believed to help desensitize your body to pollen from your area, potentially relieving some of your allergy symptoms over time. Add a spoonful to your morning tea or drizzle it over oatmeal for a sweet and natural remedy for allergies.
  • Quercetin: This natural antioxidant found in foods like apples, onions, and berries has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce allergies. Consider adding quercetin-rich foods to your diet or taking a supplement for extra support.
  • Vitamin C: A great anti-inflammatory and natural antihistamine for allergies, vitamin C can really bolster your immune system. A great natural remedy for allergies is Camu camu powder, which mixes well in yogurt or smoothies. Moringa (available as a green powder) is also extremely high in vitamin C, with 7x more per serving than oranges!
  • Nettle Leaf: Often consumed as a tea or in supplement form, nettle leaf has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for allergies. Some find that it can help reduce sneezing, itching, and congestion.
  • Neti Pot or Saline Nasal Rinse: A saline nasal rinse can help flush out allergens from your nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and irritation. Use a neti pot or nasal spray with a saline solution to keep your sinuses clear and comfortable.
  • Xlear Spray: When my allergies get really bad, I use this xylitol nasal spray several times a day, and it reduces some of the pressure!
  • Sleeping Elevated: Try propping up your head with pillows to sleep at an incline. This helps your sinuses drain rather than becoming more clogged.
  • Lymph Drainage Massage: This YouTube video is an awesome example of how to find instant relief from drainage massage exercises. I tried it myself and had great results, so I’ll be returning to it again for future use!
  • Support Your Liver:  Your mighty liver has to process all the allergens, so be sure to show it some extra love. You can do castor oil packs or try one of my favorite home remedies for allergies—Standard Process’s Antronex, a powerful liver supporter. Milk Thistle tea, lemon water, and green drinks are other great options.
  • Homeopathics: There’s a very cool homeopathic company that makes natural remedies for allergies tailored to your state and specific geographical area. I just ordered a bottle for our zone and can’t wait to get relief from the Longleaf Pine trees! 🌿

2. Is Chronic Stress Making Your Allergies Worse?

I’ve noticed that my allergies are only mild some years but roaring in others. How come? It comes down to something under the radar that many people don’t associate with allergies: stress!

Your adrenals produce the “stress hormone” cortisol. We hear a lot about the damaging effects of cortisol—but did you know that cortisol, when produced in balanced amounts, acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone that combats allergic responses?

Studies have shown that lower cortisol reserves are associated with more severe allergic reactions.

Here are some ways to support these two small but mighty glands:

  • Get extra rest: Sleep soothes the adrenals and allows them to heal. Need help getting some extra zzz’s? Check out this post.
  • Go easy on caffeine and stimulants: If you’re an avid coffee drinker, try to cut back by drinking more water or herbal remedies for allergies like tea. Caffeine can significantly stress the adrenals, so seek out coffee substitutes like mushroom teas or Dandy Blend. Or, have your cup of coffee after your breakfast meal.
  • Eat within the first hour of waking up: This advice isn’t popular among intermittent fasting fans, but eating breakfast shortly after waking up can help calm stressed adrenals and balance your blood sugar.
  • Consume “slow” carbs, protein, and fat: For breakfast, emphasize protein, fiber, and healthy fats (such as eggs or avocado). Eat balanced meals and snacks that feature this combo and are low in sugar.
  • Boost your vitamin C: Your adrenals need vitamin C to make cortisol, so increase your intake from foods like leafy greens, berries, peppers, kiwi, broccoli, and camu camu or alma berry powder mixed in yogurt or applesauce. Keep in mind, one organic yellow bell pepper contains a whopping 340mg of vitamin C!

By incorporating these natural remedies for allergies, you can find relief without relying solely on medication. Try a few of these tips and see which ones work best for you! 🌱