Surviving Seasonal Allergies: Home Remedies for Symptom Relief
For many of us, there’s no greater feeling than seeing the blossoming trees come spring after winter. But, that excitement can soon fade for those of us who get itchy eyes, runny nose, and congestion from the pollen. And, taking an oral antihistamine may not bring enough relief. While there is no cure for seasonal allergies, it’s possible to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms thanks to some home remedies.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies
Over 100 million people in the U.S. are victims of seasonal allergies, or hay fever, between spring and fall. If you’re allergic to tree pollen, ragweed, or grass, your immune system treats them as intruders. To fight off these allergens, your body releases histamines, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. This shows up as itchy eyes, nose, and throat, sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. The more your body sees the allergens as a threat, the stronger its response will be.
Surviving seasonal allergies doesn’t have to be miserable. There are some accessible home remedies to keep your seasonal allergies at bay.
Types of Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Air Filters
It’s inevitable that outdoor allergens will enter your home. While you may not be able to remove the allergens completely, having a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your home can help trap them.
Saline Solution or Nasal Irrigation
A saline solution (over-the counter or homemade) can also help relieve nasal congestion. By rinsing your nasal passages, you can directly flush out mucus and allergens. A 2012 study notes that a saline solution can improve nasal symptoms by 28%.
Local Honey
Andrew Cote of Andrew’s Honey suggests, “If you ingest the pollens that bring you discomfort, you build up an immunity against them.” Currently, there isn’t enough research to conclude that eating honey can reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. But, a spoonful of local honey a day was the recommended amount in the few clinical trials done so far.
Stinging Nettle Leaf
Stinging nettle leaf is a natural anti-inflammatory that’s been used for hundreds of years. Limited clinical trials show that eating this plant may ease sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Stinging nettle leaf can be enjoyed as a tea, or as an herbal supplement.
Foods Rich in Quercetin
Quercetin is what gives some fruits, vegetables, and flowers their pigmented color. Quercetin also has anti-inflammatory properties, and is most easily consumed through foods. Some foods that are high in quercetin include apples, berries, onions, broccoli, and kale.
Using Home Remedies with Professional Advice: Finding Balance in Seasonal Allergy Relief
It’s always a good idea to talk to a health care professional before making changes to your treatment plan for seasonal allergies. Home remedies for seasonal allergies are often a supplement, not a replacement, to over-the-counter oral antihistamines. While more research is needed for some of these home remedies, most are already a part of one's routine or diet. If these options are available to you, it could be worth a try so you can better enjoy the warmer weather.