Indoor or outdoor seasonal allergies can completely take over your life! From the itching, watering eyes to the runny/stuffy nose to sneezing – Allergies can make you feel like you have a cold and keep you from enjoying your life!
These tried and true natural remedies for allergy relief will have you feeling better in no time! But, first, a little background on where your allergies may be coming from…
What Causes Allergies?
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Allergies can be from a great number of things, but here are the most common sources of allergies:
1. Pollen
Things such as trees, flowers, grass, and hay all have certain times of the year when they are in full bloom and pollinating. This is why many people experience allergies worse with the changing of the seasons, such as the beginning of spring and early summer.
2. Pet Dander
Animal’s such as dogs and cats skin flakes off (known as dander), which causes allergies in some individuals.(1)
3. Yeast (Candida albicans)
When your home has a high amount of dust and your body is overrun with yeast – Allergies get worse.(2) Combine these 2 things with pet dander, and you have a cocktail for severe allergies.
You can also check out my related post: Just 3 Ingredients Treat Yeast Infection FAST (Without Antifungals!)
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4. Mold
Another possible cause of allergies is mold. Mold is lurking in many people’s homes without them even being aware of it. It can be hiding under tile, linoleum, and in window cracks.
A study showed “indoor dampness or mold to be associated consistently with increased asthma development and exacerbation, current and ever diagnosis of asthma, dyspnea, wheeze, cough, respiratory infections, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and upper respiratory tract symptoms.”(3)
Since you may not be able to see this “hidden danger”, the best way to check for mold in your home is with a Mold Test Kit like this one that also checks the air for mold.
Symptoms of Allergies
If you think you may be experiencing seasonal or indoor allergies, here are some of the possible symptoms: Itchy, red, or watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, wheezing, and shortness of breath.(4)
10 Home Remedies for Allergy Relief (#5 Works Like Magic!)
1. Allergy Secret
My favorite way to treat allergies is with a tincture that includes multiple remedies in one easy to take supplement. This alcohol-free tincture for allergies is vegan and includes an organic blend of: Rosemary, mullein, marshmallow root, stinging nettle, and eyebright.
2. Neti Pot
Still one of my favorite ways to clear sinus passages that may be clogged from allergies is the tried and true Neti Pot.
I have a fear of drowning and thought this would be horrible, but it is actually not that bad! You can simply breathe through your mouth the whole time.
Make sure and get a Neti Pot with Premixed Saline Packets and never use tap water and you are good to go!
3. Dehumidifier
Since mold in the home can make allergies worse(3), a good Dehumidifier for your bedroom or bathroom may help keep mold at bay in high humid rooms of your home.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been shown to be effective at reducing the levels of histamine in patients in allergic rhinitis.(5)
You can add more citrus fruits to your diet, but my absolute favorite way to take this essential nutrient is with this Garden of Life Vitamin C Organic Whole Food Spray which is very reasonably priced! My kids love this spray as well!
5. Local Area Honey
Despite being a controversial natural remedy for allergies, there are still studies to suggest that consuming high doses of local are honey improves allergic rhinitis.(6)
But, the doses cited in this study are a lot of raw, local area honey at a dose roughly equal to 13 teaspoons/day for an individual weighing 150 pounds over the course of 8 weeks.
Because I believe in moderation and balance in all things, this amount is insane! But, I still believe raw local honey to be an incredible food for spiritual awakening.
If you want to try local area honey for allergies, just be aware that you may not see allergy improvements for 1-2 months, but the benefits of consuming raw, organic honey, such as in How I Beat Urinary Tract Infections (Without Antibiotics!) still makes it worth consuming moderately!
6. Peppermint Extract
Peppermint contains an oil called menthol which has been widely used for hundreds of years in the treatment of symptoms associated with allergies such as nasal congestion.(7)
When you ingest peppermint, you can tell it really opens up your airways! My favorite way to take peppermint is with this Alcohol-Free Peppermint Extract.
But, you can also try Organic Peppermint Tea or this awesome Organic Peppermint Aromatherapy Nasal Inhaler at a great price made with essential oils that you can take anywhere!
7. Horseradish
Horseradish root is a super strong root vegetable that has a decongestant effect.
Horseradish is also high in Vitamin C, and has been shown to have an antioxidant effect, further strengthening the immune system.(9)
You can also pick up an Alcohol-Free Horseradish Root Extract here.
8. Ginger
Ginger Extract has been shown to be effective in reducing allergic airway inflammation.(8)
Anyone who has followed this blog for very long, knows I am a BIG fan of herbal extracts and tinctures since I get sick of taking so many pills!
But, if extracts aren’t your thing, you can also try some warming Organic Ginger Tea!
9. Lemon Balm
“Lemon balm is a natural antihistamine; compounds within the leaf help the body suppress allergic reactions to pollen.”(10)
Clairaudiently given to me when I asked my guides what a good herb for allergies was, I also take this Lemon Balm Extract before bed along with practicing The Ancient Meditation for Reaching Higher States of Consciousness to help slow my yammering mind!
10. Turmeric
As if you needed another reason to take turmeric!
It has also been shown to reduce the release of histamines in the body that trigger allergies.(11)
I looove this brand of Extra Strength Organic Turmeric with Ginger, Black Pepper and Probiotics Tablets to really reduce your inflammatory response!
Allergy Prevention Tips
Having an allergy test done is the only way to know for sure what specific things you and your family are allergic to.
You can always avoid being outside for prolonged periods of time during early spring and summer when the pollen counts are high if you have a pollen allergy.
But, here are some other tips for allergy prevention, that will have you breathing a little easier!
1. Wash and Brush Pets Often
Pet dander is a common allergen that can wreak havoc on your respiratory system.
To help with this, consider limiting your number of pets, or keeping pets out of the bedrooms of those who have allergies.
You can also wash and brush your pets often to minimize dander in your home.
2. Remove Carpeting from your Home
Eliminating carpeting in the home is a drastic step, but helps control dust mites that cause many allergic reactions.
There are many affordable Peel and Stick Floor Tiles options if you like to do DIY projects!
3. Get a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) Filter Vacuum
A good HEPA filter vacuum goes a long way in trapping dander, dust, and debris from your home.
This HEPA-Filter Vacuum by Kenmore has a triple HEPA filter system that traps 99.97% of dander, dust, and debris – Helping you breathe easier!
4. Get a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) Air Purifier
You can also consider getting a HEPA Air Purifier for your home.
Just make sure it is large enough to sufficiently cover the size of the room it will be purifying.
5. Replace your AC Furnace Air Filter with an Allergen Defense One
You can get extra allergy protection in your home by simply changing your AC furnace air filter to an Allergen & Pet Defense One.
But, make sure to get the right size for your household!
6. Find and Remove Mold from your Home
Since mold can contribute to allergies, or be the source of allergies in some people – It is helpful to find and eliminate mold in your home.
Sometimes, mold can be easily seen. But oftentimes, it is hidden under flooring, in cracks, and in windows. Use a Mold Test Kit to find it.
You can then use a Natural Mold Solution to clean up the mold without harsh chemicals.
I also recommend Bamboo Charcoal Bags to further clean debris from the air.
7. Use Allergy Control Bedding and Pillows
Your mattress is a large source of dust mites, mildew, mold, and other allergens!
You can protect yourself from this with a good Mattress Cover.
You can also try a good Allergy Pillow Protector!
8. Wash Your Curtains Often
Curtains collect dust which triggers allergies. Wash them often in hot water and fragrance free laundry detergent.
9. Get your Ducts and Vents Professionally Cleaned
Another thing you can do to improve the air quality in your home is to have your air ducts and vents cleaned professionally.
Prices vary by state/company, but are well worth it, especially if your home is older or you have indoor pets.
10. Limit Artificial Fragrances on Clothes and in the Air
I love the smell of fresh scented laundry, but many laundry detergents and fabric softeners use artificial fragrances that can kick up allergies in sensitive individuals.
A super-easy way to eliminate potentially hazardous fragrances is to use Natural, Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent like this from Seventh Generation.
You can also try these Reusable & Compostable Fragrance-Free Dryer Sheets from Grab Green!
I am a firm believer in the power of nature to heal many of our health issues. In recent years, I’ve taken a holistic mind/body/soul approach to my health and have seen incredible improvements in my happiness and energy levels! Have you tried any of these home remedies for allergy relief? Which ones have worked well for you? Do you have any other great natural remedies for allergies that really work! Please comment below and share this post to social media!
As always, spread the light!
Jamie
** Medical Disclaimer. … This Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. **
References:
- Ownby, Dennis & Johnson, Christine Cole. (2016). Recent Understandings of Pet Allergies. Retrieved 7 1, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755411/.
- Janneane F. Gent, Julie M. Kezik, Melissa E. Hill, Eling Tsai, De-Wei Li, and Brian P. Leaderer. (2012). Household mold and dust allergens: Exposure, sensitization and childhood asthma morbidity. Environ Res. Retrieved 7 1, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3604733/.
- Mendell, M. J., Mirer, A. G., Cheung, K., Tong, M., & Douwes, J. (2011). Respiratory and Allergic Health Effects of Dampness, Mold, and Dampness-Related Agents: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(6), 748-756. Retrieved 7 1, 2021, from https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3114807
- Cologne, Germany. (2020). Dust mite allergies: Overview. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Retrieved 7 1, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447098/.
- C Bucca, G Rolla, A Oliva, J C Farina. (1990). Effect of vitamin C on histamine bronchial responsiveness of patients with allergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy. Retrieved 7 2, 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2221490/.
- Zamzil Amin Asha’ari, Mohd Zaki Ahmad, Wan Shah Jihan, Che Maraina Che, Ishlah Leman. (2013). Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial in the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Annals of Saudi Medicine. Retrieved 7 2, 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24188941/.
- Eccles, Ronald. (2003). Menthol: effects on nasal sensation of airflow and the drive to breathe. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. Retrieved 7 2, 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12662469/.
- Asad Mahmood Khan, Muhammad Shahzad, M B Raza Asim, Muhammad Imran, Arham Shabbir. (2015). Zingiber officinale ameliorates allergic asthma via suppression of Th2-mediated immune response. Pharmaceutical Biology. Retrieved 7 2, 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25420680/.
- (2017). Tis the Season to Be Sneezy. Super Pharmacy. Retrieved 7 2, 2021 from https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/blog/tis-the-season-to-be-sneezy.
- Brown, Douglas. (2021). Four Teas to Get You Through Allergy Season. Kuchatea.com. Retrieved 7 2, 2021 from https://www.kuchatea.com/blog/allergy-tea-herbal-elixirs/.
- Viswanath P Kurup, Christy S Barrios. (2008). Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin in allergy. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. Retrieved 7 2, 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18398870/.
- Nguyen P Tran, John Vickery, and Michael S Blaiss. (2011). Management of Rhinitis: Allergic and Non-Allergic. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research. Retrieved 7 2, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121056/.