Five Common Herbal Remedies for Seasonal Allergies: Expert Insight 

Seasonal allergies occur at certain times of the year when specific allergens are prevalent in the environment. These airborne allergens have specific weather where they thrive. For example; 

• Tree pollen: Spikes in early spring.
• Grass pollen: More common in late spring and early summer.
• Weed pollen: Becomes the primary trigger in late summer and fall.
• Mold spores: Particularly prevalent in damp environments, especially during warmer months.

Any one of the above might be the cause of your persistent sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. You might want to take note of your surroundings to pinpoint which allergen in particular is responsible for your allergy. 

Whenever you have seasonal allergies, your first instinct might be to get over-the-counter medications. Maybe they work perfectly for you, or maybe you need something more holistic and homemade. Whichever it is, finding the solution to your allergy is a priority. 

Antihistamines do a great job, but herbal remedies have been used for centuries and might just be the natural boost your body needs. Ahead, you will find five common herbal remedies that experts swear by when it comes to handling seasonal allergies.

Butterbur

Butterbur is one of the most well-known herbal remedies for seasonal allergies, and for good reason. It’s been shown to have similar effects to over-the-counter antihistamines but without the drowsiness.

Butterbur contains compounds that help reduce inflammation and block histamines that are responsible for most allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Essentially, it acts like a shield between you and the pollen.

Expert Tip: For the best results, start taking butterbur before allergy season begins. Prevention is key with this herbal remedy. Butterbur can be used as a supplement in the form of capsules or tablets. 

Stinging Nettle

Don’t be fooled by its name stinging nettle might not sound like it, but this plant helps people breathe easier. It is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an awesome remedy for relieving allergy symptoms. It particularly targets nasal congestion by inhibiting the production of histamine in the body, reducing stuffiness and clearing those blocked sinuses.

Stinging nettle can be found in teas, capsules, or tinctures. Some people even use nettle leaves in cooking, but for allergy relief, most experts recommend supplements for their concentration. Furthermore, stinging nettle works best when taken at the first sign of symptoms. So, if you feel that familiar tingle in your nose or your eyes start watering, don’t wait — reach for it straight away. 

Quercetin

Quercetin is a powerful plant-based antioxidant that can help calm down your allergy symptoms. It is naturally found in many fruits and veggies, but it is also found in supplement form. Quercetin basically stabilizes the cells that release histamine, and reduces the overall allergic response in the body. 

This means fewer sneezes, less congestion, and less inflammation. You can get quercetin from your diet, taking it in a concentrated supplement form during allergy season can give you faster and more effective relief.

Local Honey

Many people swear by this sweet solution, and while it’s not backed by tons of scientific research, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that says it works. The idea behind using local honey is that it contains trace amounts of pollen from your environment. 

So when you consume small amounts of this pollen, the theory is that your body will slowly build up a tolerance to it, reducing your allergic reaction over time. All you need to do is simply eat a spoonful of local honey each day, especially in the months leading up to allergy season. 

It’s important that the honey is local because the pollen it contains needs to come from the same plants that trigger your allergies.

Expert Tip: Don’t heat the honey. High temperatures can destroy the beneficial enzymes and pollen in raw honey, so stick to eating it straight or stirring it into a room-temperature drink.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural decongestant that can help clear up allergy-related nasal issues. With its cooling menthol properties, peppermint can soothe inflamed airways and help you breathe more easily.

It acts as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the swelling in your nasal passages that are caused by allergies. It also has mild antibacterial properties that can help if your allergies lead to sinus infections or other complications.

The easiest way to use peppermint for allergies is in tea form. You can also inhale peppermint essential oil by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water, then breathe in the steam.  Combining peppermint with other herbal teas, such as chamomile or nettle, can give you an extra allergy-fighting boost.

How to Prevent Seasonal Allergies

While you try out one or two of these herbal remedies, you can also prevent allergies in many other ways. Here are some:

1. Wear a Nose Mask: Wearing a mask, especially during high pollen days, can filter out airborne allergens and prevent them from entering your nasal passages.
2. Keep Windows Closed: During peak pollen times, close windows in your home and car to prevent pollen from coming indoors.
3. Use Air Purifiers: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can remove pollen, mold spores, and other allergens from the air inside your home.

Final Thoughts

Herbal remedies can often be used alongside conventional treatments. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you have other health conditions or are on medication. With the help of these five herbal remedies, you can keep those sneezes, itches, and allergies at bay.

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