There are natural and home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms associated with allergies, such as sneezing and watery eyes. But the most effective natural cure for allergies lies in avoiding substances which trigger them.
Honey can help to build up immunity against pollen in its native habitat (though children under one year should avoid eating any). Acupuncture is another great solution to ease symptoms associated with hay fever.
Herbal Remedies
Although over-the-counter antihistamines can help ease symptoms, natural solutions like lemon balm and goldenrod herbs may offer alternative remedies that work to thin mucus production and lower inflammation.
Black seed oil derived from Nigella sativa seeds may provide allergy relief. According to a small 2014 study, applying this oil topically reduced nasal congestion and other symptoms.
Stinging nettle, an herbal solution proven effective by some studies to be as effective as modern antihistamines, should also be tried. But be wary when handling this herb yourself as its compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids may cause liver damage if mishandled improperly. For an easier natural remedy option, purchase tincture or capsule blends of this herb from most health food stores or pharmacies.
Honey
Many people with allergies have been advised to consume local honey as a means of alleviating symptoms. The theory behind this advice is that regular exposure to local pollen through honey will train your immune system not to react in such instances (similar to allergy shots).
If you want to give honey a try, look for raw and unpasteurized varieties as these tend to contain more pollen from different flowers. Furthermore, start off small before gradually increasing daily dosage over time to prevent any possible negative reactions.
If seasonal allergies have you sneezing, runny nosed and itchy eyes, consult with your physician regarding home remedies or prescription medication such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin). Also add some herbs such as stinging nettle, lemon balm, butterbur and quercetin into your diet to support relief.
Peppermint Oil
Essential oils are natural antihistamines and antibiotics that can provide relief for your allergies, while simultaneously cleaning your airways. Peppermint oil in particular works as an uncloger of sinuses and reliever of itching throat symptoms due to allergies; additionally it acts as an antispasmodic to relax muscle spasms that lead to coughing.
Tea tree oil boasts antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria, yeast and mold that cause allergies, while lemon oil reduces inflammatory reactions caused by allergens while simultaneously lifting your mood.
Mix two to three drops each of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oils with one teaspoon of carrier oil, then massage onto your chest, back of neck and temples for allergy relief. You may also inhale this combination by adding several drops to boiling water and inhaling its steam directly or applying directly on skin by first diluting with coconut or jojoba oil first.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has many healthful properties that make it a go-to natural allergy treatment option. It serves as an expectorant to clear nasal congestion and respiratory infections, decongestant, pain reliever, itch reliever and natural disinfectant – making it the go-to natural treatment option.
Eucalyptus oil is one of the best natural antihistamines, providing relief for sinus congestion, itchy areas and asthma attacks caused by allergens like dust mites, pet dander and mold. When combined with other essential oils like peppermint oil, lavender oil, ravensara oil or lemon oil it makes an effective combination for aromatherapy to combat your allergies – you can diffuse or apply directly onto itchy areas for instantaneous relief.
Quercetin
Quercetin may help ease allergy symptoms related to breathing. Studies conducted on test-tube models have indicated that quercetin may inhibit enzymes responsible for inflammation while suppressing inflammation-promoting chemicals like histamine.
Quercetin also helps the immune cells produce less inflammatory chemicals, acting as an antihistamine and decreasing activity from enzymes responsible for allergic reactions such as hives or watery eyes.
Add foods rich in quercetin such as apples, fennel, onion, and broccoli to your diet or take supplement form; histamine-lowering quercetin can also be found in stinging nettle leaf and butterbur root supplements. Bromelain found naturally in pineapples is another option; taking this can reduce sinus inflammation and congestion as well as support immune function.