10 Ways to Relieve Seasonal Allergy Symptoms, From Vegan Probiotics to Humidifiers

While most of us are pretty happy to see the days getting longer, the weather getting warmer, and more flowers appearing in gardens and nature, the transitional change from winter to spring isn’t always quite so exciting for people who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Jump to the tips

Pills like Claritin and Allegra can be helpful for managing seasonal allergies, but for some people, their effectiveness may diminish over time. Fortunately, several natural remedies—like saline sprays and probiotic-rich foods—may offer relief from runny noses and watery eyes. We spoke with Catherine Gervacio, RND, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for WOWMD for expert insight into strategy relief, and it’s good news; with a few simple strategies, you can enjoy the springtime air without the sinus misery. 

So before allergy season hits full swing, check out our 10 natural tips for fighting seasonal allergies.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies (also called hay fever) are common in the US. In fact, in 2021, around 81 million people were diagnosed with them. In short, they are a reaction to airborne substances, like pollen, for example, that are more common in the springtime. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and often include sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and postnasal drainage. But whether you use one or all, these natural allergy solutions may just help keep seasonal sniffles to a minimum.

10 vegan tips for natural allergy relief 

1Follow a healthy, balanced diet

“What you eat affects your immune system,” explains Gervacio. “Allergies are basically your immune system overreacting to things. So eating anti-inflammatory foods can help you combat this.” In general, whole foods, like beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, are examples of anti-inflammatory foods. “On the flip side, eating too many processed or sugary foods may possibly make inflammation worse,” she adds. “This might intensify allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes.”

2 Try a neti pot 

Watching YouTube videos on how to use neti pots or sinus rinse devices can definitely be off-putting, but both doctors and natural health experts recommend them for clearing out the sinuses. Using gravity and a saline (salt and sterile water) solution, these devices help thin mucus and flush out allergens and irritants from the nasal cavity. Yes, it sounds a little gross, but you’ll likely be breathing easier within minutes. Just remember: always use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water—never tap water, which may harbor harmful organisms.
FIND IT HERE

Physicians Choice

3 Prioritize probiotics 

Eating foods with plenty of probiotics isn’t just good for digestion. Some research suggests it also plays a key role in keeping your immune system healthy. “When your gut bacteria are balanced and healthy, your immune response is calmer and more controlled,” Gervacio told VegNews. “Probiotics found in foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut helps keep your gut in good shape. It lowers the intensity of allergic reactions.”

Look for products with probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, all of which may help to keep allergies in check. Purchasing probiotic pills is an option as well.
FIND IT HERE

4Consider supplements

Found in the skin of onions and apples, quercetin, a flavonoid, is a natural antihistamine. Several studies have shown that when taken in supplement form, quercetin can be extremely helpful in reducing a variety of allergy symptoms. Take it with vitamin C and it may work even better.

Gervacio adds: “Focus on vitamin C for its antihistamine benefits, vitamin D to regulate the immune system, and even magnesium to relax the airways.”
FIND IT HERE

5 Drink nettle leaf 

Stinging nettle leaf is a popular ingredient in natural allergy-relief products. Drink some of the herbs in tea form, and you’ll also get the anti-inflammatory benefits that may help ease allergies. The leaf is also used as a diuretic and is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
FIND IT HERE

Unsplash

6 Stock up on walnuts and flaxseed 

Similar to stinging nettle, omega-3s help fight the inflammation that causes allergy symptoms. But if you’re already experiencing symptoms, omega-3s can also help calm them, notes Gervacio. In fact, research suggests that people who eat more omega-3 fatty acids, found in walnuts and flaxseed, experience less severe allergies than those who do not. Sprinkle some in your morning cereal or oatmeal to start the day off right. 

7Relieve congestion with oily steam 

Steam from herbal oils can also help relieve congestion and is easy to do at home. First, boil some water in a saucepan. Next, turn off the heat and add eucalyptus, rosemary, myrtle, or tea tree oil and take deep breaths of the oil-steam mixture for three to five minutes. 

8 Try acupuncture 

Lay down and relax as properly placed needles alleviate your itchy eyes and stuffy nose. Preliminary research conducted by the University Medical Center in Berlin suggests that acupuncture may be an effective form of treating seasonal allergies. Start treatments a month before peak allergy season for the best results.

Pexels

9Invest in a humidifier 

If your home is particularly dry, a humidifier might be the answer to relieving allergies. Water droplets will bind to allergens, such as pollen, and make them fall to the floor. You’ll breathe in less of what causes seasonal sneezing, at least when you’re in the comfort of your home. This may also help to reduce inflammation in the mucus membranes, allowing them to more easily blow out allergens in the air. Remember, though, that too much humidity can create additional allergen problems.
FIND IT HERE

10Install an air purifier 

To further prevent allergies from attacking at home, some doctors recommend installing an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air filter. These purifiers pull air through the filter, removing pollen, dust, spores, and smoke from the air. They come in both portable and whole-house systems, so you can be covered from bedroom to living room.
FIND IT HERE