6 Effective and All-Natural Allergy Remedies: Have You Tried These?

“It’s just allergies” is likely a phrase never uttered by true allergy sufferers. Because let’s be real, allergies are the worst. Which is why we’re always wanting to know our options for natural allergy remedies when they’re really severe.

While allergies might not be as “serious” as other health issues, they can put a serious damper on your daily quality of life.

Whether your allergies are the seasonal type, a natural reaction of your immune system to blooming plants and grasses, or year-round and prompted by dust, dander, or pets, there are many natural routes to relief.

Here we’ll go over six that you can place in your back pocket for that next allergy attack.
 
 

First Off, Is It Allergies or a Common Cold?

The telltale symptoms of seasonal allergies are itchy and watery eyes, a stuffy nose and sinus pressure, a scratchy/sore throat, and possible respiratory problems (especially if you have asthma).

Not fun, and also, easily confused with the symptoms of the common cold. So how do you tell the difference between a cold and allergies?

Unlike the common cold that’s caused by an outside virus, allergies are your immune system’s natural reaction to dust and other culprits.

Also unlike a cold, you likely won’t have a fever. And luckily, you won’t be contagious (though you definitely may feel miserable enough to call out sick and rest in bed).
 

Here Are 6 Helpful and Totally Natural Allergy Remedies:

This probably isn’t a newsflash, but our bodies are all so different! The natural allergy remedies that work miracles for your friend or relative may not for you.

You may need to try out this whole list, or you might strike gold and find the perfect-for-you natural allergy remedy on your first try. But remember, there’s never any one magic pill when it comes to our health.
 

1. Use Local Honey

Like Mary Poppins said, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. But sometimes, a spoonful of sugar – in the form of honey – actually is the “medicine!”

That’s right – local (this is crucial!) honey, full of local pollens, can be a powerful and delicious option if seasonal pollen is wreaking havoc on your system.

However, this will not work if you’re picking any brand of honey off the shelf. It has to be local (the closer to your home, the better!) so that the honey contains the allergens local to you (those causing your allergy misery!).

Check out your local farmer’s market or look for the “local” label on store shelves.

Not only is using local honey an awesome natural allergy remedy, it’s also a great way to help our seriously struggling bee population. By supporting small, local beekeepers who have a direct interest in keeping hives healthy, you’re directly helping all bees. Pretty sweet (pun intended)!
 

2. Load Up on H2O

In addition to doing everything from boosting our skin’s glow to improving our mood and keeping basically all our systems running smoothly, water also goes a long way in relieving allergy symptoms.

A huge part of why you feel so miserable from seasonal allergies is due to the mucus produced by your inflamed sinuses. This drains down the back of your throat, stops you up, makes you cough, etc. Ugh.

Drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of plain water each day will thin this mucus, making it easier to expel.

It’s certainly one of the quickest, cheapest, and easiest natural allergy remedies that may have you feeling dramatically better, so drink up!

These 8 Tips Will Trick You Into Drinking More Water Every Day (Visual Guide)
 

3. Try a Neti Pot

Using a neti pot for allery relief is one of the most common natural allergy remedies.

A neti pot is simply a small teapot-like container you can pick up at your local drug store or online. You fill it with filtered water and saline (salt), and then directly pour into your nostrils to flush out your sinuses.

If you’re freaked out just reading that, it’s not as scary as it sounds. When used properly, a neti pot can actually flush nasal cavities to remove the mucus and offending pollen. Hello, instant ability to breathe again!

It’s a centuries-old practice with ancient Ayurvedic roots and modern science to back up the claims.

As with any of these natural allergy remedies, it’s extremely important to thoroughly follow instructions when using a neti pot – such as properly cleaning your pot, using filtered and purified water, the right amount of salt, etc.

So please be sure to read the directions first and/or talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss any questions you may have.

Try This Ayurvedic Approach to Relieve Allergies Year-Round
 

4. Ensure Your Home’s Air Quality Is Top Notch

So you’re keeping your sinuses flushed out and clean with your neti pot – but don’t forget about the air you’re breathing in your home all day!

If it’s been a minute since you changed your air filters, start there! It’s a cheap and easy maintenance task to ensure you’re not recirculating tons of dust, pollen, and gunk.

Not all filters are created equal, so do your research or ask your AC technician what HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter will be best.

There are also standalone HEPA air filters you can install in specific rooms. Look for ones rated and tested by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

Allergies Got You Down? Try These 7 Ways to Make Your Home Allergen-Free
 

5. Eat Mushrooms (Really!)

A powerful but little-known natural allergy remedy we’re all about? Mushrooms! Science keeps uncovering more and more ways that mushrooms can provide serious benefits to our health.

Certain varieties like maitake and reishi have been shown to help your liver shuttle away leftover histamine created during an allergic reaction. (If your liver function isn’t 100 percent, due to diseases or medications, this may be part of the reason you’re suffering from allergies in the first place.)

In addition, mushrooms are known to reduce inflammation in the body which can alleviate respiratory issues.

Finally, both reishi and maitake help prevent blood sugar imbalances, which can worsen allergic reasons. Many medicinal mushrooms are best taken in powder and supplement form that you can find online or at your local health food store.

Here are 5 Secret Health Benefits of Mushrooms You Need to Know
 

6. Practice Yoga

That’s right – don’t overlook your yoga practice when it comes to natural allergy remedies!

Certain yoga poses can help alleviate sinus pressure, unblock your clogged nose, and generally soothe your body when it’s feeling beat down by allergies.

In addition to the other allergy relief options we mentioned, getting on your mat can go a long way!

Practice These 5 Yoga Poses to Relieve Allergies and Sinus Pressure
 
 

There Is Hope for Relief With Natural Allergy Remedies

There’s no way around it – allergies are no fun. But by trying out some (if not all) of the above natural allergy remedies, you’ll be well on your way to living your life free – or at least free-er – from pollen-induced suffering!

But remember, home remedies for allergies don’t replace talking to your healthcare provider. If your allergies aren’t manageable and don’t improve, don’t shy away from speaking with a doctor so you can get a better understanding of what you need specifically, because as mentioned above, every body is different,

All included information is not intended to treat or diagnose. The views expressed are those of the author and should be attributed solely to the author. ​For medical questions, please consult your healthcare provider.

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