Seasonal allergies are unfortunately very common and very annoying. Many suffer from seasonal allergies unnecessarily when, in fact, there are a number of natural remedies which can offer a great deal of allergy relief! 

Having a healthy balanced diet and good gut health can make a huge difference when it comes to seasonal allergies as our allergic response has a great deal to do with our immune system. 

Allergies show up in different forms. Generally, seasonal allergies appear as hay fever, asthma, eczema and fatigue. None of which any of us want to deal with!

So, how can we manage seasonal allergies and get relief naturally? Here are my top natural remedies for seasonal allergies. 

1. RAW, LOCAL HONEY

Taking 1 tbsp of raw local honey each day a month or so before allergy season starts can really help to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms in particular, hay fever. Raw local honey works to relieve allergy symptoms because it contains the local pollen that is causing your allergies so helps your body to adapt to the allergens in the environment where you live.

2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple Cider Vinegar is a remedy which has been used for a long period of time to treat a variety of health conditions and allergy relief is one of them. Apple Cider Vinegar has the ability to reduce the production of mucus and cleanse the lymphatic system which makes it a great natural remedy for seasonal allergies. Apple Cider Vinegar also works to support our immune system! For allergy relief, mix 1 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon and drink 3 times a day for the best results.

3. QUERCETIN

Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid that gives vegetables and fruit their rich colour which shops the production within cells to keep them from releasing histamine. Quercetin is also an antioxidant which can help to reduce inflammation and taking it a month before allergy season starts has been shown to significantly decrease or even prevent allergy symptoms. It’s important to note that Quercetin can interfere with other medications including antibiotics so it’s vital you check with your doctor prior to taking it if you are on any other medication.

4. NETTLE LEAF

Nettle leaf contains antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the body’s production of symptom causing histamine and is can be very effective at reducing allergy symptoms. Taking capsules made from dried nettle leaf is the most effective and easiest way to ingest nettle leaf for allergy relief. As with Quercetin, if you are taking other medication always check with your doctor prior to taking nettle leaf as it can cause adverse interactions with these medications. 

5. SPIRULINA

Spirulina has also been shown to stop the release of histamine from the cells which cause allergy symptoms. It has also been shown to effectively improve allergy symptoms including sneezing, nasal congestion and itching! All you need is 1 tsp per day for results. 

6. PROBIOTICS

As mentioned earlier, poor gut health can contribute to the development of seasonal allergy symptoms so it’s therefore essential we are taking care of our gut health. Probiotic-rich foods help to support a stronger immune system, increase energy levels and improve digestion as well as so much more! Make sure that you are eating a varied diet which includes plenty of fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi and kefir. Taking a good quality probiotic supplement can also help too!

7. SUPPLEMENTS

Vitamin A boosts our immune system, fights inflammation and has antihistamine properties and is therefore great at reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. Bromelain, which is the enzyme in pineapple, helps to reduce swelling in the nose and sinuses which helps to relieve hay fever symptoms. 

8. DIET

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet has also been shown to be effective at reducing seasonal allergy symptoms and improving our overall health. There are certain foods which you should avoid during allergy season as they can make symptoms much worse. Any foods which you are allergic to, or have sensitivity to, should obviously be avoided. The aim when removing foods that you have a sensitivity to is to lighten the burden on your immune system and to allow it to function at its best.

Foods which are known to make hayfever symptoms worse include alcohol, dairy, caffeine, chocolate, wheat, sugar and peanuts. In addition to this, many common artificial sweeteners can also contribute to your seasonal allergy symptoms.

If your seasonal allergy symptoms leave you battling excessive mucus, try adding garlic, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to your meals to heat things up and thin out the mucus and allow it to be easily expressed. Ginger can be particularly helpful as it helps to warm the body and break down the toxins in your system.

It’s also important that you are eating a range of vegetables which can help you fight seasonal allergies and improve your gut health as well as your immune system. Vegetables such as cabbage, beetroot, carrots and yellow bell peppers are some of the best to consume during allergy season. 

Eating clean protein such as salmon which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential minerals, vitamins and protein can also help to reduce allergy symptoms. 

Treating allergy symptoms naturally helps you to get to the root cause of how the allergy is beginning in your body and lets you put a stop at the root cause, particularly when combined with an elimination diet. Medications only enable you to relieve the symptoms rather than get to the initial cause so your symptoms are more likely to come back. 

Holly Zoccolan is a Holistic Lifestyle & Skin Health Coach offering consultations for fatigue, skin conditions, digestive issues, mindset shifts and overcoming emotional eating. After overcoming her own stress-related dermatitis and eczema, Holly is keen to educate others on how to best improve their health from the inside out. Holly has a holistic approach to health and teaches her clients to understand and identify current habits that are not working for them and how to adapt their lifestyle for them to get the results they want.