It is an excellent supportive herb in a tea and will leave you feeling calm and like you can breathe deeply again. This is an herb that has been around for ages.

In fact, we can trace the medicinal uses back as far as Ancient Greece. While the uses of Stinging Nettle have varied over the centuries, it has been proven to be an effective anti-inflammatory and even has the ability to inhibit multiple inflammatory events.

It is an herb that is going to put in a ton of work for you and target several areas at once. A tried and true classic. Rosemary is one of those herbs that is super accessible and multifunctional. Recently it has been credited in helping relieve asthma symptoms because of the r osmarinic acid found in it.

This acid, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, is what makes it appealing to seasonal allergy sufferers as well.

Basically, the rosmarinic acid can help suppress the inflammatory responses of white blood cells as well as allergic antibodies, making it a great option as a natural allergy relief.

Not exactly a herb, but it turns out that garlic is great for both Italian food and your immune system! Garlic is high in quercetin, which is an antioxidant that prevents cells from releasing histamine. This is helpful because when you're experiencing spring allergies, your histamine levels will increase as the body tries to combat the allergens.

So up your garlic intake a bit to naturally control your bodies reactions to the pollen-filled air. Taking local honey to help prevent seasonal allergies is based on a concept called immunotherapy. This is the theory that by ingesting small doses of the thing you are allergic to you will slowly build up a tolerance to it this is the same basic concept as allergy shots.

Since locally soured honey will inherently carry traces of pollen in it, it is thought that this is a natural way to build up a tolerance. March 05, Got Allergies? Here are the Best Herbs to Alleviate Them Herbs are a Great Natural Remedy for Allergies Spring is approaching quickly, and it is bringing us longer days, warmer weather, and beautiful fresh produce.

There are a ton of exciting things to look forward to when spring arrives, but seasonal allergies is not one of them. You have a ton of options when it comes to allergy relief but in this article, we are bringing you the best herbs and natural remedies to help combat the seasonal sniffles.

So what can natural remedies provide allergy relief? Goldenrod Goldenrod has three very promising words often associated with it, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine.

Butterbur Out of all the herbal remedies for seasonal allergies, Butterbur by far has the most research backing it. Horseradish or Wasabi This is a foolproof way to clear your sinuses. Mullein Leaf Think of this herb as a friend to your lungs. Stinging Nettle Leaf This is an herb that has been around for ages.

Mehdizadeh says to always use a dehumidifier that is adjustable, so you can control how dry the room gets. You don't want the nasal passages to get too dry, since this can cause discomfort as well.

Mehdizadeh says essential oils are potent, so it is important to consult with your doctor before using them as an allergy remedy. That said, some common essential oils for allergies include:. Alternatively, you can use products like Vick's VapoRub , which contains both menthol and eucalyptus oil to provide symptom relief.

You can also find dissolving shower tablets that contain these essential oils , so when the shower gets steamy, you will inhale the aromas.

A small study found that people who wore either medical or FFP2 similar to kn95 masks reduced their exposure to pollen and staved away allergy symptoms. Another small study also found that wearing face masks helped allergy sufferers avoid symptoms in both the nose and eyes.

Check your local weather for the pollen count. On days with a high amount of pollen in the air, you might want to wear a mask while outside. If you get seasonal allergies from plant pollen, it's important to make sure those outside allergens don't make it inside your home.

Researchers aren't sure why it works, but, according to a meta-analysis , acupuncture was found to improve the symptoms and quality of life of allergy sufferers.

Antioxidants like vitamin C can help your body fight inflammation and may also ease allergy symptoms. In one large study among children in Korea, those with an increased vitamin C intake had fewer allergy symptoms.

A small study also found that allergy sufferers who took daily vitamin C supplements improved their allergy symptoms. Sources of vitamin C include:.

Exposure to smoke, and in particular tobacco smoke, may exacerbate seasonal allergy symptoms. Even secondhand smoke can cause nasal inflammation and increase allergic reactions.

A large study found that adult tobacco smokers experienced higher amounts of allergy symptoms than non-smokers.

Another large study focusing on children also found that exposure to cigarette smoke increased allergy symptoms. Wildfire smoke , even in low amounts, can also pose a risk to allergy sufferers. Spirulina is a microalgae that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It can be found at health food stores and some groceries and pharmacies. A small study found that allergy sufferers who took a spirulina supplement for 12 weeks saw improved allergy symptoms and more relief compared to those who took the antihistamine cetirizine brand name Zyrtec.

In addition to offering relief from allergy symptoms , spirulina also has a number of other health benefits, including reduced inflammation. A small study found that patients who did regular aerobic exercise for eight weeks saw improvements in allergy symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.

If aerobic exercise doesn't interest you, yoga may also help bring relief. A small study had a group of allergy patients do an hour of hatha yoga three times a week for eight weeks. The patients who did yoga regularly saw improved allergy symptoms due to reduced nasal blood flow and nasal inflammation.

Additionally, a small study found that people with allergies who exercised outdoors during the winter had reduced airway inflammation and saw improved allergy symptoms.

Having adequate vitamin D levels may not only reduce allergy symptoms, but also help immunotherapy treatments work more successfully. A small study found that immunotherapy treatments worked better for patients who had sufficient levels of Vitamin D.

Another small study found that supplementing with vitamin D while also taking cetirizine improved allergy symptoms in people who had vitamin D deficiencies. Scientists say there's a need for more research on how vitamin D levels affect allergies in different people, but getting enough of this important nutrient can also support immune health, bone health, mental health , and more.

One small study found that high doses of honey might help reduce allergy symptoms. But other studies , including one small study, found no evidence that honey helps with allergies. Ultimately, the research is inconclusive.

But there's little harm in trying this method to see if it works for you. Moreover, honey has been found to ease coughing and other symptoms of upper respiratory infections , and it offers a number of other health benefits. If these natural remedies and lifestyle changes are not cutting it for you, you may want to try over the counter allergy medicines , including antihistamines like Claritin, Xyzal, and Zyrtec.

These are what are called second-generation antihistamines, which means they are less likely to cause drowsiness, Mehdizadeh says. You can also try Benadryl, which is a first-generation antihistamine. Meaning it's more likely to cause drowsiness and is best to take at night.

If you're not seeing an improvement in your allergy symptoms, it's important to see your doctor. Your doctor can help you find a solution as well as rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms.

Whether your allergies are triggered by outside sources, like pollen, or inside irritants, like mold, there are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure and ease symptoms.

Avoiding pollen with a face mask and keeping it out of your home by sealing windows and washing up after being outside can help with seasonal allergies. You can also put air purifiers and dehumidifiers to work inside your home to clear the air of dust mites, mold, and other indoor allergens.

To ease allergy symptoms such as a stuffy nose and sneezing, you can try nasal irrigation, certain essential oils, acupuncture, or supplements like spirulina.

If home remedies don't work, you might need to turn to antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Benadryl. If you still don't have any improvement in your allergy symptoms, see a doctor to look into the possible causes of your symptoms and find a treatment plan. Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.

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Talk with a healthcare provider to determine what other options may be helpful if home remedies are ineffective in relieving your symptoms. They might recommend antihistamines and decongestants or prescribe leukotriene inhibitors.

This medication blocks chemicals your body releases in response to an allergen. You might require immunotherapy allergy shots if you have severe symptoms. A healthcare provider will inject a small amount of an allergen to help your body build up resistance to it.

This treatment typically takes three to five years to be fully effective. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction to an allergen. This severe allergic reaction mostly occurs with allergies to drugs, food, and insect bites and stings.

Although rare, some people might develop anaphylaxis after exposure to dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen. Seek medical attention right away if you or someone else develops anaphylaxis. Symptoms include:. You can prevent and reduce allergy symptoms as much as possible by making lifestyle changes.

Here are some ways to allergy-proof your home:. You can reduce allergies naturally with remedies like breathing in steam, taking herbs and supplements, and using essential oils and nasal sprays.

You may consider talking to a healthcare provider if those methods do not work or your symptoms worsen. They might recommend antihistamines, decongestants, or, in severe cases, allergy shots. Allergic rhinitis. Allergies, asthma, and molds. Humidifiers and indoor allergies. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Essential oils. Mieres-Castro D, Ahmar S, Shabbir R, et al. Antiviral activities of eucalyptus essential oils: Their effectiveness as therapeutic targets against human viruses. Pharmaceuticals Basel. Caimmi D, Neukirch C, Louis R, et al. Effect of the use of intranasal spray of essential oils in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis: A prospective study.

Int Arch Allergy Immunol. Environmental Protection Agency. Air cleaners and air filters in the home. Chakraborty AJ, Mitra S, Tallei TE, et al. Bromelain a potential bioactive compound: A comprehensive overview from a pharmacological perspective. Life Basel. Yamprasert R, Chanvimalueng W, Mukkasombut N, et al.

Ginger extract versus loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther.

Nourollahian M, Rasoulian B, Gafari A, et al. Clinical comparison of the efficacy of spirulina platensis and cetirizine for treatment of allergic rhinitis. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital.

Mlcek J, Jurikova T, Skrovankova S, et al. Quercetin and its anti-allergic immune response. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Dietary and herbal supplements. Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid spray - what does it mean for patients?

Treating chronic sinusitis. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care IQWiG ; Saline nasal washes. Food and Drug Administration. Is rinsing your sinuses with Neti pots safe?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scarborough A, Scarborough O, Abdi H, et al. Steam inhalation: More harm than good?

Perspective from a UK burns centre. Allergy-friendly gardening. Vathanophas V, Pattamakajonpong P, Assanasen P, et al. The effect of steam inhalation on nasal obstruction in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. Allergic rhinitis - self-care. Allergies, asthma, and pollen. Allergies, asthma, and dust. Allergy shots. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

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Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. People with allergies may find relief by using natural plant extracts and foods that act as antihistamines. Examples include vitamin C, butterbur, probiotics, and more.

Antihistamines are substances that block histamine activity in the body. Histamine is a protein that triggers allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat.

Over-the-counter OTC and prescription antihistamine medications are effective for symptom relief, but they can cause side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. As a result, some people wish to try natural alternatives.

In this article, we describe the five best natural antihistamines, and we take a look at the science behind them. Vitamin C boosts the immune system. It also acts as a natural antihistamine. According to a study on vitamin C in the treatment of allergies, oxidative stress plays a key role in allergic diseases.

As vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it may act as a treatment for allergies. The researchers observed that high doses of intravenous vitamin C reduced allergy symptoms.

They also reported that a deficiency in vitamin C might lead to allergy-related diseases. Another study from suggests taking 2 grams g of vitamin C daily to act as an antihistamine.

Vitamin C supplements, with and without bioflavonoids, are available in health stores, drug stores, and online. Butterbur is a plant extract from a shrub that grows in Asia, Europe, and some parts of North America. People often use butterbur to treat migraines and hay fever , also known as allergic rhinitis.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH , butterbur may have antihistamine effects. A review of 16 randomized controlled trials, testing 10 herbal products, suggests that butterbur could be an effective herbal treatment for hay fever.

This review suggested that butterbur was better than a placebo , or as effective as antihistamine medications, for relieving allergy symptoms. However, the authors of the review point out that some large studies received funding from industry manufacturers, and so further independent research is needed.

Most people tolerate butterbur well, according to the NCCIH , but it may cause side effects such as:. Raw butterbur extracts contain certain compounds called alkaloids that can cause liver damage and cancer.

Extracts of butterbur that do not contain these substances are available. However, no studies have looked into the long-term effects of using these products. The plant extract can also cause allergic reactions in people with sensitivities to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in the core and juice of pineapples and is also available as a supplement. Bromelain is a popular natural remedy for swelling or inflammation , especially of the sinuses and following injury or surgery. Research on mice suggests that bromelain can reduce allergic sensitization and allergic airway disease thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

In some people, oral supplementation of bromelain may cause adverse reactions such as:. Bromelain supplements are available at health stores and online. Probiotics are microorganisms that might offer health benefits by helping the body maintain a healthful balance of gut bacteria.

The NCCIH say that the evidence for probiotics is mixed and that some probiotics may help while others may not. Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid found in many plants and foods.

Research suggests that adding quercetin to the diet may help to relieve allergy symptoms. Research reports that quercetin can have anti-allergic and antihistamine properties.

In one animal study , researchers found that quercetin could reduce the respiratory effects of allergies in mice by lowering airway inflammation. However, the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, and according to the NCCIH , there is not enough evidence to suggest that quercetin can relieve allergic rhinitis.

However, taking supplements of quercetin will work better in the treatment of allergies than eating foods that contain it. This is because foods contain significantly lower levels of the flavonoid. Quercetin is generally safe for most people.

It may cause headaches and tingling in the arms and legs of some people. Very high doses, especially when taken long-term, may cause kidney damage. People can buy quercetin supplements at health stores or online. The NCCIH state that there is not enough evidence to suggest that the following natural products can help with the symptoms of allergic rhinitis:.

Allergy avoidance is typically the first line of defense against symptoms. Try to identify the allergen, which might be pollen, pet dander, or mold spores, and reduce exposure to it as much as possible. Antihistamines work by breaking down histamine in the body. People with severe allergies may benefit from immunotherapy.

This treatment is also suitable if allergy medications do not relieve symptoms. During immunotherapy, a healthcare professional will give a person a series of injections that contain tiny amounts of the allergen. This treatment may take place over several years and aims to desensitize the body to the allergen.

For people with pollen allergies, doctors may recommend sublingual immunotherapy. This involves placing a tablet under the tongue until it dissolves. Those with severe allergies may need to carry an emergency epinephrine shot Auvi-Q, EpiPen with them at all times.