5 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

 

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), nearly eight percent of adults suffer from seasonal allergies. Moreover, the AAAAI estimates that as much as 10 to 30 percent of people worldwide also suffer from such recurring allergies.

 

Further, the CDC claims that 12 million Americans are diagnosed with this condition—also known as allergic rhinitis and hay fever—annually.

 

True to their name, seasonal allergies typically arise in the spring, summer, and early fall. With the extended allergy season well under way, consider adopting these natural solutions for allergy relief.

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1. Nasal Rinses

Also known as nasal irrigation, this natural solution for allergy relief entails flushing out your nasal passages with a sterile saltwater solution.

 

There are a variety of nasal irrigation kits on the market, such as the neti pot, which comes with its own saline solution. While it may seem strange at first (you slowly pour the solution through one nostril, which then drains through the other nostril), neti pots are prized for allergy relief by wellness practitioners and everyday people alike.

 

This method is particularly recommended for those who suffer from respiratory allergy symptoms, as it can reduce blockages while breathing.

2. Air Filters and Purifiers

While it may seem as though the indoors are a haven from outdoor irritants like pollen, they can still make their way into your home and mingle with other allergens such as dust and dander.

 

To make your home cleaner and its air quality cleaner, it’s worth investing in a high-quality air filter or air purifier. Prioritize high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for superior allergy relief.

 

3. Vitamin D

Certain vitamins and supplements have been studied to assess their impact for seasonal allergy relief.

 

One 2019 study investigated the impact of vitamin D supplementation in people who were deficient in that vitamin. After eight weeks of supplementing with vitamin D (alongside antihistamines), participants benefited from improvements in their allergy symptoms.

 

It’s worth noting that vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies not only in the United States, but also worldwide. Since this vitamin is important for countless aspects of well-being—including but not limited to bone, immune, and hormonal health—vitamin D can boost your health well beyond providing allergy relief.

4. Quercetin

The antioxidant quercetin may also be a worthy addition to your natural allergy relief toolkit. Quercetin inhibits the release of histamine, which is a primary trigger of allergic responses. Additionally, it can “restrain antigen-specific IgE antibody formation,” which is also associated with allergic reactions.

 

Quercetin has also demonstrated relief for people suffering from other inflammatory conditions, including asthma and atopic dermatitis.

 

While you can supplement with it in a tablet or capsule form, it also exists naturally in the skin of apples, red grapes, berries, and black tea.

5. Acupuncture

Lastly, if you’re interested in trying out alternative modalities with proven results, consider getting targeted acupuncture treatments.

 

A 2015 review investigated over a dozen studies on the effect of acupuncture for allergy relief. It concluded that this Traditional Chinese Medicine staple demonstrated both safety and efficacy for those who suffer from seasonal and perennial (ongoing) allergies alike.

The Bottom Line

While these natural solutions for allergy relief show promise to reduce your symptoms, some people may need to incorporate other remedies into their wellness plan.

 

If you or a family member continue to struggle with seasonal allergies, discuss options for medical treatments with your doctor today.