Spring is a time of rebirth. We experience it all around us as plants, trees, and flowers bloom into new life. It’s also the season of allergies, as these new blooms include pollens and other common allergens. Fortunately, you can enjoy the beauty of the season without suffering through itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. These natural remedies support your body throughout this season of discomfort so that you can truly come alive with everything else.

Inside the Allergic Reaction

The sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose often associated with allergies are the results of histamines, the body’s natural reaction to potentially harmful substances. The excess mucus and watery eyes are the immune system’s response and work to flush out the offending matter. Over-the-counter allergy pills are often composed of antihistamines, which block the body’s natural reaction. These pills can be habit-forming, cause drowsiness, and impair cognitive function.

My Favorite Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

The following remedies are a more natural solution, working in conjunction with the body’s immune response.

Raw Local Honey

Want a delicious way to ease your allergies? Consuming raw local honey is a wonderful way to build up your tolerance to local allergens. Raw honey contains traces of the offending pollens and allows your body to acclimate to the world around you. Try a teaspoon in a cup of tea each morning, or in a cup of warm lemon water.

Neti Pot

Neti Pots cleanse the nasal passages of pollens and other allergens. You can find them in health food stores and online. I recommend flushing twice per day, or more frequently depending on your exposure to allergens.

Stinging Nettle

This beautiful herb is well-known for its fine, stinging hairs. It is a natural antihistamine and is also free of the uncomfortable side-effects of over-the-counter pills. It has a fresh, green taste when made into a tea, and can also be taken in capsule form.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

This super elixir is also a natural antihistamine. One of its standout benefits is its ability to reduce inflammation. For best results, add a tablespoon to a glass of filtered water and sip slowly. You can even add a teaspoon of raw local honey to increase its allergy-fighting power!

Acupuncture

Acupuncture provides fast, often immediate relief of seasonal allergies. Ultra-fine needles are placed at specific points to help restore the even flow of energy in the body. This strengthens the immune system, clears the nasal passage, and also strengthens the body against allergens in the first place.

Quercetin

This naturally-occurring antioxidant is an allergy-fighting powerhouse! In addition to minimizing inflammation, it also stabilizes mast cells, which in turn reduces the stress and allergic response. It is best absorbed with bromelain, which is found in pineapple.

N. Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

When your allergies have left you with a nasal drip and watery eyes, NAC is an excellent supplement! It helps dry out the mucus, reducing the discomfort of allergies. It also supports the liver, which helps in the detoxification process in our bodies.

If the shift into spring is causing you seasonal discomfort, you’re not alone! When symptoms appear, try one of these remedies instead of relying on over-the-counter treatments that can be habit-forming and can also tax your immune system.