4 Natural Home Remedies for Allergies

It is now official! Spring has arrived. Flowers are in bloom, the grass is growing, and bees are buzzing. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, everything we love about the season also triggers symptoms. If spring has you sniffling and sneezing but traditional allergy medications aren't working, you'll love these natural home remedies for allergies!

Why use allergy home remedies when there are so many over-the-counter and prescription medications that can provide relief? To begin with, some people simply cannot tolerate allergy medications. Even non-drowsy medications can cause sleepiness in some people. Others are unable to take it because it interferes with their regular medications or exacerbates certain medical conditions. Most decongestants, for example, are ineffective in people with high blood pressure.

Of course, many people prefer to avoid medications and instead rely on natural remedies. Whatever your reason, you'll be relieved to know that there are a plethora of simple home remedies available to help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Home remedies to alleviate allergy symptoms

Please keep one thing in mind as you read through these allergy home remedies: this is not medical advice. While the majority (if not all) of these remedies are safe if you are generally healthy, even the most innocent remedies can be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions. If you are taking any other medications, consult your doctor before attempting any natural remedies.

Also, keep in mind that, unless otherwise specified, these remedies are only for adults. Some do work well for children, and I'll let you know which ones to try, but as always, consult your pediatrician if you're unsure. Let's get started now that we've cleared that up.

1. Traditional saline nasal rinse

Often, the most ancient remedies are the most effective. After all, there must be a reason they are still alive, right? If you have allergies, the first thing you should try to help you find relief is a nasal rinse. When used correctly, it is also one of the safest home remedies. It's even safe to use on children!

When it comes to saline rinses, you have two choices: a nasal irrigation device (such as a neti pot) or plain old nasal spray. Nasal irrigation systems are cool because they allow you to add essential oils to them (highly diluted, of course). Tea tree, peppermint, and/or rosemary are all excellent for clearing your mind. Peppermint is also excellent for removing brain fog.

If the thought of rinsing your nasal passages with water makes you nervous, you can use saline spray instead. Sprays are also more convenient (and safer) to use on children. Just make sure it's a plain saline solution and not laced with decongestants, or you'll be back in the same boat as with other OTC medications. Little Remedy is a good option for children (and there's no reason you can't use it as well).

2. Capsules made from nettle leaves

Nettle leaf, another option that is safe for most healthy people, works to block histamines in the same way that Benedryl does, but without the side effects. However, because it acts as a blood thinner and causes hypotension, this option is not suitable for those with low blood pressure or bleeding problems. A slight drop in blood pressure isn't a big deal if you have normal blood pressure. It can, however, cause issues for those who are running extremely low.

It's also debatable whether it's suitable for children. While most healthy children are able to tolerate it, some are not. In this case, you should definitely consult with your pediatrician first.

3. Probiotics (good bacteria)

What does a supplement aimed at assisting your digestive system have to do with allergy relief? As it turns out, quite a bit. A study discovered that using probiotics helped relieve allergy symptoms in both children and adults. More research is being conducted to determine the exact strain that is most beneficial, but for the time being, a well-rounded probiotic supplement may be beneficial.

Probiotics can also be found naturally in foods such as yogurt, kefir, and (surprisingly) pickles. Yogurt is probably the easiest of the three to get your kids to eat.

4. Honey from a nearby farm

Local honey, one of the most delicious home remedies for allergies, helps you build a tolerance to allergens in your area. It MUST, however, be produced locally from local bees, not the stuff that comes in the little bear at your supermarket. A farmer's market or a nursery are your best bets for finding good local honey (the plant kind, of course).

Honey is safe for most people, including children over the age of one (if your curious why, this article explains it pretty well). If at all possible, use “raw” honey because the heating process used for “regular” honey removes some of the bee pollen (and with it, the benefits).