7 Best Natural Remedies for Allergies

What if I told you that you don't have to suffer from seasonal allergies every year? Would you believe me if I told you that you can have a normal, healthy response to pollen and environmental irritants, without having to use an OTC medication to treat congestion and irritation? 

If you're interested in implementing natural remedies and healing from the inside out, you're in the right place! These 7 best natural remedies for allergies will help you strengthen and maintain a normal histamine response, so you can enjoy your Spring days with ease and feel your best during pollen season.

1. Raw Local Honey

Raw local honey is truly a healing substance in every way possible, making it one of the 7 best natural remedies for allergies. The important aspect to remember is that the honey needs to say "raw" on the label. Raw honey contains all the vitamins and enzymes needed to protect yourself from a histamine response - which is something you don't get from honey that is heated and pasteurized.

The benefit of using local honey is that it contains small doses of the pollen in your area, which will help strengthen your immune system over time. Raw local honey is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish your body from the inside out. It's best to consume a spoonful of honey daily, and the trick is to start preparing early for allergy season during the Fall or Winter months.

*Infants under one year of age should not consume honey of any kind.

2. Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf is a natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory herb that's local to the Pacific Northwest. It helps clear the body of toxins and contains flavonoids that help suppress the histamine response, thereby reducing allergy symptoms. Nettle leaf contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals while also supporting healthy immune function. It helps the body build resistance to pollen and environmental pollutants, and is a great substitute for allergy medication, without the drowsiness!

Nettle leaf can be taken in various forms - tablet, tincture, or nettle tea. You can even make nettle pesto or add it to soup!

3. Ginger Root

Ginger root is another powerhouse among the 7 best natural remedies for allergies. It helps improve liver detoxification and acts as a natural anti-histamine. A 2015 study found that patients with hay fever who received ginger capsules had a significant reduction in IgE (antibody) levels after just one month of treatment (compared to a placebo control group). After 2 months of treatment, 62% of patients treated with ginger had a reduction in sneezing, 83% saw a reduction in sinusitis, and 79% had relief from nasal itching.

The key is to consume ginger tea consistently. To make ginger tea, bring fresh ginger slices to boil in a pot of filtered water. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover – let simmer for 15 minutes to get a strong brew!

4. Magnesium

It's one of the most important minerals that our bodies need, but unfortunately most people are severely deficient. Magnesium is required for phase II liver detoxification, which is crucial for excreting histamine! Histamines are released by your body in response to allergens - they cause allergy symptoms and must exit the body through the liver's pathways.

Magnesium is a calming mineral, so it's best to take magnesium in the evenings. Epsom salt baths are a great way to absorb magnesium through the skin, or you can take a high-quality whole food magnesium supplement.

5. Bromelain & Quercetin Supplement

Bromelain, vitamin C, and quercetin work together to alleviate allergy symptoms by stabilizing mast cells to reduce histamine release, decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, and thinning mucus.

Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant. Vitamin C supports immune function and breaks down excess histamine. Bromelain reduces swelling in the nasal passages and airways while thinning mucus. Bromelain also enhances the bioavailability of quercetin, allowing your body to fully utilize the anti-inflammatory benefits of this flavonoid. Together, these three are a powerful pack to combat allergies naturally.

You can find these supplements separately but are also easily found in a supplement blend!

6. Grounding

Grounding (or earthing) is when you connect your body directly with the Earth. Examples are walking barefoot in the grass or sitting on the beach. By being in direct contact, you're making an electrical connection with Earth's energies, and it helps realign your own electrical energy. Earth's negative charges help neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce chronic inflammation. Take time daily to connect with nature's healing energy.

7. Chiropractic Adjustments

The final remedy in our list of 7 best natural remedies for allergies might surprise you! Did you know that there's a direct connection between the nervous system and the immune system? When your chiropractor regularly adjusts you and removes interference in the body, that allows your immune system to work optimally. When your immune system is fully functioning, it allows you to stay well and be better able to fight the invasion of foreign substances (pollen, dust, etc.). 

Get adjusted on a weekly basis so your immune system stays strong and resilient during allergy season (and all year round!).

All In All

Take action with these 7 best natural remedies for allergies. Take care of yourself and start preparing for allergy season as early as Fall or Winter.