Spring means warm weather and spending more time outdoors, but if you are one of the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, then you know it also means the start of itchy eyes, sneezing, and restless nights of non-stop sniffles.

Seasonal allergies put a damper on the upcoming warm weather, but there are still natural ways you can address your allergies so you can enjoy the sunshine. Let’s chat about five natural allergy remedies and four lifestyle tweaks you can make that will make the spring season something to enjoy, not dread!

The Problem with Allergy Medication

If you are anything like me, allergy meds make me so drowsy that I can barely function. There are other side effects as well that aren’t considered but should be, like nervousness, anxiety, depression, rage episodes, and emotional outbursts. I tell my personal story about Claritin sending me into a deep depression in this podcast episode. 

So, if you’re someone who would like to find a natural way to manage your allergies, I’ve got all the goods on how to manage those pesky sniffles with tried and true natural remedies that really work. These are the home and lifestyle swaps you can make to start enjoying the spring. How nice does that sound?!

Top 5 Natural Remedies for Allergies

These are the five things I’ve found work to relieve allergy symptoms for myself and my family!

#1 HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathic medicine is a fantastic option. You can find these products in most drug stores and believe me, they work! My whole family takes them when pollen is at its worst and the dogwood around our house is blooming. No side effects, just relief.

My Top Pick: Hyland’s or RhinAllergy

#2 NETTLE LEAF

Nettle leaf contains antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the body’s production of symptom-causing histamine. It can be very effective at reducing allergy symptoms! Taking capsules made from dried nettle or putting a tincture in your water leaf is the most effective and easiest way to ingest nettle leaf for allergy relief.

My pick: Organic Olivia Spring Defense Tonic

#3 ESSENTIAL OILS

Lemon, lavender, and peppermint are known as the “allergy trio”. When mixed together, their constituents create a natural antihistamine. Add them to your diffuser or put them in a roller to keep with you. A swipe of lavender across the bridge of your nose also does wonders. We keep the allergy trio pumping in our house all spring long. Another upside is that my house smells amazing!

My Pick: Young Living Essential Oils (Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus) – you get 10% off with this link!

#4 PROBIOTICS

Supporting healthy digestion and gut health isn’t the only thing probiotics are good for. They can also relieve allergy symptoms! Histamines can also cause digestive symptoms, so addressing that with probiotics can aid in your allergy relief.

My Pick: Organic Olivia Not Your Average Probiotic

#5 QUERCETIN

Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid that gives vegetables and fruits their rich color, which stops the production within cells to keep them from releasing histamine. It is also an antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation. Taking it a month before allergy season starts has been shown to significantly decrease or even prevent allergy symptoms.

Holistic Habits for Allergies

#1 DITCH THE TOXINS

You knew this one was coming! Toxins can hurt your body in so many ways, and allergies are one of them. Allergy symptoms can vary between people, but no matter what symptoms you experience, toxins will make them worse. I recommend removing toxins from your home all year round, but especially during allergy season. Choose products without unnecessary ingredients that will only make your allergies worse.

#2 VACUUM AND WET DUST OFTEN

Spring allergies are mainly caused by tree and grass pollen. These tiny pollens floating in the air can stick to your clothes, shoes, and hair, bringing them into your home. Even if you plan to stay inside all spring (which, who wants to do that?!), you won’t be safe from allergies. Vacuuming and wet dusting consistently every week can help purify your home.

#3 INVEST IN AN AIR PURIFYER

Investing in a high-quality air purifier will help cleanse the air from the pollens that sneak their way into your home on your body or through an open window. I recommend keeping at least one air purifier running in your home at all times during the spring season and Medify Air (WENDY15 for 15% off) is my brand of choice. Depending on the size of your home, you may want one more to be safe.

#4 RAW, LOCAL HONEY

Taking one tablespoon of raw local honey each day about a month before allergy season starts can really help to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, especially hay fever. Raw local honey works to relieve allergy symptoms because it contains the local pollen that is causing your allergies so helps your body to adapt to the allergens in the environment where you live.

Just remember, you have options! You don’t have to take medication if you don’t feel comfortable or you’ve had scary experiences, as I have. These natural remedies for seasonal allergies work wonders for myself and my family.