Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

For seasonal allergy relief, a range of seasonal allergy treatments are available to help you feel better, from prescription and over-the-counter medications, to natural remedies.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Many people are allergic to pollen. Their reactions are stronger in the spring, summer, and fall when the amount of pollen in the air is high. Mold is also a common seasonal allergen.

What are symptoms of seasonal allergies?

• Congestion, including stuffy nose and coughing
• Itchy eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Swollen eyelids
• Skin irritation
• Low energy

How can I tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?

Congestion is a symptom that allergies and cold viruses have in common. While cold-related congestion lessens over time, allergy-related congestion lasts as long as you are exposed to whatever is causing the allergy. Colds develop over several days and usually clear up within several days.

What are some seasonal allergy treatments?

Prevention is key for seasonal allergy relief. The following tips can help your recovery:

• Remove any plants that could be causing your reaction. It’s common for people to be allergic to hard-to-see things like pollen.
• Change your daily routine so that you’re not around the source of your discomfort. Avoid the outdoors between 5:00 am and 10:00 am. Save outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen counts are lower.
• Change your clothes when you get home to avoid tracking allergens around your living space.
• Keep windows in your home and car closed to lower exposure to pollen. To keep cool, use air conditioners and avoid using window fans.

What are some other natural remedies for seasonal allergies?

As a first step, gargling with salt water can soothe a sore throat.

Clearing your nose and throat of potential allergens such as mold or pollen may also be helpful. Use a saline nasal rinse or a neti pot to do so.

If you’re using a rinsing device, such as a neti pot, it must be used and cleaned properly.

When should I see a doctor about my allergies?

Talk to your health care provider about the best way to manage your seasonal allergies, especially if you’re considering using an over-the-counter medicine or dietary supplement. Be aware as some over-the-counter medicines and supplements may interact with medications or other supplements, or have side effects of their own.

A medical professional should treat any serious breathing problems. However, if you’re trying to treat your symptoms before seeing a doctor, don’t use more than one kind of over-the-counter medication at a time. If you have an existing condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, or if you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor.

Distinguishing between allergies and a cold is key to finding relief from your symptoms. Most natural remedies for seasonal allergies are readily available, but if your symptoms are getting worse, see your doctor.