Healthy FamilyI suffered with seasonal allergies for years—and I hate taking allergy meds! These natural remedies to relieve seasonal allergies really work!
My mother likes to tell the story about how my teachers would call me down for sneezing too much! I am allergic to ragweed and suffered from horrible seasonal allergies when I was a child.
Sneezing, congestion and itchy, red eyes plagued me.
My seasonal allergies have improved greatly in my adulthood, but they have hit me harder this year than in the recent past. I’ve chalked it up to the fact that we moved right in front of an old farm, with a picturesque Little House-like field that is loaded with ragweed.
My first tendency is just to suffer through it. Seriously…I will let myself get miserable before succumbing to my husband’s pleas for me to just take a Zyrtec!
But, thankfully, after a little research and some tips from our Facebook community, I’ve gotten some relief from seasonal allergies–the natural way!
I’m excited to call this our very first community post. I thought it might be fun to include your input on a variety of topics from time to time!
5 Natural Ways to Alleviate Seasonal Allergies
1. Raw, Local Honey
It is widely known that taking spoonfuls of raw honey is excellent for combating seasonal allergies. The gist is that the honey carries trace amounts of pollen and acts almost like an allergy shot (source).
This method is best when practiced over time; you will find much more relief for spring and summer seasonal allergies if you take 1 Tbsp. of honey per day starting in late winter/early spring than if you wait until your allergies actually flare up. (This was one of my mistakes this year!!)
Check out my friend Rebekah’s post about why it is important that your honey is local and raw.
Humbled Homemaker reader Beth also weighed in about the benefits of raw, local honey when it comes to seasonal allergies:
2. Lavender Essential Oil on the Face
This was the first natural way to relieve seasonal allergies that I tried this year–once I realized I had blown it by not taking my local, raw honey!
Basically, I used pressure to rub undiluted lavender on the bridge of my nose and down the sinus area of my cheeks.
I did feel that this method relieved my allergies for a short period–but I would have to continue to reapply the lavender throughout the day, as it seemed to wear off after a few hours.
You can also try some other oils that are specifically targeted for sneezing, breathing, etc.
3. Lavender + Lemon Essential Oils on the Feet
This method worked wonders for me! My real-life friend Heather Anne actually recommended this on our Facebook page. She suggested I mix diluted lavender and lemon essential oils and apply the combination to my feet.
The night of my worst allergy attack of the season, I scooped about 1 tsp. of virgin coconut oil into the palm of my hand and mixed it with two drops of lemon essential oil and 3 drops of lavender essential oil. I then applied it to my feet, put on some socks, and called it a night.
The relief was amazing–I couldn’t even believe it! I slept so soundly with no sneezing! The next morning I put the same combination on my feet and I felt good all day long. This has now become my go-to natural relief for seasonal allergies!
Humbled Homemaker reader Sara also uses peppermint essential oil to combat seasonal allergies:
There are many other essential oils that can help with allergies, breathing, etc….
Note: You can get good-quality lavender, lemon, and peppermint essential oils from Plant Therapy for an affordable price!
4. Hydration
Staying well hydrated helps keep the lining of your nose and sinuses moist. I know I will often forget to drink enough during the day, and this could have been contributing to my allergy attacks earlier this season.
5. Neti Pot
I LOVE my Neti Pot. I had never heard of this little contraption up until a few years back. A neti pot is basically shaped like a little vessel and uses salt water to clean out the sinuses. Be sure to use purified water in a neti pot.
We had quite the suggestions for natural relief for seasonal allergies on our Facebook page, and I thought it would be fun to highlight a few here:
Read the entire Facebook thread here.
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Do you want more natural remedies for common ailments? Check out these posts from our archives:
6 Must-Haves to Stock in Your Natural Medicine Cabinet
10 Natural Ways to Prevent Colds and the Flu
How to Avoid the Stomach Virus After Being Exposed
Do you want to learn more (much more!) about using essential oils and herbs in your home? Check out The Herbs and Essential Oils Super Bundle! It includes $800 worth of handpicked resources for a whopping 96% off! Learn all about the bundle and see what’s included HERE.
Jenny
I am expeeriening edema as a result of allergies (swollen legs/feet ). This started happening last year, but within a week or so, we took a family vacation to California wheree i swam in a private pool and we took a day trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and then to the beach for a 45 minute play time.
I noticed a few days after being home that my swelling had stopped and reversed!
I had some severe stress last summer and it was not until late August that I noticed my feet had not swollen all summer, but were now starting to swell a bit. Before I had time to do anything much about it, the weather turned to fall coolness and the swelling immediately went down on its own!
So maybe you all can help me figure out what it was that cured me for a summer!
I really have no joy in waiting for fall!
Thanks!
Sheila
I don’t know what you did do to cure it before but you can try this to help out now… “Massage 2-4 drops of Cypress or Lemongrass (essential oils) with 4-6 drops of Lemon or Grapefruit (essential oils) directly to the area of swelling. Consider a tablespoon of grape seed oil as a carrier to facilitate the massage and for its ability to strengthen the capillary walls. Massage with motions towards the heart. Repeat 2-3 times daily. ”
That is from www.everythingessential.me , a wonderful site to help with all kinds of ailments naturally.
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life)
Alfalfa!! It pretty much saved me this spring when allergies hit me while I was pregnant.
I wrote about it here:
http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/2014/04/10/alfalfa-allergies-pregnancy/
oh! Plus nighttime showers and an air purifier. I love it.
Hilary
Thank you for this post! I’ve been wondering why in the world I’m suffering with late spring, summer and early fall allergy symptoms … I never even thought of the field that’s behind our house! It immediately clicked when I saw your picture. (So THAT’S why I’ve had the symptoms since we moved to this house!! Duh! 🙂 )
I’ll start using your remedies right away … the lemon, lavender and coconut oil one sounds perfect.
Donna
I have worse allergy ever this season. It actually had damaged the skin under my eyes that it still so dry with little redness. I’ve used Vaseline, n protective skin ointment . I’m wondering if lavender oil would make my skin under my one eye more softer ? My eye are always so dry! Dr. Even prescribed 3 different meds and it turned out I’m allergic to all three! Waste of my money there. I’m so desperate. Help.
LadyDamonayde
I have always suffered from allergy and sinus problems. all it takes is one or two good allergy attacks and I have a sinus infection.
I’ve found mint and Eucalyptus with rosemary are very helpful once I’m in infection mode. I put the oils in water on my candle burner (like a diffuser) and it penetrates the room and helps me breath. from my research I’m told this is a similar combo to what is used in Vicks vapo rub.
I also drink an infusion of warm lemon water with honey (local of course) and cayenne pepper. The lemon and honey boost your immune system and cayanne increases your red blood cells and is great for a sore throat. also the capcaicin helps with pain.
That lemon and lavender oil technique sounds helpful, I think I may try it. I need more preventative measures.
Sarah
I take bee pollen. I mix it in with some yogurt. I give it to my kids mixed in their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. But I’ve found it works much better than raw honey.
Kristine
Where do you get bee pollen from?
Cheri
Stinging nettle capsules or tincture works great! Thanks for the other tips.
Josi Casebolt
I agree with the Nettle leaf recommendation! It helps calm down itchiness. Even my son with eczema gets great relief from it! I buy it dried, put .5oz. it in a half gallon jar, pour boiling water over it (enough to mostly fill the jar) and let it sit for at least two hours.
becky
A little unfiltered apple cider vinegar works wonders mixed with water. Just sip on it and it always helps!!
L.M. Heath
Going to your local health food store or supermarket (if it has a good vitamin selection) and buy Alfalfa tablets. Follow the instructions on the bottle (usually 2-3 tablets with meals). Alfalfa is a form of grass, thus helping your sinuses to become better adjusted to wild dirt-grown plants.
Meagan @ Growing Up Herbal
I learned in an herb first aid course I took a while back that many people who suffer from ragweed allergies can find relief by using a chamomile tincture before allergy season starts up.
Chamomile is related to ragweed, and you’d think it would make it worse, but you tincture the chamomile before it starts producing pollen and take it regularly before the pollen starts flying around in the air, and it’s suppose to help you not have the typical allergies that you would from the ragweed pollen. I don’t have allergies, nor does anyone in my family, so I can’t speak for this myself, but the herbalist I took the course from uses it with many of his clients and has had great results with it.
LadyDamonayde
I just started growing chamomile so I’ll have to try this!
I’ve tried putting lemon/mint/lavender in my oil warmer the last few nights and it has worked WONDERS! I don’t wake up with a headache and itching.
Amanda
Thanks for such great tips! My allergies have been going crazy, and I tried the lavender EO on the bridge of my nose along with lavender EO mixed with some coconut oil on the bottoms of my feet and I felt a noticeable difference.
sarah
Is the lavender/lemon in a carrier oil safe for kids with allergies?
LJ
I suffer from allergies all year. What really works for me is local bee pollen (it comes in tiny granules in a jar) and milk thistle capsules. Definitely would not recommend the milk thistle if you take any other prescription medications unless you talk to a dr about side effects. But it works great for me.
Erin
Thanks for the tips!
Liz
Are they essential oils on the face and feet safe for children? I have an 11, 10, 6, and 4 year old all with seasonal allergies. My youngest has never has allergies This severe before. Thanks.
Erin
I would dilute them with a carrier oil. But I use EOs on my kids all the time.
Terri Tresise
For my seasonal allergies, I take Nettle Leaf capsules.
I will try the essential oils and see how they work for me.
Thank you for this info
Erin
Thanks so much for the tip!
Jen
Does anyone know where I can find more information about EO and children? My daughter has been suffering from allergies these last few days. I would like to be sure it’s safe. Thanks!
Erin
Hi Jen! I know Plant Therapy (www.planttherapy.com) has a kid-safe line that I sometimes use. You can also check out www.learningabouteos.com! Hope that helps! Lavender is a very mild eo, and I personally do use it on my kids.
Connie
I am quite allergic to things and have anaphylaxis with bee pollen and raw honey. I may not be the only one, so please be careful.
Hazel Owens
I didn’t know that raw, local honey could actually help with allergies! However, I can see how eating honey made from local flowers can be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms from those flowers. I’ll have to try that out next time allergy season comes around; even if it’s not an effective treatment for me, honey still tastes great! Thanks for the advice.
Heather
Wow, I’ll definitely have to use that lavender/lemon oil trick! Thanks for providing all these natural remedies!