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Natural Allergy Relief: Top 13 Home Remedies

| Modified on Oct 31, 2024
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Apple Cider Vinegar for Allergies.

Allergies affect millions worldwide, causing symptoms from mild itching and sneezing to severe anaphylaxis. While over-the-counter and prescription medications can offer relief, many individuals seek natural remedies for allergies, aiming for solutions with fewer side effects and a holistic approach to health. This article explores safe and effective natural remedies to manage allergy symptoms, blending traditional wisdom and modern research.

Understanding Allergies

Before diving into remedies, it's crucial to understand what allergies are. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. This reaction can lead to symptoms like sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

1. Quercetin: Nature's Antihistamine

Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid that stabilizes mast cells to reduce the release of histamine, the compound that triggers allergy symptoms. Found in foods like onions, apples, and berries, quercetin can also be taken as a supplement to prevent allergies before they start. Incorporating quercetin-rich foods into your diet or taking supplements can help manage allergy symptoms naturally.

2. Bromelain: The Anti-inflammatory Enzyme

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has been shown to alleviate sinus problems and reduce nasal swelling, making it an effective natural remedy for allergies. It works by breaking down proteins that contribute to inflammation and mucus production. Bromelain supplements can be a potent addition to your allergy-fighting arsenal, especially for those with allergic rhinitis.

3. Local Honey: Building Tolerance

Consuming local honey is a popular natural remedy for pollen allergies. The theory is that by ingesting honey produced by bees in your area, you can desensitize your body to the local pollen, reducing allergy symptoms. While scientific evidence is mixed, many allergy sufferers report significant relief after incorporating local honey into their daily routine.

4. Probiotics: Gut Health and Allergies

Emerging research suggests a strong link between gut health and allergies. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods and supplements, can help balance the gut microbiota, potentially reducing allergy symptoms. Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha are rich in probiotics and can support immune function and overall health.

5. Neti Pot: Nasal Irrigation

Using a Neti pot for nasal irrigation is an ancient practice that can help clear allergens and mucus from the nasal passages. By flushing the sinuses with a saline solution, you can reduce congestion, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. It's a simple, natural way to find relief, especially during peak allergy seasons.

6. Essential Oils: Aromatherapy for Allergies

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Diffusing or applying these oils topically (when diluted with a carrier oil) can reduce congestion, boost immunity, and promote relaxation.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

A simple yet effective remedy involves mixing 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar with an 8-ounce glass of water. This tonic can provide quick relief by alkalizing your body's pH, which helps ease allergic reactions to pollen. Chronic allergy sufferers may need to consistently use this remedy for 2-4 weeks to see significant improvements.

8. Turmeric

Known for its incredible healing properties, turmeric reduces inflammation throughout the body. Adding ½ teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of whole or almond milk with a pinch of black pepper creates a potent "golden milk." This daily beverage offers a natural way to combat allergies and inflammation.

9. Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf acts as a natural antihistamine and blood purifier. Available in capsule form or as tea, taking 2-4 nettle leaf capsules 2-3 times a day or drinking nettle tea 1-3 times daily can offer powerful yet gentle relief from allergy symptoms.

10. Oil Pulling

This traditional Ayurvedic technique involves swishing a tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Oil pulling can provide relief from allergies and support overall oral health. For detailed information, explore resources dedicated to the practice of oil pulling.

11. Vitamin C

As a natural antihistamine, Vitamin C supports the immune system and can significantly reduce allergy symptoms. It's safe for many people to consume higher doses of Vitamin C than typically recommended, with 1-3 grams (1,000 – 3,000 mg) taken one to three times daily being beneficial. Adjust your intake based on your body's response, particularly if you experience gastrointestinal discomfort.

12. Water

Proper hydration is essential for flushing irritants from your body. Enhancing hydration with a bit of sea salt (¼ teaspoon per quart of water) can improve water retention. Aim for 2 quarts of salt-enhanced water daily for optimal hydration and allergy symptom management.

13. Dietary Changes

Optimizing your diet by choosing whole foods over processed options, reducing sugar intake, and avoiding excessive white flour and soda can significantly impact your allergy symptoms. Some may discover specific foods, like dairy or wheat products, trigger allergies due to processing methods. Exploring raw dairy options or chemical-free breads, often available at farmers' markets, can help your body better tolerate these foods and reduce allergy symptoms.

Conclusion

Natural remedies for allergies offer a promising alternative to traditional medications, focusing on prevention and holistic wellness. Whether it's through dietary changes, supplements, or lifestyle practices, these remedies can help manage allergy symptoms with minimal side effects. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, especially if you have severe allergies or other health conditions.

Incorporating natural remedies into your allergy management strategy can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life, allowing you to enjoy the changing seasons with fewer symptoms and disruptions.

Have you found a natural remedy for allergies? We would love to hear from you! Continue reading to see what our readers have found helpful for their allergies!

Related Links:

Home Remedies to Treat Food Allergies
Natural Cures for Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Natural Remedies for Chronic Sinusitis Relief
Quick Sinus Relief: Natural Remedies for Congestion

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Address Dehydration

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Posted by Cindy (Ililnois, USA) on 03/19/2023 523 posts
 ★★★★★

It occurred tome that sneezing = histamine = dehydration and, so, thought that perhaps the 2 cup cure for indigestion and headache might work for that and, SO, to make a long story short, drinking a large glass of water stopped both the sneezing and the running nose.

For one who is forever telling people to hydrate, when I get busy, I don't. ROFL! I'm often dehydrated. Not to the critical degree that got me interested in hydration in the first place but the body DOES slap me upside the head to remind me. Whether with that "Oh no! " approach of indigestion or a headache or, duh, SNEEZING!

Address Dehydration
Posted by Ali (Wales) on 03/12/2023
 ★★★★★

I had an allergic reaction 2 days ago - the first I've had in a long time. I was struggling to breathe, but I remembered that drinking water had alleviated other reactions I'd had some years back, so I drank at least half a liter of water & took a pinch of salt.

It all calmed down very quickly.

I recognise that I have been very dehydrated for a long time so have started implementing the Water Cures protocol as per their website. I do have the book ‘Your Body's Many Cries for Water' & must dig it out & read it again to remind myself.

I did go through a period of drinking 2-3 liters of water daily, some time ago, but was not taking any salt. It didn't seem to make much difference. I was also pretty low in Potassium back then, but now eat a mostly plant-based diet, with quite a bit of raw food so do get more potassium now.

The unrefined salt is needed to provide electrolytes & trace minerals so the body can use the water properly. So much improvement can be gained when the body is properly hydrated.

Replied by Ana
(Canada)
04/25/2024

Could someone please help me here.
I weight 60kg, how much water should I drink daily in liters?

Jo
(Europe)
04/26/2024

Hello,

There is no magic number that can be said. as an example, my wife drinks 6-8 glasses a day while I drink 2-3. You drink what you feel. Just remember that if you drink dehydrating drinks, you are taking out what you put in. Monitor what you drink that is dehydrating, and as a general rule drink 1 glass of water for 1 cup of coffee just to break even. Also look into your diet. Some foods require more water internally to aid in digestion than others. Also look at physical exertions. Do you ride bikes, exercise, or walk a lot? Do you currently have any medical conditions? And medications? These are all factors to consider. But, if you feel thirsty, drink water. You can never really go wrong drinking water as long as you don't overdo it.

As for allergies, even seasonal allergies, we found in research and personal experience that they are very dependent on diet. Every year in the fall for 2-3 weeks I would get a bit phlemy and a bit itchy here in Northern Europe. Looked into my diet, made a change, and the past 2 years has been non existent. Also for joint pain, tremendous amount of research has indicted that joint pain unrelated to injury, can be helped/cured/fixed via exercise. Mild to moderate exercise alleviates most non-injury related or condition specific joint pain. Adding natural anti inflammation ingredients like Turmeric, Cinnamon, Ginger help wonderfully.

I may have over answered this post as I noticed just now you were simply asking about water consumption! And that the allergy, joint was just the thread you were on! Lol, my bad! But maybe someone will benefit from thsi long winded answer to a simple question!

Address Dehydration
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/15/2020
 ★★★★★

Charity just posted these words on the New EC site: "stress causes dehydration which causes histamine to be released". Hmmmmm, taking this a step further, could dehydration be a co-cause of a hay fever attack?? I wonder.

Having started drinking more water recently (mainly boiled tap water), the hay fever attacks HAVE reduced significantly. I wonder about that. If so, it's an easy way to feel more comfortable!

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
06/16/2020

Sick people go to hospital and get saline IV and most go home fine. Most meds have anti histamine in them. Salt and water are natural anti histamine. Any mineral has a balancing mineral. Iodine lower selenium, selenium lowers iodine. Salt lowers potassium, potassium lowers salt. Zinc lowers copper, copper lowers zinc. Etc. Water lowers salt minerals.

The body will HOARD what it has become deficient in for a short time until there is a steady supply of it and so.....when you finally get some it can feel like it was bad as your ankles swell if you are dehydrated and take too much salt or water....

Batmanghelidj books woke me up and I am not allergic or having histamine rashes, sinus, lung, mental, emotional, colds, dry sinus cavity, horrible dandruff, psoriasis, digestion problems, or you can just go down this huge list of sick and ick off my bucket list that I overcame. Praise the Lord for information that sets us free.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
06/16/2020

Yes, I read Dr. Batmanghelidj's books on water and salt mineral balance and he said that histamine was a warning shot across the bow that the body was out of balance. I was starting his program after rupturing L-5 and a neighbor said her peonies were in bloom. I loved them but gave me bad headaches in short time and had to see them in vase through patio door. After the salt and water, I could not smell them and thought something was wrong with her flowers. She let me have them every year when they bloomed.

Next day I got water /minerals out of balance and had to put vase of flowers on porch, pounding headache. Proved to me Batman was right on. So I let as many people as I can hear this information because I used to get three allergy shots every other day for over a year and was allergic to everything.

Replied by Ayelet
(Middleton, Id)
06/16/2020

Hi Charity, what was your protocol that you took that helped? Did you simply drink more water with sea salt added?

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
06/17/2020

If my problem had been averted at first sign, it would have averted all the other problems I have been facing. I say start low dose and slow so you don't have a healing crisis. In 2010, every direction I turned I got more bad health news and I was in pain all day every day. The days felt like Ground Hog Day. Repeating the same problems day after day and then I would tell my prayer partner and she would pray. I read books, a lot of books, at the library and found the water book but wasn't going to read it because I drank a lot of water already. I avoided salt and fats because they were bad for you. Little did I know I was killing myself and creating a long drawn out nightmare. Read the link below this one Keep reading, keep learning, keep applying wisdom. Pray and don't quit when your answer doesn't come the way you expect or in the time you hoped it would. Lean in and Trust God loves you and is working it all out for the greatest Good. Bless you, Charity

Address Dehydration
Posted by Diggitty (Phoenix, Az) on 03/18/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Suffered allergies for two weeks; itchy watery eyes, runny nose, dry skin. Increased water to half my body weight in ounces and adding 1/8 tsp of sea salt per 24 oz of water. ACV didn't work for me, neither did just increasing water. However adding the salt to the water did the trick. Dehydration causes histamines to be released. Salt helps water get into cells and hydrate the body. Otherwise the water ends up in the toilet. Your electrolytes may be out of balance which can activate histamines. ACV didn't work for me because I believe I didn't need those minerals, I needed salt. In a half day, I felt 100% better. God IS that awesome!

Replied by Sandra
(Port Charlotte, Florida)
05/30/2022
★★★★★

I used one tablespoon of Himalayan pink salt for 64 oz. of water to cleanse my intestines and it has helped my digestion and immune system

Denise
(MA)
04/17/2024

I would suggest using Redmond's Real Salt, which is unrefined and packed with minerals. Better for you than theH imalayan pink salt.

Address Dehydration
Posted by Me (New Jersey) on 09/30/2014
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My boyfriend, age 47, had horrible allergies for 15 years, and headaches since childhood. Sinusitis, too. Pills, nasal sprays, antibiotics, you name it, he tried it. He had headaches almost every day and ate excedrin migraine tablets like they were going out of style. He regularly went to a specialist for his sinus problems. Nothing helped, and the last bout of antibiotics made him feel horrible. I heard about doing a water cure, which is basically drinking half your body weight in water daily and taking a few pinches of unprocessed sea salt daily. We started the salt and water protocol, and never looked back, no headaches, no sinus problems, no allergies. We rode 800 miles on his motorcycle over Memorial day 3 day weekend, in late May and there was pollen gallore, NOTHING. NO allergies. He can breathe! He smells the air, and he sleeps at night with a clear nose, and NO MORE SNORING.

We've been doing this for 5 months, just a few pinches of sea salt each day and drinking half our body weight in ounces of water every day: neither of us had even a smidgen of allergies ALL the past 5 months since we started the water cure. NO allergies. All through Spring, Summer, and now early Fall. We've been outdoors all day long in hayfever season, with all the ragweed and both of us were fine. No snoring, our skin looks phenomenal (YAY) and our joints are as limber as they were in our 20's, no popping or creaking or crunching when stretching and moving. Even my neck is loose and moves in any position smoothly. Digestion is optimal. This water cure is my way of life now, FOR LIFE. Simple sea salt and water has done us both the WORLD of good! Super cheap (almost free) and extraordinarily effective. The only cure we need!

PS - he hasn't needed any of those expensive allergy meds he used to need daily! He no longer uses over the counter pain meds daily for headaches. It's wonderful!!!

Address Dehydration
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/29/2013
 ★★★★★

Regarding allergies - yes the allergy shots, the rotation elimination diet, the fear, the planning, the suffering... Been there and done that and then the stomach aches, back aches, neck aches... all for not. The water cure by Dr. Batmanghelidj answered all that was screaming for help inside of me.... Dehydration signals present themselves in the form of histamine. When the body is low on water or salt or potassium or magnesium or calcium or trace minerals it sends out histamine to get our attention.

Address Dehydration
Posted by Msannanola (New Orleans, La) on 02/17/2011
 ★★★★★

You must must must try the water cure and its various aspects. Sinus/allergies and aching joints are classic signs of dehydration.

I used the water cure successfully to rid myself of most allergy symptoms I even started having asthma symptoms which went away in two days of drinking sufficient water. You need 1/2 your weight in ounces of water and a little unrefined sea salt per day the pink Himalayan is great. You also need iodine, I used kelp and then later Lugol's solution. Magnesium, I use magnesium oil. The rest of what you need you will most likely get from your food. The water has made a huge difference for others who I have recommended it to.

One lady is off daily doses of Benadryl. Now she only takes it as needed. I am off of Zyrtec. I have stopped needing antibiotics 4 to 6 times a year! This has been a huge life change for me! I am about to turn 40 and I am so proud of taking control of my own health!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

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Posted by Colleen (Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada) on 05/30/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have just started taking 1 tablespoon of ACV with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda mixed together with a glass of water 3 times a day and have found my sinuses and my eyes are no longer a problem with my allergy symptoms... Thank you Earth Clinic!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne

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Posted by Jodie (Oak Park, IL) on 05/23/2008
 ★★★★★

My allergies were the worst ever this spring so after reading about cures on your website I decided to try ACV and cayenne. Not only did it eliminate my allergy symptoms, but the unexpected side benefits are great! My chronically runny nose -gone, constant throat clearing -gone, red rimmed eyes -gone, HOT FLASHES - GONE!My complexion is clearer and I have more energy. This is unbelievable. I use generic ACV and don't feel the need to switch to unfiltered.

Replied by Tina
(Bowling Green, Ohio, Usa)
12/31/2009
★☆☆☆☆

Neither apple cider nor Cayenne have done anything for my allergies that I can tell.

Apple Cider Vinegar Pickles

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Posted by Stephanie (Charlotte, Nc) on 11/12/2009
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

This is an update for using ACV. I have been making great PICKLES with it and it works for my allergies! I had to give it another try and decided I needed ACV diluted -Maybe it was too strong for my system.....

So here's the Recipe:

1 cucumber - sliced thin
1 red onion - sliced thin
1/4 cup of turbinado sugar or to taste
1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
3/4 cup of ACV - raw
1 cup of filtered water
4 or 5 minced fresh garlic cloves - or more
dried pepper flakes to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon tumeric

In quart sized (very clean) mason jar, place cucumbers, garlic, onions, and then the rest of ingredients. Place lid on snugly and shake gently to mix all. Open jar and push down cucumbers so that all is submerged in brine. Keep in the refrigerator. Let sit a day or two to let flavors develop -if you can! Flavor only gets better .

I think these must be pretty healthy! Lots of sulphur from the garlic and onions, and probiotic effect from ACV and cucumbers and healing herbs, too.

My skin looks a lot better, too. I use Extra Virgin olive oil on it after my bath. Love it! Put it on when skin is still moist.

Good Luck!! PICKLES work for me!!!

EC: Sounds yummy, thanks for posting your recipe!

Replied by Tulips
(Florida)
09/02/2016

Regarding Stephanie's post from 2008 - how many pickles should you eat daily?

Recipe looks delicious too, thanks for posting ♥

Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

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Posted by Teresa (Arlington, Tx) on 06/18/2020
 ★★★★★

I did the apple cider vinegar nasal spray with a small glass bottle spray (what I had on hand for essential oils) and it provided instantaneous relief! I was sneezing constantly and had a runny itchy nose. First spray I didn't spray all the way inside per nose but still provided instant relief. I inhaled a bit then tried a second time aiming higher I did feel a sting both times. But it was worth it I felt I couldn't handle these allergies anymore. Haha it's such a difference. My nose is calm it's not runny anymore and I'm not sneezing. This spray worked for me. Developed allergies after deep cleaning the room and cleaning up any dust.

Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Posted by Kim (New York, NY) on 12/17/2010
 ★★★★★

For years I have been a huge fan of ACV for many common ailments, and recently I've discovered that a solution of ACV and water (about 1:10) works GREAT to immediately stop an itchy runny nose and clear up sinus congestion. I use an old nose spray bottle, well cleaned, and then filled with my solution. I spray a couple times in each nostril and then breathe deeply: watch out, as it does sting! But then immediately, all my aggravating symptoms stop and stay away for hours. This is so convenient and natural!

Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey

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Posted by Lynne (Texas, US) on 12/29/2014
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For several years now, I've woken up with severe allergy symptoms in the morning which generally take an hour or two to clear up. About 3 days ago, I noticed that when I drank some ACV and honey in water, my symptoms cleared almost immediately! So I've been doing it every day since with the same results! I'm completely amazed!

Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric, Local Honey

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Posted by Busymom (Smalltown, Sunflowerstate, Usa) on 05/25/2010
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Turmeric, ACV, and local honey cured my allergies AND acne

Two weeks ago I started an ACV and Turmeric regimen for allergies with a wonderful side-effect! My skin is georgeous! I take 1tsp of ACV in 8oz of water 4-5 times per day. I drink 8oz of warm soy milk, 4 dashes of turmeric, 1 dash of black pepper, and 1tsp of local honey once a day. I live on a farm with cows, horses, dogs, hay and LOTS of pollen. I was taking OTC drugs twice a day with little relief. My eyes would swell, tear up and itch; and I'd sneeze like crazy. For two weeks I have not taken ANY otc drugs, and the worst I've had is a little bit of eye itching. Another wonderful side-effect is that I HAVE ENERGY! LOTS OF IT! Everything I've used is straight off the grocery store shelf - not organic. Except the honey - local farmer's market. This website has saved me lots of money and grief...thank you!

Replied by Rob
(Manhattan, New York)
05/27/2010
★★★★★

in the thick of this allergy season my old remedies of Freeze Dried Stinging Nettle, MSM & Quercetin didn't seem to be working as well... I started drinking them down with ACV & cayenne, and that did the trick..breathing through my nose again...and can concur with above, skin looks better..dark allergy circles under eyes are not as prominent.

Replied by Lee
(New York)
05/28/2010

Hi Rob,

I have experienced NY spring allergies for years. This year I have been inhaling a little bit of h202 a few times a day (first thing in the a.m. - then, as needed) and it has helped tremendously. I think I will up my ACV/cayenne intake as well. Thanks for the reminder. Lee

Avoid Anticholinergic Medications

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Posted by Myway (Delaware, Usa) on 03/24/2015
 ★★★★★

For the earth clinic families who work hard to find natural ways of dealing with allergies, asthma and related inflammation...hats off. The long term use of anticholinergic drugs (like Benadryl) can have devastating long term brain health effects "down the road" for our population. Dementia and alzheimers are devastating our families.

If you know someone who takes anticholinergic drugs daily, please pass on the following sites. You could be helping someone's future tremendously.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-201501287667

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/02/01/where-can-i-find-a-list-of-anticholinergic-drugs/

MyWay :D


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