Natural healing practitioners suggest stinging nettle as a natural antihistamine to help with allergy treatment. Quercetin is a favorite of natural healing advocates who believe that it stabilizes the release of histamines and helps to control allergy symptoms.

Practitioners of natural medication suggest taking 2, milligrams of vitamin C daily to reduce histamine levels. A study showed that peppermint oil treatment had enough anti-inflammatory effects that reduced the symptoms of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis to warrant clinical trials.

Essential oils can be diffused into the air but should be diluted in a carrier oil if applied topically. Advocates of natural healing suggest using eucalyptus oil as an antimicrobial agent by adding it to each load of wash during allergy season. Based on the results of a study , frankincense oil may help against perennial allergic rhinitis.

You can dilute it in a carrier oil and use behind your ears or use inhalation by diffusing it into the air. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. The U. Test the essential oil mixed in carrier oil on unbroken skin, such as your forearm.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. MindBodyGreen provides third-party-tested supplements made with high quality ingredients. Our testers and dietitians discuss whether MindBodyGreen….

Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy. You may get all you need from the food you eat. Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart.

Here are 12…. Vitamins are what your body needs to function and stay healthy. It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but supplements…. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting and healthy bones.

It can be found in leafy greens, vegetable oils, and broccoli. L-citrulline is an amino acid made naturally in your body. It may also be taken as a supplement to help boost exercise performance, lower blood…. While we have no control over the amount of pollen and ragweed in the atmosphere, there are things we may do that can actually worsen our allergies.

Avoid the following to prevent exacerbating your allergy symptoms:. These are convenient and inexpensive and can be purchased as kits or ready-to-use. Using bottled water for at-home sinus rinses is recommended to reduce your risk of infection. We are hiring! New Patient? UTM Source. UTM Campaign.

UTM Content. UTM Term. UTM Medium. Campaign Reference. Source URL. Center Record id. Current Patient? Do you want to share the article via email? Yes No. The Best Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies.

Onion contains a compound- quercetin that helps to control the production of histamine. Hence it is useful in reducing symptoms of allergies.

Onion is a natural antihistamine that helps to decrease allergic symptoms. It can also be helpful as a bronchodilator to open up the contracted airways.

Eating honey every day produced by bees in your region may help relieve allergies. The bees transfer pollen from flower blossoms to it.

So if you consume it every day, it may gradually reduce your sensitivity to pollen grains. Also read: Debunking Myths: Does Your Heart Really Stop When You Sneeze?

Peppermint is a natural remedy for dust allergies, pollen allergies or other respiratory allergies. It contains a type of flavonoid called luteolinO-rutinoside, which helps inhibit the activity and secretion of anti-inflammatory enzymes, such as histamines. You can add a heaped teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a glass of water and bring it to a boil.

For about ten minutes, allow the mixture to steep. Strain and drink the tea when it is mildly warm.

Hot and spicy foods make your thick mucus thin and help to clear your blocked nasal and throat passage. Spicy and hot food includes soup, curries, and chilli pepper, which loosens the mucus and phlegm that clogs your body. Eucalyptus oil can be a game-changer in seasonal allergies. You can add a few drops of oil to the water, boil it and inhale the steam.

It will help to open your sinuses and nasal passages further. Some research suggests that eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also. In a study, it was seen that frankincense oil may help against perennial allergic rhinitis.

This pure essential oil should not be directly used. It can be diluted with a carrier oil and used behind your ears or can be inhaled by diffusing it into the air.

Also Read: Montek Lc Uses. If you have a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, avoid doing home remedies.

While there are, of course, allergy medications you can take, they have side effects, including making you sleepy, which is no good for productivity. You can also visit a sinus specialist such as our very own ENT doctors at Detroit Sinus Center. But, before you make that step, there are a few at-home remedies you can try.

Here are our top five natural remedies for clearing up seasonal allergy symptoms. Cleanse Your Nasal Passage One of the most common causes for an allergy flare-up is from pollens sticking to your mucus membranes. Therefore, ensuring that your nose is nice and clean is important for reducing allergy symptoms.

There are a few ways to clear out your nasal passage, ridding your mucus membranes of pollen, but the most commonly used is a neti pot. This nasal irrigation treatment looks like a little teapot, which you add a saline solution to, and pour through one of your nostrils.

Keep your head tilted so that the solution runs through the other nostril. It definitely feels weird, but once you have rinsed your nasal passages thoroughly with a neti pot, you will feel much less congested.

Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this method once or more times a day in order to keep the pollen out of your nose and prevent allergy symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes. While they work wonders when used correctly, improper use of a neti pot could increase symptoms and potentially cause an infection.

Here is a guide to using a neti pot, written by the FDA. Smell Essential Oils Essentials oils can be a great way to open up your nasal passages during allergy season.

Any of your favorite essential oils will do, but menthol-based ones will work the best at clearing up your sinuses. Pick up some bottles of pure peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus oils and smell them throughout the day.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. MindBodyGreen provides third-party-tested supplements made with high quality ingredients. Our testers and dietitians discuss whether MindBodyGreen….

Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy. You may get all you need from the food you eat. Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart.

Here are 12…. Vitamins are what your body needs to function and stay healthy. It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but supplements…. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting and healthy bones. It can be found in leafy greens, vegetable oils, and broccoli.

L-citrulline is an amino acid made naturally in your body. It may also be taken as a supplement to help boost exercise performance, lower blood…. Who needs to take vitamin C supplements, and how much is enough? The answer may depend on your age and overall health.

Dietary supplements are products such as vitamins, herbs, and minerals that may help provide nutrients and health benefits. They may have risks and…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic?

How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Avoidance Home remedies Precautions Takeaway Some home remedies for allergies, like nasal irrigation or certain essential oils, can help relieve some allergy symptoms.

The best natural remedy for allergies. Home remedies for allergies. Precautions when using home remedies for allergies. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Feb 14, Written By Scott Frothingham. Jul 12, Written By Scott Frothingham. Share this article. Read this next. Malanga Health Benefits and More.

Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Are mindbodygreen Supplements Worth It? Our Testers and Dietitians Explain. By Kelsey Kunik, RDN. Are Vitamins Good for Athletes?

READ MORE.

This can remove allergens and clear the airways. For airborne allergens, such as pollen , dust, and mold spores , additional treatment options include:. For allergic reactions that cause skin symptoms, including those associated with allergens found in animal saliva, poisonous plants, drugs, chemicals, and metals, additional treatment options include:.

People should speak to a professional if they have or suspect that they have severe or chronic allergies. Many traditional medication systems use herbal supplements and extracts to treat and prevent allergic reactions, especially seasonal ones.

Though little scientific evidence supports using most alternative or natural remedies, some people may find that some can relieve their symptoms.

Anaphylaxis can impact multiple organs and, if left untreated, lead to coma , organ failure, and death. If the person carries an EpiPen , which is a self-injectable dose of epinephrine for treating anaphylaxis, inject this into their thigh as soon as possible. If a person does not have an EpiPen, a doctor or paramedic will give an injection of the hormone epinephrine or adrenaline.

This will immediately increase the output of the heart and blood flow throughout the body. Learn more about how to perform CPR here. Many people experience allergic reactions when they are exposed to specific allergens, ranging from pet dander and pollen to compounds in foods, drinks, and personal hygiene products.

The best treatment of an allergic reaction depends on the cause, though most minor cases can be treated with OTC antihistamines and anti-itch products.

A person should seek immediate medical attention for chronic or severe allergic reactions, especially those that involve swelling of the throat or changes in heart rate. Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency. Find out how harmless substances can cause the characteristic symptoms of hay fever, eczema, asthma, food allergy, and anaphylaxis.

Many common foods and everyday objects contain trace amounts of nickel. A person may experience an allergic reaction on their skin such as a rash, a…. Allergies occur when the body reacts to a harmless substance as if it were harmful. Here, we look at the range of treatments available.

Pink eye and allergies can cause similar eye symptoms. Learn the differences between pink eye and allergic conjunctivitis here. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How do you treat an allergic reaction?

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Jennifer Huizen — Updated on July 24, What is it? Treatment Natural remedies Anaphylaxis Outlook There are many causes of allergic reactions, meaning knowing the best treatments is not always easy.

What is an allergic reaction? Treating allergic reactions. Natural remedies for allergic reactions. Identifying and treating anaphylaxis.

Allergy Food Allergy Emergency Medicine First Aid. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

It's best to wait an hour or more after nasal irrigation before going to bed. That ensures the saline has drained completely from your sinuses and helps to prevent coughing. There's no clear evidence as yet that vitamin C, despite its reputation in fighting off the common cold, can benefit people with allergy symptoms.

Vitamin C is known as an antioxidant , with properties that may boost the immune system and limit inflammation. Research suggests inflammation contributes to allergy symptoms and reducing the inflammation can help symptoms to improve.

Some studies of vitamin C have shown improvement in itching, runny nose, and other symptoms when given intravenously by IV at high doses. However, study results have been mixed, with stronger evidence for a role in treating asthma with vitamin C than allergic rhinitis even though the two often occur together.

Vitamin C is available from a number of food sources, including citrus fruits, peppers, and berries. Tablets, capsules, lozenges, and other products are readily available, including topical skin lotions and ointments.

Vitamin C is generally safe but side effects at high doses can include diarrhea and other digestive system issues. It may lead to higher levels of iron absorption in people with a rare disorder called hereditary hemochromatosis.

Ask your healthcare provider about drug interactions if you are receiving chemotherapy treatment. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to allergies, including allergic rhinitis nasal congestion , allergic asthma, eczema , and anaphylaxis.

This vitamin has a role in regulating immune system cells and the release of chemicals that can produce allergy symptoms. Several studies suggest vitamin D supplements may reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.

One study showed that vitamin D-deficient participants taking vitamin D supplements along with antihistamines allergy medications had improved allergy symptoms after eight weeks. There is no evidence, however, that taking vitamin D without medication would have the same effect.

And it isn't clear whether taking supplements is helpful for people who already have optimal levels of vitamin D. Another study found that response to allergy immunotherapy allergy shots in relieving allergic rhinitis was better in subjects with optimal vitamin D levels. The response was worse in those who were deficient in vitamin D.

If you have been diagnosed as vitamin D deficient, your healthcare provider will recommend the supplements you need. Few foods offer vitamin D apart from its addition to milk and fortified cereals but it is available through supplements and sun exposure.

The United States recommended dietary allowances for vitamin D vary by age. Adults up to age 70 need international units IU of vitamin D daily. Those aged 70 and older should get IU of vitamin D daily. It is possible to take too much vitamin D, which raises calcium levels in the blood.

This can result in kidney stones and calcium deposits in the heart and other organs. Exposure to sunlight also raises vitamin D levels. However, you should avoid too much exposure since it can lead to sunburn or skin cancer.

Honey is made from flower nectar in beehives. It has been linked to a number of health benefits, including immune system benefits.

Some studies suggest that honey may reduce inflammation, which could relieve inflamed airways and make it easier to breathe. A study of nasal spray that contains honey found it offered benefits when used along with other treatments like antihistamines for allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Honey is often mixed into tea, foods, or even taken by the spoonful. Capsules, tablets, and chewable gummies are available as supplements. Nasal sprays are an option, too. Propolis is a sticky component of honey that may help to relieve allergy symptoms. It has been shown to offer benefits in reducing allergic symptoms in asthma.

It's available as an oral supplement lozenges, capsules but some products can be applied to the skin. It's not uncommon for some people to have allergies to honey.

Avoid any propolis products if you have an allergy to bees. Keep in mind that honey has a high sugar content, which may present a risk to people with diabetes or other health conditions affected by sugar intake.

It's also to be avoided in children less than 1 year old. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation recommends acupuncture as one way to treat allergic rhinitis. Acupuncture is a healing practice that originated in China over 5, years ago. It involves stimulating points on the body with needles, pressure, or electrical probes.

These points are believed to be connected by pathways creating an energy flow that affects overall health. Although acupuncture has been used for allergy treatment, there have been no large, randomized controlled trials to verify its effectiveness.

However, a large systematic review looked at several studies on the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis. The results suggested acupuncture can improve nasal symptoms for people who have allergies, but the reason for this improvement wasn't clear.

The procedure was found to be safe and without adverse effects. Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy in addition to conventional allergy treatment. You would get a series of weekly or twice-weekly treatments for several weeks with an acupuncturist, and then follow-up treatments as needed.

Acupuncture is generally regarded as safe, and side effects are not expected. However, it is best to look for a practitioner who is licensed, certified, or registered as required by your state. The herb butterbur Petasites hybridus is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America.

Extracts from the herb have been used in folk medicine for migraine headaches, stomach cramps, cough, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says studies suggest root or leaf extracts of butterbur may help relieve allergic rhinitis.

However, it has not been found to be useful for asthma or allergic skin reactions. Commercial butterbur extracts are made from the roots or leaves of the plant. They're available in capsule or tablet form to be taken by mouth. Some studies have shown a benefit when commercial butterbur supplements are taken twice daily.

Check the label or speak to your healthcare provider about precise dosing. Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness. Butterbur is in the ragweed plant family. People who are allergic to ragweed , marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums should avoid butterbur and products that contain it.

Do not take the raw butterbur herb on its own or as a tea, extract, or capsule. It contains substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and lungs and may cause cancer.

Women who are pregnant or nursing, children, and people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur in any form. Quercetin is an antioxidant, which helps prevent damage to cells. It reduces inflammatory cells and proteins, especially in skin.

It is found naturally in foods such as apples with the skin on , berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea. It is also available in supplement form. Some people use it for allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis eczema , and asthma.

In the lab, quercetin helps restrict the release of histamine, a chemical released by cells in allergic reactions. It can also inhibit the formation of IgE antibodies, another component of the allergic response. Quercetin is chemically related to the existing anti-allergy drug cromolyn sodium.

Quercetin has potential for the development of allergy and asthma therapy. However, research has largely been limited to its effects in test tube or animal studies, without clinical studies of humans. There is some evidence that it may help reduce the effects of allergic skin reactions, such as atopic dermatitis.

There are numerous dietary sources of quercetin. Quercetin is also available as a nutritional supplement in tablet or capsule form.

A typical dose for allergies and hay fever is between milligrams mg and mg three times a day. Quercetin should be avoided by people with kidney disease, as well as people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats. These are fats your body needs but can't make itself, so you need to get them from your diet. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, walnuts, vegetable oil, flax seeds, and leafy vegetables.

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, which play a role in allergies and asthma. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown in research to reduce some of the effects of asthma and atopic dermatitis.

However, many studies are on animal models or in the test tube, rather than human studies. Researchers are looking at whether taking omega-3 fish oil supplements when you're pregnant can reduce atopic dermatitis and food allergies in infants.

There have been some positive findings, but this research is still very preliminary. Common sources of omega-3 fatty acids include the following:. Side effects of fish oil may include indigestion and a fishy aftertaste.

Fish oil has a mild "blood-thinning" effect. If you are taking Coumadin warfarin or heparin, or are at risk of bleeding complications, do not take fish oil without consulting a healthcare provider.

Fish oil should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery. Stinging nettle Urtica dioica is an herb that may reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This natural remedy is thought by some to be one of the most effective herbal supplements for relieving allergy symptoms.

One randomized double-blind clinical trial in humans found that stinging nettle seemed to reduce allergy symptoms. There were some changes in clinical measures such as eosinophil counts a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions in nasal smears. However, these are very preliminary findings, and more studies are needed.

Stinging nettle can be used as a tea. Extracts may be found in a variety of supplements for allergy support.

Stinging nettle has diuretic properties, meaning it causes your kidneys to make more urine. It should not be used unless you consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking diuretics for fluid retention. Probiotics are live organisms, or "good" bacteria, that help improve the health of the digestive and immune systems.

Prebiotics are a type of fiber that encourages the growth of probiotic bacteria. Added to infant formula, they may help improve immune responses. Research has looked at whether probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding can reduce the risk of eczema in at-risk infants.

The World Allergy Organization WAO says the evidence is limited for using probiotics for pregnant and breastfeeding women for allergy prevention. However, they still recommend probiotic use by those whose infants would be at high risk of developing an allergy.

They also recommend probiotic use by those infants. The WAO also found that the evidence for using prebiotics is limited. However, for infants who are not exclusively breastfed, supplementing with prebiotics may be considered. They note there are no studies of prebiotic supplements for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Because of this, they make no recommendation for maternal use of prebiotics. Probiotics are available in a variety of forms, including supplemental drinks, kefir, yogurt, and capsules.

Prebiotics are found in fermented foods. They are also available in tablets, capsules, and chewable products. Probiotics and prebiotics are generally safe. But if you are sensitive to dairy products or other possible ingredients, check for sources that are safest for you.

Black cumin seed oil has several active chemical compounds, including thymoquinone. Research evidence suggests it may relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

In one study, people with allergic rhinitis were exposed to black cumin seed oil by smelling it or rubbing it on the forehead. They found they had reduced nasal congestion, nasal itching, runny nose, and sneezing attacks.

Another study used black cumin seed oil in the form of nasal drops to treat allergic rhinitis. A six-week treatment course showed good results in relieving symptoms.

Black cumin seed oil is sold in capsules as well as in bulk oil form. It can be taken as a supplement once or twice a day. Or, as in the studies of rhinitis, it can be rubbed on the skin, smelled, or applied as nose drops. Studies have found no significant side effects for black seed oil.

However, there is always the possibility of a skin reaction when applied topically. Test a small amount on your skin before using it consistently.

Continue to monitor your skin for reactions while using it for any length of time. Supplements aren't always tested for quality and are largely unregulated, so the content of a product may differ from what's listed on its label.

Safety for certain individuals e. is also not established. To ensure that what's on the label is indeed what you are getting, opt for supplements that have been voluntarily submitted for testing by an independent certifying body like U. Pharmacopeia USP , ConsumerLab, or NSF International.

Brands certified organic by the U. Department of Agriculture USDA can also reduce your risk of exposure to unwanted chemicals and pesticides. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement for allergies or any other concern.

Allergy symptoms may be relieved with changes in your environment, including the use of a humidifier or an air purifier. The moist, warm air from a humidifier can relieve nasal passages irritated by dry air. But check with your allergist before using one to talk about the potential risks, too.

The additional moisture can promote dust mites, already the top cause of indoor allergies. It also can lead to mold spores. If not, the exposures can contribute to allergy symptoms. Air purifiers also can remove allergens. A high-efficiency particulate air HEPA filter will remove mold, dust, pollen, and other allergens from indoor air when used properly.

Check with your healthcare provider about your specific allergies and other steps you can take to limit your exposure to allergens. They may include:.

Many types of natural remedies are thought to help ease allergy symptoms. These include exercise, nasal irrigation, probiotics, prebiotics, and various herbs and supplements.

For many of these, research is still limited on how they affect allergies. Talk with your doctor first to let them know your symptoms. They can help answer your questions about how natural treatments might work with your other allergy medications.

Prossegger J, Huber D, Grafetstätter C, et al. Winter exercise reduces allergic airway inflammation: A randomized controlled study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drobyshev VA, Shpagina LA, Karmanovskaya SA, Zaitseva IG. Vestn Otorinolaringol.

Güémez A, García E. Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis by Naegleria fowleri : Pathogenesis and Treatments. doi: Forman HJ, Zhang H. Targeting oxidative stress in disease: promise and limitations of antioxidant therapy.