Spring is a beautiful season, with longer days, warmer weather, and flowers blooming, making you feel like you’re in the middle of a field in Provence.
However, it’s not always about singing birds and fresh sunflowers. You also have the never-ending misery of seasonal allergies. The sneezing, the runny nose, and the itchy and watery eyes make you look like you’ve been crying for days.
But fear not, allergy sufferers. There are ways to survive the season without feeling like you’ve been hit by a truckload of pollen. Let’s look into our best recommendations for relieving those symptoms naturally.
What Causes Allergies?
Your immune system overreacts to harmless particles like pollen and mould spores as if they were dangerous invaders. As a defence mechanism, it releases histamines, and you’re left sniffling, itching, and miserable.
Timing matters. Spring usually brings tree pollen, summer kicks up grass pollen, and fall is ragweed season. Identifying your specific triggers is key to choosing the right remedies.
Top 5 Naturopathic Remedies For Seasonal Allergies
Millions of people deal with seasonal allergies, and while over-the-counter medications work, they often come with side effects that leave you feeling drowsy or just plain off. The good news? Nature has plenty of remedies that can help you breathe easier without the pharmaceutical hangover.
1. Local Honey
You’ve probably heard about local honey helping with allergies, and there’s actually some solid reasoning behind it. The theory is that consuming small amounts of local pollen through honey acts like a natural immunotherapy, gradually helping your body build tolerance.
While the scientific evidence is mixed, many people swear by this approach. The key is getting honey that’s local, ideally within a 50-mile radius of where you live. Start with a teaspoon daily about two months before allergy season typically begins for you. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, while others need a full season to see results.
Raw, unfiltered honey works best because it contains trace amounts of pollen and beneficial compounds to help build up natural tolerance. If you have severe allergies, consult a healthcare provider before trying this method.
2. Quercetin
Quercetin is found in onions, apples, berries, and green tea. It acts as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, minus the grogginess that often comes with allergy meds.
You can increase quercetin through food or supplements. If you go the supplement route, look for one that includes bromelain (an enzyme from pineapples) to help absorption. A daily dose of 500-1000mg is typical, but start low to see how your body responds. Take it before symptoms start, as it works best as a preventative.
3. Butterbur
Butterbur might sound like a wizard’s potion, but it’s backed by science. Research shows that butterbur extract can rival common antihistamines in treating hay fever symptoms.
The extract blocks histamines and leukotrienes, which cause inflammation. Clinical trials show real improvement in nasal symptoms, eye irritation, and general well-being. Use only PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) butterbur to avoid liver toxicity and follow the standard dose of about 50-100mg twice daily.
4. Nasal Rinsing
Using a neti pot or nasal irrigation bottle can flush out allergens and mucus before they wreak havoc. People have done this for thousands of years and for good reason.
Use sterile or previously boiled water with about a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized salt per cup. If you’re new to this, start slow. Once daily is enough for most, though twice might help during peak allergy times. Many find relief right away, and consistent use can reduce symptoms over time.
5. Stinging Nettle
Despite its name, stinging nettle is gentle on allergy symptoms. It helps by reducing the histamines your body releases.
Available as tea, tincture, or capsules, nettle is flexible. Tea is calming and can be taken throughout the day, while freeze-dried capsules offer stronger effects for busier schedules. People usually take 300-500mg daily in capsule form, or sip the tea two to three times a day. Results vary, as some feel better within hours, while others need consistent use over a few days.
Living Allergy-Free the Natural Way
You don’t have to rely solely on pharmaceutical antihistamines and nasal sprays—natural options support your body rather than mask symptoms.
Start small. Although it’s possible to put together a full lineup, pick one or two remedies that make sense for your routine. Some people get great results from just quercetin and nasal rinsing. Others swear by honey and nettle. Give your body time to respond.
With a little planning and consistency, you can actually enjoy the beauty of spring without all the sniffles and sneezes.
If these natural remedies aren’t providing the relief you need, our naturopathic doctors can help you explore other options tailored to your body and lifestyle. Book a consultation with Calgary Integrative Medicine today.
