Non-Allergic Rhinitis
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5 Natural Remedies to Ease Non-Allergic Rhinitis

on Feb 24, 2023| Modified on Jan 22, 2024
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Non-allergic rhinitis, or vasomotor rhinitis, is a condition that causes inflammation in the nasal passages, resulting in a runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip. It is different from allergic rhinitis, which is caused by an immune response to an allergen.

What Triggers Non-Allergic Rhinitis?

Non-allergic rhinitis can be triggered by various factors that irritate and inflame the nasal passages, causing the condition's symptoms. Some of the common triggers of non-allergic rhinitis include:

  1. Temperature changes: A sudden change in temperature or exposure to extreme temperatures, such as going from a cold environment to a warm one, can trigger non-allergic rhinitis.

  2. Environmental irritants: Exposure to irritants in the air, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, strong odors, or fumes from cleaning products, can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and trigger non-allergic rhinitis.

  3. Certain foods: Some people may experience non-allergic rhinitis after eating certain foods, such as spicy foods or alcohol.

  4. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menstruation, can trigger non-allergic rhinitis.

  5. Medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood pressure medications, can cause non-allergic rhinitis as a side effect.

It's important to identify and avoid triggers that may be causing or exacerbating non-allergic rhinitis symptoms to prevent or reduce the frequency of symptoms. If you are unsure of the cause of your non-allergic rhinitis, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management.

Natural Remedies for Non-Allergic Rhinitis

While over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs are available for non-allergic rhinitis, some natural remedies can help, including the following:

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation is the practice of flushing out the nasal passages with a saline solution. It can help relieve nasal congestion and reduce inflammation. A study published in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy found that nasal irrigation effectively reduced symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis, including congestion and postnasal drip. Nasal irrigation can be done using a neti pot or a nasal spray.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help maintain a healthy immune system. Studies have shown that probiotics may also positively affect non-allergic rhinitis. A randomized controlled trial published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology found that a daily probiotic supplement reduced the severity of non-allergic rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion and runny nose.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid in fruits and vegetables, such as onions, apples, and berries. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help relieve the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that quercetin supplementation reduced nasal congestion and other symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis.

Butterbur

Butterbur is a plant extract used for centuries to treat various conditions, including allergies and migraines. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. A randomized controlled trial published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that butterbur reduced the frequency and severity of non-allergic rhinitis symptoms, including sneezing and runny nose.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. It may also help relieve the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that high doses of vitamin C reduced the severity of non-allergic rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion and postnasal drip.

Take Away

In conclusion, non-allergic rhinitis can be a bothersome condition, but natural remedies can help relieve the symptoms.

Nasal irrigation, probiotics, quercetin, butterbur, and vitamin C are all-natural remedies that have been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before trying new supplements or remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

References

  1. Settipane, R. A., & Chafee, F. H. (2008). Nasal irrigation for the alleviation of sinonasal symptoms. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 22(1), 34-38.

  2. Eloe-Fadrosh, E. A., Brady, R., & Crabtree, J. (2016). Probiotics to treat non-allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial. International forum of allergy & rhinology, 6(6), 573-579.

  1. Boonpiyathad, T., & Baenkler, H. W. (2012). Effects of quercetin supplementation on symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Journal of nutrition, 142(8), 1453-1459.

  2. Lee, D. K., Gray, R. D., Robb, F. M., Fujihara, S., & Lipworth, B. J. (2004). A placebo-controlled evaluation of butterbur and fexofenadine on objective and subjective outcomes in perennial allergic rhinitis. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 58(6), 582-587.

  3. Hemilä, H., & Chalker, E. (2013). Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).

  4. Taramarcaz, P., Gibson, P. G., & Rimmer, J. (2005). Vitamin C supplementation in asthma. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).

  5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2021). Non-allergic rhinitis. Retrieved from https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/non-allergic-rhinitis

  6. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2021). Non-allergic rhinitis. Retrieved from https://www.aafa.org/non-allergic-rhinitis/

Continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers, and let us know what worked for you!

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Posted by Marian (UK) on 02/24/2023
 ★★★☆☆

Hi! I have suffered with non allergic rhinitis (verified by a professor specialising in ENT) for 17yrs, since the birth of my son. The professor admitted they were uncertain why people suddenly started with this condition `out of the blue`? `they` think it could be linked to hormones, but are uncertain, and also how it can miraculously disappear? The hormone theory would link with pregnancy, but also, during this period I went through a time of immense stress and grief. I do believe that we hold onto pain within the body, that it could also be psychosomatic?

The professor could only offer me pharmaceutical relief (Flixonaise nasal drops) which worked during the first 12yrs, then, after a consultation with my Dr. who wasn't happy for me to stay on these drugs any longer as they're very strong, with steroids, I agreed and decided to stop using them as I was concerned about the detrimental effects they'd have on my health long term. I tried going drug free for 4yrs, trying various natural remedies, but my well being was deteriorating with the debilitating symptoms of acute rhinitis.

I went back to the Dr. who prescribed various nasal sprays, they all seem to irritate it more! I have settled with the Flixonaise nasal spray which for a few months seemed to help relieve the symptoms a little, but lately the symptoms are raging once again! There's no rhyme or reason as to the time of year or weather, it's 7 days a week, 12 months of the year! I always have sneezing fits first thing in the morning which can last for a couple of hours, excessive runny nose, streaming light sensitive eyes, irritation in my nose, this then happens periodically through the day and can wake me up in the early hours affecting my sleep. I usually feel drained and wretched with the sheer exhaustion of it. I do have polyps, but have been told and have read that whilst the cause of the irritation (rhinitis) remains, the polyps would just grow back.

They say that `mind body pain` isn't life threatening... but my word it's debilitating! ...or could it be the complex culprit of hormones?

I'd be eternally grateful if anyone has found any relief from rhinitis. I always vowed that if I found a `cure` I'd post on every site I could find to help others who are suffering with this symptom.

Regards,

Marian

Replied by Dianne
(Ontario Canada)
02/24/2023

I searched, and found this site which mentions usually viral, although irritants can cause this. Treatment, humidification of air Bacteria ect.

https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/ear, -nose, -and-throat-disorders/nose-and-paranasal-sinus-disorders/nonallergic-rhinitis

Blessings

Replied by Mama to Many
(TN)
02/24/2023

Dear Marian,

My family has had great success with nettle leaf for all sorts of allergies. 2-4 capsules 1-4 times a day, or as needed.

Nettle is also a blood purifier. My son's asthma and allergies actually healed after being on it for a year.

Nettle is a nutritive. It was commonly boiled and eaten in the spring for good health.

~Mama to Many~

Denise E
(Crescent City, CA)
03/05/2023

Is the Nettle leaf something I would have to continue taking through the years since my PND is 24/7, and I believe it is allergies, or, it may be allergies and non-allergic rhinitus?

I was diagnosed with allergies in the 90s but only had this PND come on in the last 7 years and it is pretty bad because the mucus is ever present in my throat. It's completely clear when I'm able to blow some out my nose but mostly it just hangs in my throat, and I cannot cough it out at all.

I do the sinus irrigation that gives me some temp. relief, and make my own saline solution using Himalayan Pink Salt that I can use any time of the day. I also have a hard time swallowing at times, and also talking in the earlier part of the day. If it's bad I've tried the sinus irrigation and hot liquids with some relief.

I worry about this stuff causing throat issues eventually, and it's like my sinuses cannot stop producing too much mucus/phlegm. It's horrible.

Mama to Many
(TN)
03/06/2023

Dear Denise, I am not sure it you would need it 24/7 for life. Allergies can heal or change. If you do have to take it long term, it is a safe and inexpensive herb and easy on the system. My son took it for a year, along with quercetin, and it seemed to heal his allergies and asthma. My daughter took it for a year along with homemade milk kefir. Her allergies (and health) were much better after a year. She still has some allergies and takes nettle sometimes. When I take it for allergies, I take 2 capsules morning and evening. ~Mama to Many~

Replied by Anita
(PA)
02/25/2023

Hi-

Sorry, you have suffered too long with this!

I recommend you try a xylitol nasal spray and discontinue all steroid containing nose drops.

Also, put several drops of ionic silver solution in each nostril before bed.

And I would add 2 black elderberry gummies containing bit C and Zinc each day.

Start with this and see if this helps & do keep us posted!

Replied by mmsg
(somewhere, europe)
02/25/2023

Marian, we have seen most upper respiratory ailments improve with breathing h2o2 diluted in boiling water, several times a day, gradually decreasing as improvements is noticed.

Replied by Dianne
(Ontario Canada)
02/26/2023
Replied by Denise E
(Crescent City, CA)
02/26/2023

Hello Marian, I'll start by explaining my symptoms to see if they are similar to yours as I have found some relief after about 7 years of what I've called Post Nasal Drip but it seems so bad that it deserves a better name. I haven't been diagnosed by an ENT, just my MD who has little to offer in alternative methods. Mine was literally keeping me awake at night, including sore-throat and I could not cough it up or blow it out my nose, very thick mucus in throat. What's happened in the last 2 years is that the improvement is that it's way thinner, and although it is still there. I'll list what I am doing and other things that caused me to adapt to these:

1. Ketogenic diet (due to diagnosis of T2 Diabetes)

2. Water (never focused on water consumption, I think I was allowing myself to become dehydrated)

3. Regular walks (eventually started the gym)

4. Sinus Rinses (which helped when it was unbearable)

5. Pink Himalayan Salt nasal spray, home-made

I have quite a few issues so I am focused on more than one thing, depends on which is bothering me most but I suspect my Tinnitus (ears ringing) is related to the Sinus issue. It is not LPR which is mucus coming up from the stomach and they call it Silent Reflux sometimes.

I have tried not doing dairy, but to no avail so I use a bit of cheese, creamer, and yogurt. I do think the hydration with my water is doing me the most good to at least thin the mucus. But it continues to run down the back of my throat and I am pretty constantly having to swallow since like I said, it won't come out except in a little bit off and on through my nose. I go through a lot of kleenex. I'll let you know if I find more answers for mine.

EB
(England)
07/26/2023

ACV with the mother goes a long way in thinning mucus and helping to expel it.

Replied by Denise E
(Crescent City, CA)
02/26/2023

I'm sorry, I forgot some things, Marian, I do have an Air-purifier that may be helping, can't say for sure as I try/use a lot of things. Mine is also, I'm convinced, environmental. I also recently bought some of the Himalayan Salt lamps, once for each area I'm in the most. I have a frequent very dry cough, but salt gargle or just a few sips helps that. I too sneeze a bunch of times but only under a couple minutes. I do add 1/8 tsp of Himalayan Salt to my 16 oz water bottle (glass) and potassium 1/8 tsp. This is my form of home-made electrolyte to help keep me hydrated. I was given the same "fixes" by the doctor and used them maybe twice and said no way because they didn't work and I was nervous taking them. Sorry again about 2 replies but I am 70 now and also have memory issues. Here's where I'd insert a crazy face smiley if I had one, Denise

Replied by Toni
(Austin, TX)
01/21/2024

Marian, You're writing about my life...except that I've had this on and off since I was about 22 and I'm 64 now. Come to think of it that was right after the birth of my first child. Maybe it is related to hormones My oldest daughter and younger sister have it too. I had years of relief using a prescription nose spray called Dymista. Worked for about 10 years and now it doesn't. Dr added Flonase. Does nothing. Humidifier in my bedroom at night seemed to be working for a week or so, and then didn't. Nasal rinses do nothing. Added quercitin supplement, nada. Trying to ground myself regularly since that helps with inflammation. I don't have any other helpful remedies to add. Just wanted you to know that you're not alone, and I'm out here searching for a cure too.

Norma
(NYC)
01/22/2024

Try LDN (low dose naltrexone) and consider completing NAET full course.

So many have no idea what NAET is or brush it off as some sort of witchcraft. Yet, it is impossible to overestimate its results. Nothing short of miraculous results. My 4yo nephew's tantrums and screams are gone, another one stopped snoring and no more ear infections, her nose stopped running, skin eczema is gone, etc. Adults have many chronic issues simply disappear.


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