Allergies
Natural Remedies

10 Natural Allergy Relief Remedies That Are Fast And Effective

| Modified on Mar 19, 2023
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Natural Allergy Remedies

Allergies cause your body to treat common substances as if they were invaders, resulting in a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms including hives, rashes, breathing troubles, headaches, and sinus issues. Fortunately, natural remedies for allergies, like apple cider vinegar, turmeric and nettle leaf are quite effective at relieving immediate symptoms in addition to providing long term healing of chronic allergies.

If you are able to eliminate the allergens that irritate you, by all means, do so, especially if you are dealing with a mold allergy. But if the pollen outside is the root of your allergy problems, “getting rid of the allergen” could sentence you to entire seasons indoors. Worse yet, if your beloved pet is the cause of your allergy problem, “getting rid of the allergen” would mean finding another home for a pet that brings you happiness and companionship, which is a dismal solution.

10 Home Remedies for Allergies

While antihistamines can be a temporary solution to allergies, they do not heal the allergy and can have short and long term side effects. The 10 natural remedies below are relatively inexpensive, easy to take and surprisingly effective!

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

A simple apple cider vinegar tonic (2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar in 1 8 ounce glass of water) can provide quick and effective allergy relief. By alkalizing your pH, apple cider vinegar helps ease allergic reactions from pollen. People experience relief within hours if taken at early onset of allergy symptoms. For those with chronic allergies, the apple cider vinegar remedy will take 2-4 weeks to be effective.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric root powder is inexpensive and has amazing healing properties. It reduces inflammation in the body. The best way to take turmeric is to add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of whole milk (or almond milk) with a pinch of black pepper. This can be taken once or twice a day. Golden milk is a delicious way to take turmeric on a daily basis.

3. Nettle

Nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine. It also purifies the blood. This is a remedy that provides short and long term healing. You can buy nettle leaf capsules and take 2-4 of them 2-3 times a day. Alternately, try a cup of nettle tea 1-3 times a day. Nettle is a powerful but gentle remedy. Nettle was used as a “spring tonic” generations ago.

4. Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant found in berries, red wine, onions, apples and green tea. Quercetin is becomingly increasingly popular as an allergy relief supplement. 

Quercetin has anti-allergy, anti-viral, and gastro-protective activity. It is highly effective in alleviating allergy symptoms because it stabilizes mast cell membranes and prevents release of inflammatory agents like histamines.  A typical dose of quercetin for allergy symptoms is a 400 mg, taken 2 times daily between meals.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take quercetin. People with kidney disease should avoid taking quercetin as well.

5. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling helps a variety of health problems and has been found effective to treat allergies. Extra virgin coconut oil is a common oil used for oil pulling. For extensive information on oil pulling, see this page.

6. Honey

Honey is such a seemingly simple food, yet it is a complex substance containing a multitude of health benefits. The best honey to treat allergies (especially seasonal allergies) is raw and local honey sold in glass jars. Honey can be added to your morning oatmeal, spread on toast, or added to tea. You can even just take it off the spoon. Try 1 teaspoon 1-3 times a day for your allergies.

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine which supports your immune system. Most people can tolerate much larger amounts of vitamin C than the typical recommended daily amount. 1-3 grams (1,000 – 3,000 mg) can be taken one to three times a day. Start with a smaller amount and increase your dose until you have the desired results. If you begin to have loose stools, cut back the amount you take. When your body is adequately saturated with vitamin C, it starts to flush it out through the bowels.

Sodium Ascorbate is a more gentle way to take vitamin C than ascorbic acid. Do watch out for vitamin c supplements with additives and artificial ingredients. Artificial sugars are common in chewable vitamin C supplements.

8. Water

Sometimes a solution as simple as water will provide allergy relief. The body needs plenty of water to keep irritants flushed out. Adding a bit of sea salt to your water keeps it from “going right through you.”  If you add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to a quart of water and consume it through the day, you will help you body to be properly hydrated. If this water is all you drink, you will want to consume 2 quarts of water daily.

9. Probiotics

Allergy problems, manifested through the skin or your nasal passages, commonly begin in the gut. If your gut has an imbalance or lack of “good” bacteria, allergies can result. To remedy this, take a quality probiotic each day. Better yet, consume a probiotic food like kefir or kombucha.

10. Dietary Changes

Your body will work the best if you feed it quality fuel. Consume more whole foods. Eat less processed foods. Avoid excess sugars, white flour, and soda pop. Some people find that a particular food is the root of an allergy issue. Dairy products and wheat products are often linked to allergy problems. This may be a result of the processing of the foods. If you can find raw dairy products or breads made without chemicals (at farmer’s markets) your body may be better able to tolerate these foods.

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

Additional Pages of Interest:

Food Allergy Remedies
Sinus Congestion Remedies
Hayfever Remedies




Address Dehydration

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%


Posted by Msannanola (New Orleans, La) on 02/17/2011
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Replied by Ali
(Wales)
03/12/2023
5 out of 5 stars

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.


Anticholinergic Medications

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


Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Colleen (Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada) on 05/30/2017
5 out of 5 stars

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

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  50%
1 star (1) 
  50%


Posted by Jodie (Oak Park, IL) on 05/23/2008
5 out of 5 stars

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
1 out of 5 stars

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


Apple Cider Vinegar Pickles

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Stephanie (Charlotte, Nc) on 11/12/2009
5 out of 5 stars

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

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%


Posted by Kim (New York, NY) on 12/17/2010
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Replied by Teresa
(Arlington, Tx)
06/18/2020
5 out of 5 stars

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, Honey

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Lynne (Texas, US) on 12/29/2014
5 out of 5 stars

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

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Busymom (Smalltown, Sunflowerstate, Usa) on 05/25/2010
5 out of 5 stars

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


Apple Cider Vinegar: Recipes and Dosage

Posted by Melanie (Johannesburg, South Africa) on 08/31/2012

We have a mug of vinegar tea every morning and it actually tastes delicious -I put 1 Tbs raw ACV in a mug, then half fill it with hot water. I add 1 teaspoon of raw honey and mix it up. Then I top it up with cold water and finally, the part that makes it taste delicious, I add a dash of ground cinnamon! It makes it taste like apple crumble in a mug! And we never have allergy issues because we start every day off with this drink. Highly recommend it to anyone!


Baking Soda

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Olkeriil (Portland, Maine, U.S.A.) on 06/12/2008
5 out of 5 stars

Allergy, I have a worst allergy problem than most people. But about 3 weeks ago I started to use baking soda to rinse my sinuses. I have no problem now and that is why I share this with your readers. Thanks, Olkeriil

Replied by Eva
(Sweden)
08/05/2015

Hi! How do you use the baking soda for your sinuses?

All the best,

Eva


Bee Pollen

4 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  75%
1 star (1) 
  25%


Posted by Lisa (Closter, Nj) on 05/02/2011
5 out of 5 stars

Take a full dropper of Bee Propolis in a tablespoon of Manuka Honey (also containing 85% bee pollen). It TOTALLY cured my allergies! Also gastritis.

I used to need antibiotics at least 5-7x pr yr. for chronic rhinitis/sinusitis. Comes from a yeasty gut. Allergic nose sinusitus=chronic sinus infections! .... NO MORE!!!

Clean out yourself also- and eat clean. Get rid of the yeast too- and you'll be better in NO time.


Bee Pollen
Posted by Randyl (Richmond, VA) on 10/14/2008
5 out of 5 stars

Local bee pollen for allergy symptoms

I am extremely lucky to know a bee keeper who suffers as I do from allergies. It comes loose, rather than in capsules, and is from bees about 45 minutes from my home. Local pollen is very important to me.

While symptomatic, I use 1/2 tsp. in oatmeal or in an all-fruit smoothie daily. Otherwise, take 1/2 - 1 tsp every 2-3 days. Once I began two years ago, I have not had a single sinus headache or post nasal drip. The first time I tried it, I used a little more because I'd been ill for almost a month. The wad of phlegm that sat in my throat was gone overnight after taking my first 1 Tbl dose in a smoothie. After 3 days of taking 1 tsp daily, all symptoms were gone.

Replied by Becky
(Cleburne, Tx)
05/09/2010
1 out of 5 stars

Warning

While I also highly recommend the bee pollen treatment, I do advise caution. The first time I had bee pollen was at a local honey tasting room. They had a little spoon you could get yourself a scoop and try it. I did like everyone else and got a small scoopful. I quickly had a sore and swollen throat, etc. If I had had much more I'm pretty sure I would have ended up in the hospital--something my allergies have never caused.

So, while I think it's a great desensitizer to allergies, to be cautious, especially if you have allergies. Start very small and work your way up.

I throw a couple pinches in my morning smoothie. Haven't noticed that it's hugely helpful for allergies, but I may need to have worked up to a greater amount by now.


Bee Pollen
Posted by Linds (Columbus, Ohio) on 06/11/2008
5 out of 5 stars

Bee pollen works by desensitizing your body to the pollen that travels through the air and causes your body to react. With small daily doses, your body builds up its defenses to fight off the allergens and avoid reaction in the future. Buy local if possible so it helps you build resistance against daily allergens.


Black Seed Oil (Aka Cumin)

3 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  67%
3 star (1) 
  33%


Posted by Bridget (White Springs, FL) on 11/07/2008
5 out of 5 stars

Pure Black Seed Oil: I have suffered with allergies and asthma for years. It developed in my adult years. Have taken just about everything for both. They just seem to get worse and the meds work less and less. I tried this out of desperation. Guess what.... I don't take any meds for allergies or asthma anymore. Haven't had to in over 6 months. It is good for several things. It's an ancient remedy from Egypt. The liquid taste horrible. Get the black seed oil soft gels so you don't have to put up with the taste.

Replied by Bonnie
(Ravenna, Ohio)
07/04/2009
5 out of 5 stars

I have used the ACV for my asthma---it worked OK--but it's set off by my allergies-I researched the black seed oil--bought the oil----oh my gosh, it did the trick--I put a tsp. in my juice before bed and slept like a baby--put a tsp in my morning coffee-and found my nose not stuffy--enjoying the day--now I'm even putting a little with shea butter and using it as a face cream---my face looks to smooth-and it's helping my allergies at the same time. Bonnie

EC: Proper plant name is Nigella sativa. More information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigella_sativa

Replied by Lenny
(Dubai)
08/11/2020
3 out of 5 stars

Hi Bonnie, glad to know you have cured your asthma and allergies. I have the same condition for the last 5-6 years and in constant medication. I am taking black seed oil 1 tsp with half tsp honey 2x a day for 1 week now but unfortunately do not feel its effect on my asthma and allergy symptoms.

How long did you use black seed oil before you notice any improvement?

Thank you for your response and I wish you well.


Butterbur

1 User Review
3 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Bonbon (Pierson, Florida) on 07/09/2015 30 posts
3 out of 5 stars

Worked Temporarily

I have been taking the herb Butterbur for several weeks now for my itchy eyes and throat. I have been trying to figure what is causing the allergy so I can try and get to the root of the problem but haven't as of yet. The Butterbur works great as long as I'm consistent. But when I back off the itching comes back with a vengeance. The thing I've read about Butterbur is it can cause liver problems if taken longer than 12 weeks. This concerns me because I'm closing in on about 8 weeks and am no closer to finding a cure. Just the Butterbur bandaid. Does anyone know anything about this herb and possibly give me any advise concerning the long term side effects about it? It's the only thing that's helping me and the thought of having to stop taking it is putting me in panic mode.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
07/10/2015

Dear Bonbon,

I have not used Butterbur before. I do see in the literature that it is not recommended for long time use, though.

There are other herbs that work very well for allergies. Nettle Leaf has helped a couple of my children with allergies very much! My son would take 4 capsules twice a day. If he had symptoms mid-day he would take another dose. He also took a capsule of Quercetin morning and evening. After taking this consistently for a year or 18 months, he no longer had allergy problems. Nettle is considered very safe and nutritious.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Bonbon
(Pierson, Florida)
07/22/2015
30 posts

Thanks for your reply. I just saw it. I came on today looking for info about coconut allergies. I have been drinking raw coconut water for some time now fairly regularly. I did not drink it for a couple of days and late Sunday I had a glass. Within minutes my eyes were itching. I also have been using almond milk in my smoothies for breakfast just about since all this started so I'm wondering if there might be something to that as well.

I have gone off both the coconut and the almond milk to see how things go without them. So far it seems better however I have not backed off the herbs yet. I have been taking quercetin in addition to the butterbur and it seems to help a lot.



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