Natural Allergy Relief: 10 Simple Remedies to Alleviate Symptoms

| Modified on Apr 21, 2023
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Apple Cider Vinegar for Allergies.

Allergies occur when your immune system treats harmless substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander as threats, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as hives, rashes, breathing difficulties, headaches, and sinus problems. Fortunately, several natural remedies can help alleviate allergy symptoms and promote long-term healing. Some of the most effective natural remedies for allergies include apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and nettle leaf.

If you're dealing with mold allergies, it's essential to eliminate the allergens causing your symptoms. However, removing the allergen isn't always a practical solution, especially if you have a pollen or pet allergy. For instance, avoiding pollen altogether could force you to stay indoors for entire seasons, which isn't a desirable solution. Similarly, giving up your beloved pet may not be an option if you value their companionship and happiness. Instead, natural remedies can provide a safe and effective alternative for managing allergy symptoms without making drastic lifestyle changes.

10 Home Remedies for Allergies

Allergies can be a major source of discomfort, but relying on antihistamines can have short- and long-term side effects. Fortunately, natural remedies can provide a safe and effective alternative for managing allergy symptoms without using pharmaceuticals. Here are ten natural remedies for allergies:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

A simple tonic made with 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar in 1 8-ounce glass of water can quickly provide relief. By alkalizing your pH, apple cider vinegar helps ease allergic reactions from pollen. For those with chronic allergies, the apple cider vinegar remedy will take 2-4 weeks to be effective.

2. Turmeric

This inexpensive root powder has amazing healing properties, reducing inflammation in the body. Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of whole milk (or almond milk) with a pinch of black pepper for a daily dose of "golden milk."

3. Nettle

Nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine that purifies the blood. Take 2-4 nettle leaf capsules 2-3 times a day or try a cup of nettle tea 1-3 times a day for powerful but gentle relief.

4. Quercetin

This flavonoid antioxidant found in berries, red wine, onions, apples, and green tea has anti-allergy, anti-viral, and gastro-protective activity. It stabilizes mast cell membranes and prevents release of inflammatory agents like histamines. Take a typical dose of 400mg, 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

This Ayurvedic technique involves swishing a tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes, relieving allergies and other health issues. For extensive information on oil pulling, see this page.

6. Honey

Raw, local honey sold in glass jars can help with seasonal allergies. Add it to your morning oatmeal, spread it on toast, or 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 that helps support your immune system. Many people can tolerate much larger amounts of vitamin C than the recommended daily amount. A dose of 1-3 grams (1,000 – 3,000 mg) can be taken one to three times a day. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase your dose until you achieve the desired results. If you experience loose stools, cut back the amount you take. Once your body has enough vitamin C, it will start to flush out the excess through the bowels.

Sodium Ascorbate is a more gentle form of vitamin C than ascorbic acid. However, be cautious of vitamin C supplements that contain additives and artificial ingredients. Chewable vitamin C supplements often contain artificial sugars.

8. Water

Staying properly hydrated helps keep irritants flushed out of your body. Adding a bit of sea salt to your water helps you retain it better. If you add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to a quart of water and consume it throughout the day, you will help your 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 often stem from an imbalance or lack of "good" bacteria in the gut, which can manifest through the skin or nasal passages. Taking a quality probiotic supplement each day can help restore balance. Alternatively, consuming probiotic-rich foods like kefir or kombucha can help improve gut health and alleviate allergies.

10. Dietary Changes

To optimize your body's performance, feeding it high-quality fuel is important. Consume more whole and less processed foods, and avoid excessive sugars, white flour, and soda pop. Some individuals may find that a particular food is the root of their allergy, with dairy and wheat products being common culprits. This may be due to the processing of these foods. Consider seeking out raw dairy products or bread made without chemicals, often found at farmer's markets. By making these dietary changes, your body may be better equipped to tolerate these foods and alleviate allergy symptoms.

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
Natural Sinus Congestion Remedies




Address Dehydration

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Ali (Wales) on 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.


Address Dehydration
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!


Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

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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

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1 star (1) 
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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

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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

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Posted by Teresa (Arlington, Tx) on 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 Spray
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!


Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey

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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

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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
5 out of 5 stars

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
5 out of 5 stars

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


Avoid MSG

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Posted by Tarat (Grenada, Ms) on 11/04/2010
5 out of 5 stars

I've had allergic reactions for 11 years of which 10 of them I could not figure out what I was allergic too. Someone suggested MSG & at the time I did not know what MSG was. I assumed it was a type of salt... NOT!! I would like Earth Clinic to add allergic reactions to the ailments in case there are others that are experiencing allergic reactions & can't figure out what they are allergic to. Thanks! I'm so grateful for this site. It has been a God send!

I had another reaction the other day after eating chili at a friends. My reactions differ with each one & consists of one or more of the following: severe stomach cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, welts, severe itching & throat swelling. I have always taken benadryl to get over these reactions. After reading info from Ted about MSG on this site I took 500 mg of L-glutamine. I pulled capsule apart & dissolved in water that I drank. Also, I took a bath with ACV which helped tremendously with the itching. I could still feel that my throat was swollen so I took another 500 mg L-glutamine an hour later. The itching stopped but it did take several hours for my throat to totally feel normal again. I did not have to take any benadryl(which knocks me out for 12 hours) & I was able to go to church. It was truly amazing. It's so frustrating since MSG is in, it seems, about 85% of the food sold! BEWARE: natural flavors... Natural flavoring!


Baking Soda

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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) 
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1 star (1) 
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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.



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