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Probably the worst thing about beautiful June? Itchy noses distracting us from our garden tasks. Seasonal allergies are here to stay on our homestead, so I find myself turning to herbal remedies to relieve some of my symptoms.

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are an allergic reaction to airborne substances such as pollen, mold spores, and other allergens that are present in the environment during certain seasons.

Seasonal allergy symptoms

Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and throat irritation. These symptoms can affect a person's quality of life and ability to function normally. Seasonal allergies are a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on individual sensitivity to specific allergens and the amount of exposure to them.

Seasonal allergy causes

Seasonal allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain airborne substances that are present in the environment during certain seasons. When a person with seasonal allergies inhales these allergens, the immune system mistakes them as harmful and produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to fight them off. This triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body, leading to the classic symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and throat irritation.

Some common allergens that can trigger seasonal allergies include:

Tree, grass, and weed pollen
Mold spores
Dust mites
Pet dander

What months have seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are more common during certain seasons, depending on the type of allergen. For example, tree pollen is more prevalent in the spring, while grass pollen is more common in the summer. Mold spores are more prevalent in the fall, especially in damp or humid areas.

How do you know if you have seasonal allergies?

Here are some common signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies:

Sneezing: You may experience frequent sneezing, especially in the morning or during the day.

Runny nose: You may have a runny nose with clear, watery discharge.

Congestion: You may experience nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.

Itchy or watery eyes: You may experience red, itchy, or watery eyes.

Throat irritation: You may experience throat irritation or a sore throat.

Fatigue: You may feel tired or have a decreased energy level.

How do you cure seasonal allergies?

There is no known cure for seasonal allergies, but there are several treatments and lifestyle changes that can help to manage the symptoms. Here are some strategies that may be effective in treating seasonal allergies:

Avoid allergens: Try to avoid exposure to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. For example, stay indoors during peak pollen hours, use an air purifier, and keep windows closed.

Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can help to alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion.

Prescription medications: In severe cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications, such as prescription-strength antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Natural remedies: Some natural remedies such as honey, garlic, stinging nettle, butterbur, and Ginkgo biloba may help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before using any natural remedies, as they may interact with other medications or have side effects.

Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress can also help to boost your immune system and reduce allergy symptoms.

Can allergies make you feel sick and tired?

Yes, seasonal allergies may mimic many of the symptoms found with common illnesses.

Do allergies get worse at night?

Allergy symptoms can be worse at night for some people, depending on the type of allergen and the individual's sensitivity to it.

Here are some reasons why allergies may get worse at night:

Increased exposure to allergens: Allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores can accumulate in bedding, carpets, and other surfaces in the bedroom. This can increase exposure to these allergens at night, triggering symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion.

Reduced airflow: Sleeping in a closed room with little ventilation can lead to reduced airflow and increased humidity, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms.

Nasal congestion: Allergies can cause nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through the nose at night. This can lead to snoring or sleep apnea, which can further disrupt sleep and exacerbate allergy symptoms.

Circadian rhythm: The body's circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and wake cycles, can also play a role in allergy symptoms. Some studies suggest that the immune system may be more active at night, which can worsen allergy symptoms.

Remedies for seasonal allergies

These natural remedies for seasonal allergies aren’t foolproof, but considering the low cost and ease of which you can make them they are certainly worth a try.

Garlic

Garlic has been traditionally used in some cultures as a natural remedy for seasonal allergies. Currently there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing allergy symptoms.

Raw garlic: Eating raw garlic may help to reduce allergy symptoms. You can mince a clove of garlic and swallow it with water or mix it into food like salad dressing, hummus or soup.

Garlic supplements: You can take garlic supplements in the form of capsules or tablets. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.

Garlic tea: You can make garlic tea by steeping a few cloves of crushed garlic in hot water for several minutes. Strain the mixture and drink the tea.

Honey

Honey may help to alleviate allergy symptoms by exposing the body to small amounts of allergens, similar to immunotherapy.

If you would like to try using honey to alleviate seasonal allergies, it is recommended to use raw, locally sourced honey. Here are a few ways to use honey:

Honey and lemon: Mix a tablespoon of raw honey with the juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water. Drink this mixture daily.

Honey and tea: Add a teaspoon of honey to your favorite herbal tea to sweeten it and potentially alleviate allergy symptoms.

Honey on toast: Spread a teaspoon of honey on a slice of whole grain toast for a healthy breakfast.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used as a natural remedy for seasonal allergies due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate allergy symptoms. Here are a few ways to use stinging nettle:

Stinging nettle tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried stinging nettle leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture and drink the tea. You can drink up to 3 cups of stinging nettle tea per day.

Stinging nettle capsules: You can take stinging nettle capsules or tablets, following the dosage instructions on the label.

Stinging nettle tincture: A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of stinging nettle. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of health conditions, including seasonal allergies. Although the evidence for its effectiveness in reducing allergy symptoms is limited, some people have reported benefits from using ginkgo biloba. Here are a few ways to use ginkgo biloba:

Ginkgo biloba capsules or tablets: You can take ginkgo biloba capsules or tablets, following the dosage instructions on the label. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time.

Ginkgo biloba tea: Steep a teaspoon of dried ginkgo biloba leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture and drink the tea.

Ginkgo biloba tincture: A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of ginkgo biloba. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.

Butterbur

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of health conditions, including seasonal allergies. Butterbur may help to reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms, although more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Here are a few ways to use butterbur:

Butterbur capsules or tablets: You can take butterbur capsules or tablets, following the dosage instructions on the label. It is recommended to use a product that is labeled as "PA-free," meaning it does not contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver.

Butterbur tea: Steep a teaspoon of dried butterbur leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture and drink the tea. However, butterbur tea may not be safe as it may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice that has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of health conditions, including seasonal allergies. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce allergy symptoms. Here are a few ways to use turmeric:

Turmeric tea: Mix a teaspoon of ground turmeric with hot water and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add honey to sweeten it.

Turmeric capsules or tablets: You can take turmeric capsules or tablets, following the dosage instructions on the label. Look for products that contain standardized amounts of curcumin.

Turmeric milk: Mix a teaspoon of ground turmeric with warm milk and honey. This can be a soothing and comforting bedtime drink.

Red Clover

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a herb that has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of health conditions, including seasonal allergies. Red clover contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms. Here are a few ways to use red clover:

Red clover tea: Steep a teaspoon of dried red clover flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture and drink the tea. You can drink up to 3 cups of red clover tea per day.

Red clover capsules or tablets: You can take red clover capsules or tablets, following the dosage instructions on the label.

Red clover tincture: A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of red clover. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.

Do you struggle with seasonal allergies? I hope some of these natural remedies can help! If you want to learn more about how herbalism you can enroll in my favorite online herbal school by clicking here.

Breathe Easy: Natural Herbal Seasonal Allergy Remedies to Relieve Your Symptoms