Living in a place where the seasons change is a wonderful thing and getting to experience each season as they come and go gives the year a little something special. When I know the seasons will change it seems to make me appreciate each one a little more.
Fall is the time of year the leaves drop and the weather finally grows cooler. In winter we wait for those magical days of snow and a winter wonderland. Spring brings new life and thaws us from those long dark winter months and summer is a time to get outside and feel the warm sun on our faces.
While spring and summer are seasons for outdoor fun, they can also be hard on those affected by seasonal allergies.
I personally have tried many different over the counter medications to help relieve symptoms when my allergies are bad. Like most people with seasonal allergies or hay fever I suffer from a runny nose, my eyes get red and itchy and most of the time it feels like I have some sort of summer cold.
I finally decided I wanted to look at a more natural and holistic approach to the problem. It’s amazing how many different ways there are to help with allergies and especially ones that don’t include chemicals or high pharmacy prices. Below is the top 10 best natural remedies for seasonal allergies, you can make them right at home and we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
1. Essential Oil Blends You Can Make At Home
Essential oils are as old as time and very often don’t get the credit they deserve. The very best oils to help fight allergies are lavender, peppermint and lemon. Lavender is actually an antihistamine and lemon helps fight congestion. There are many ways to utilize these oils like in a diffuser but you can also mix them with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Put the mixture on your temples, wrists, or rub it into your chest, feet or back of the neck for relief.
Find the recipe here: DIY Essential Oil Blend for Allergies
2. Allergy Balm
This little balm is a blend of beeswax and essential oils. It is used widely for congestion and can be applied to the base of your nose whenever you are feeling stuffy. The wonderful thing about this balm is it is safe for your children to use and can be applied to temples or cheeks to help relieve itchy, watery eyes as well.
You can find the recipe here: DIY Allergy Balm
3. Elderberry Syrup
This one may sound a little strange but it definitely worked for me. The wonderful thing is it can also be used in the winter to help fight off cold and flu season. This remedy is incredibly easy to make and will keep in your refrigerator for up to 3 months. This syrup helps fight cough and congestion that come with hay fever or allergies. This natural remedy can be used by you or your kids daily by taking just 1 teaspoon in the morning. It’s also much better tasting than anything you’ll get over the counter!
You can find the recipe and instructions here: DIY Elderberry Syrup
4. Allergy Relief Drink
This is a super simple drink that can be made in no time at all and only has 3 basic ingredients. It contains honey, apple cider vinegar, and water. If you use warm water this almost becomes a soothing tea and can help relieve symptoms like a sore throat. Apple cider vinegar has been proven to have many wonderful holistic qualities and honey is a natural antioxidant, it’s a win-win in our book.
You can find the recipe here: DIY Allergy Drink
5. Herbal Sinus Wash
Herbs can be a very powerful and natural way to fight off seasonal allergies. It can be very hard to function day to day being constantly congested but this nasal wash is a great way to help alleviate that issue. For this, you will need a combination of boiling water, salt, baking soda and a dried herb blend consisting of comfrey, violet, and chamomile. Along with the wash, you can use the chamomile alone as a tea as a great way to fight hay fever.
You can find the recipe here: DIY Herbal Nasal Wash
6. Eye Wash for Itchy, Red, Irritated Eyes
One horrible and very common symptom of season allergies is red, itchy, watery eyes. I can’t even count how often this time of year I have to reapply my eye makeup at work because my eyes won’t stop watering. While you can buy eye drops from the pharmacy these again are expensive and contain chemicals. There are eyewash solutions that contain minimal ingredients that can be made at home and naturally aid those itchy eye symptoms.
You can find the recipe here: DIY Natural Eyewash
7. All Natural Saline Nasal Rinse
This might be the simplest solution to clearing those stuffed up nasal passages during allergy season and it’s affordable too! All you will need to make this wash is salt and water. It can be administered by inhaling the solution or in bottles as a spray but however, you use this it is sure to help dry out your nose and give some relief. This again is a great solution in winter too for those coughs and colds.
You can find the recipe and instructions here: DIY Saline Nasal Rinse
8. Infusion of Stinging Nettles
This may sound like something out of a horror movie for anyone who has ever been stung by a nettle but it is a sure fire way to help cure those season allergies. All that is needed is one ounce of dried out nettles (be careful when picking!!) and boiling water. It creates a concoction much like a tea that can be drunk daily to alleviate symptoms and can be stored in your refrigerator for up to 3 months. Once batch would last almost the whole summer!
You can find recipe and dosage instructions here: DIY Stinging Nettle Infusion
9. Children’s Allergy Relief
It’s hard sometimes to find things that will help with allergy symptoms that are also safe for children. Many of the over the counter medications and even some home recipes are too strong for children to use but you don’t want them to suffer. This essential oil tincture is not only safe for children but can be used throughout the day and when pollen is at it’s highest levels. With a blend of chamomile, lavender and cedarwood you simply mix the oils together and have your child inhale it as often as needed to give them relief. It’s a great homemade remedy and safe to boot.
You can find the recipe here: DIY Essential Oil Blend for Children
10. Herbal Allergy Tea
Please SHARE these amazing home allergy remedies with your friends and family!
It is no secret that herbal teas and taking herbs, in general, can help with a slew of symptoms, illnesses and just our health and general well being. Herbs have been around for centuries and it is just now becoming a more popular, holistic solution to our health ailments. One of those ailments are seasonal allergies and by filling your garden with rose hips, elderflower, nettle leaf and other various herbs this year you will be all set to brew up a cup of your own homemade remedy.
You can find this herbal tea recipe here: DIY Herbal Allergy Tea
Image Source: Parenting Hub Source: DIY N Crafts
