As spring brings its vibrant colors, it also brings a not-so-welcome guest for many: seasonal allergies. The all-too-familiar sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion show up and put a damper on enjoying the gift of spring. While over-the-counter medication gives us some relief, it is merely masking the problem. That is why so many are turning to natural remedies to combat spring allergies naturally. This way you can support your body in a holistic way and nourish it instead. To help you find natural ways to deal with your allergies, we’ve put together some of the best herbs for spring allergies in this article.
Best Herbs to Combat Spring Allergies
While this is in no way a comprehensive list of available herbs to combat spring allergies, they are our favorite ways to handle allergies. We hope you find the list helpful in your quest to use natural and safe alternatives for allergy relief.
Nettle (Urtica dioica):
Stinging nettle is truly a powerhouse herb that can do so much for our bodies. This plant contains compounds that help reduce histamine levels in the body. Therefore, it can alleviate allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching. You can likely find this growing in the woods somewhere nearby and enjoy it as a tea or purchase it in supplement form.
Quercetin:
While quercetin isn’t necessarily a plant, it is a powerful flavonoid that we felt should be included in this list. The way it works is as a natural antihistamine to help stabilize mast cells and reduce the release of histamine. This means better breathing and less sneezing. To incorporate quercetin into your diet, simply enjoy foods like apples, onions, and berries. Additionally, you can purchase quercetin as a supplement for a more concentrated dose.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus):
Another great herb known for its antihistamine properties is butterbur. There are a number of studies that show it is effective in reducing sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Since raw butterbur has compounds that can be toxic to the liver, it’s best to get this in supplement form or work with an experienced herbalist.
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra):
While we may all be familiar with elderberries for immune support, you can also use the flowers that form before the berries are produced medicinally. The elderflower has been used for centuries to treat respiratory conditions. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that help alleviate congestion and soothe irritated mucous membranes. Just like nettle, you can likely find these in the woods near your home and enjoy it as tea or turn them into capsules.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale):
Ginger is a great herb to have on hand for so many ailments, but especially allergies. It helps clear congestion and promotes sinus drainage. You can find this at your local grocery store in the produce section, as a tea or a supplement. We find using it fresh or in tea is the best way to get the most benefit from ginger.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus):
Renowned for its ability to clear congestion and promote easy breathing, eucalyptus is always handy to have around. The leaves contain volatile oils that have anti-microbial and decongestant properties. By inhaling steam infused with eucalyptus oil, it can help loosen mucus and open up the sinuses. One of our favorite ways to enjoy this herb is by hanging a branch in the shower and inhaling the steam it creates.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita):
Similar to eucalyptus, peppermint is another great natural decongestant. Plus, it helps soothe irritated nasal passages. You can enjoy a cup of peppermint tea or inhale its aroma for quick relief from sinus congestion. Additionally, you can use peppermint oil topically by placing a few drops on the chest. This is similar to Vicks, but the natural way to make breathing easy.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
One of the most potent anti-inflammatory herbs, turmeric is great for reducing sinus inflammation and congestion. You can find this herb at the grocery store in raw form, as a tea, or as a supplement. Additionally, you may add some turmeric to any meal you are cooking.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra):
If you’re looking for an herb to loosen and expel mucus that’s built up in the system, licorice is the way to go! Moreover, you can use it to soothe any throat irritation that may be going on. This lovely herb can be drank as tea (our personal favorite way to enjoy it) or taken as a supplement to clear mucus from the body.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):
Thyme is a great herb for all types of ailments, especially allergies since it has antimicrobial and expectorant properties. It helps to thin mucus and help expel it from the lungs nad airways. You can either drink it in tea form or inhale steam infused with thyme oil to start getting rid of congestion and promote easy breathing.
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis):
The last herb on the list is marshmallow root. It contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and soothes the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. This helps reduce irritation and get mucus out of the body. You may be able to find this foraging in local wilderness areas near your home. Of course, if you can’t, you can find it in tea or supplement form at the grocery store as well.
We hope you found this list helpful and informative as you make your way through allergy season. With the power of nature on your side, you can breathe easier and enjoy the beauty of spring to the fullest! Just remember to always consult with an experienced herbalist or healthcare professional before starting any new herbal regimen.
