Put Down the Claritin and Try These 10 Natural Allergy Remedies Instead

Patio season is here—and if you’re one of the 25 percent of Canadians who suffers from allergies, so begins peak sneeze season…Cheers! Cue the tingly nose, watery eyes and itchy throat symptoms that you know better than your childhood bedroom.

Medications with largely unpronounceable ingredients aren’t the only course of action when symptoms strike: Natural sprays and vitamins are picking up the task of clearing sinuses and preventing the release of sniffle-inducing histamines. These remedies provide the same antihistamine benefits found in prescriptions, but generally take a bit longer to kick in.

“I think most people tend to go towards natural allergy solutions because they feel uncomfortable taking a synthetic medication that often,” says Dr. Tanya Lee, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto. Simple and severe sufferers can try a combo of natural products and dietary changes to adjust how their immune system responds to allergies. For mild allergies, Lee suggests incorporating more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods and histamine-reducing nutrients like quercetin and nettle leaves. If your symptoms are more extreme, your gut might actually be the source of the summertime sneezes. In that case, a probiotic-rich diet is in order. As Lee explains, “What is in your gut tends to influence which way your immune system shifts—if it’s towards hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction, you can shift it back to [responding to] things your body would naturally react to.”

If merely looking at a floral print makes you break out in hives, try these natural allergy solutions below. Even when the air is thick with pollen and the end-of-summer ragweed surges, they’re worth a shot.

Opt for a tightly woven pillow protector to keep allergens and dust mites away from your face so you can rest assured—and allergen-free. Opt for hypoallergenic stuffing such as wool or kapok to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Your sinuses won’t know what hit ’em when you take a bath using this nasal-clearing eucalyptus, lime and spearmint soak. Bonus: Epsom salt relaxes muscles and eases inflammation.

Use a gentle cleanser to remove irritants and allergens from the skin—particularly around the eyes—at the end of the day. This soap-free foam contains soothing anti-inflammatory chamomile extract and works on sensitive skin.

Soak a cotton pad with the herbal elixir to de-puff and soothe red eyes bleary from allergens and hay fever. The ampoules contain calming camomile and balancing anthyllis.

The Beauty Chef’s founder Carla Oates suffered from eczema and allergies as a kid and discovered that a probiotic-rich diet helped eliminate her symptoms. Good bacteria, like that found in a spoonful of the berry-flavoured pre- and probiotic-rich powder, can ease allergy symptoms (and digestive troubles).

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in vegetables like broccoli and onions, inhibits histamine release and stimulates the immune system to tame allergic reactions. Bromelian, found in pineapple, breaks down mucus.

The kit comes with the Canadian brand’s Allergy Release Mist, Allergy Release Remedy and Allergy Release Inhaler, each containing an invigorating blend of lemon, myrrh and peppermint oils to ease stuffed-up symptoms.

When heated, Himalayan salt absorbs the water vapour in the air containing allergens and toxins, and releases clean vapour like a natural air purifier

The Neti Pot clears out sinuses and relieves congestion sending a saline rinse in one nostril and out the other. With the help of gravity, the liquid sweeps allergens from nasal passages (which sounds worse than it is).

This relaxing tea is made with nettle leaves, which act like an antihistamine, as well as soothing licorice, peppermint, cinnamon and ginger.