8 Home Remedies For Seasonal Allergies

Introduction

Amidst the winter chill, India is experiencing an unexpected climate change with rains, as Mumbai, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, MP, and many more regions face an unusual downpour. The cosy winter vibes now mingle with raindrops, increasing the probability of mold-related allergies and the risk of infections and other illnesses. 

Seasonal allergies like hay fever that result from exposure to spores or pollen released into the atmosphere by fungi, grasses, trees, and other plants are on a rise¹. These happen when such airborne particles are inhaled, and the body’s IgE antibodies are attacks them, triggering a typical allergic reaction.  

Although usually not a medical emergency, these allergies can be distressing and affect life quality, nonetheless. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll explore 8 easy home remedies for seasonal allergies. So, say goodbye to sneezes and sniffles and embrace the changing seasons with these simple solutions. But before that, let’s see the types and symptoms of allergies and why these occur. 

What Are the Different Types of Allergies?

Here are a few types of allergies that are common²:

• Pollen allergy (This is the most common cause of Allergic rhinitis or hay fever) 
• Drug allergy 
• Food allergy 
• Insect allergy 
• Pet allergy 

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

• Sneezing³ 
• Itching and watering of eyes³ 
• Itchy skin³
• Itchy throat³ 
• Runny or stuffy nose³ 
• Cough³

Why Do Allergies Occur?

Pollen grains or other allergens are mistakenly recognized by your body’s immune system as harmful agents, leading to activation of special cells in our body called mast cells which further release histamine. Histamine release leads to the above-mentioned symptoms². Starting precautionary anti-allergy medications along with prevention of outdoor activity in the early morning can help a person to avoid or reduce the severity of seasonal allergies. 

Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Here are simple measures you can follow at home to keep yourself protected from seasonal allergies: 

1. Hydration

• Proper hydration helps thin mucus, improves breathing, and boosts immunity. 
• Try to drink 2 to 3 cups of plain warm water upon awakening. You can also drink clear soups or juices to refill your body’s requirements⁴.  

2. Red Onion Water

• When you are exposed to the allergen, your body releases histamine. Onion contains a compound- quercetin that helps to control the production of histamine. Hence it is useful in reducing symptoms of allergies. 
• Onion is a natural antihistamine that helps to decrease allergic symptoms. It can also be helpful as a bronchodilator to open up the contracted airways^5,6. 

3. Citrus Fruit Drinks

• Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. In the spring season, the sun gets harsher every passing day. It makes our bodies weak and dehydrated.
• Citrus fruits are very refreshing. They also help to boost immunity and fight against seasonal change symptoms. 

Stick to eating more citrus fruits than drinking their juice as this is healthier due to high fibre and lower sugar content^7,8. 

4. Local Honey

• Honey is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Some research has found the beneficial effect of honey in allergies too.
• Honey is rich in phytochemicals that can help in stabilizing mast cells and lowering IgE response. It may also be helpful in dealing with symptoms of allergic asthma⁹. 

5. Peppermint Tea

• Peppermint is a natural remedy to relive nasal congestion caused by dust allergies, pollen allergies or other respiratory allergies. It contains a type of flavonoid called luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, which helps inhibit the activity and secretion of anti-inflammatory enzymes. 
• You can add a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a glass of water, boil it to make peppermint tea, and drink when it is mildly warm¹⁰. 

6. Hot and Spicy Food

• Hot and spicy foods contain capsaicin which can give a temporary relief from nasal congestion as they can promote clearance of blocked nasal and throat passage.
• Spicy and hot food includes soup, curries, and chilli pepper, which loosen the mucus and phlegm that clogs your body¹¹. 

7. Eucalyptus Oil

• Eucalyptus oil can help you in seasonal allergies. You can add a few drops of oil to hot water and inhale the steam. Its ability to provide a cooling effect and reduce swelling makes it a potential therapy for sinusitis.
• Some research¹² suggests that eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also. 

8. Frankincense Essential Oil

• Frankincense oil is obtained from Boswellia tree and is commonly used in aromatherapy. It contains monoterpenes which have anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory properties. In a 2016 study, it was seen that frankincense oil may help against perennial allergic rhinitis as it contains anti-inflammatory properties¹³. 
• Although initial studies have found these home remedies to be beneficial for allergic symptoms, further large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these benefits. It’s best to try them in moderation and seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve or worsen. 

Precautions to Be Taken While Using Home Remedies for Allergies

• If you have a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, avoid doing home remedies and seek immediate medical advice as it needs medical attention right away. Some symptoms of anaphylaxis are trouble breathing, chest pain, wheezing, chest tightness, change in blood pressure, fainting, spells of dizziness or rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately seek medical attention¹⁴.  
• While using essential oils, perform a patch test before applying, especially if you are prone to having allergic reactions to the essential oils. 
• Discuss with your healthcare provider before resorting to any home remedies if you are pregnant, lactating or have any medical issues. Avoid self-medication and always use the correct dose and duration of anti-allergic medication that you have been prescribed.  

Conclusion

There are various kinds of allergies that people may suffer from, such as seasonal allergies, food allergies, and medication allergies. However, seasonal allergies are a common type of allergy many people suffer from at least once in their lifetime. Commonly presenting as sneezing, itching and eye watering, these allergies can be quite disturbing for the patients. Following some simple home remedies like staying hydrated, consuming citrus or hot, spicy drinks and using essential oils like eucalyptus or Frankincense oil may help ease some symptoms. However, exercising caution while using these remedies is important and when relief is not observed, medical management may be necessary. 

References

1. Hay Fever [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/hayfever.html 
2. Akhouri S, House SA. Allergic Rhinitis [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538186/ 
3. Allergies: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000812.htm 
4. Yibala Ibor Oboma, Bassey Okon Ekpenyong, Igwe MC, Chelimo JJ, Bot YS, Mohammed SO, et al. Seven Steps in Seven Days to Managing Allergy in the Tropics. Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine [Internet]. 2025 Apr 1; Volume 16:31–41. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11973120/ 
5. Seo MY, Kim KR, Lee JJ, et al. Therapeutic effect of topical administration of red onion extract in a murine model of allergic rhinitis. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):2883. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6393461/  
6. Jafarinia M, Sadat Hosseini M, kasiri N, Fazel N, Fathi F, Ganjalikhani Hakemi M, et al. Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2020 May 14;16(1). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7227109/ 
7. Miles EA, Calder PC. Effects of Citrus Fruit Juices and Their Bioactive Components on Inflammation and Immunity: A Narrative Review. Frontiers in Immunology [Internet]. 2021 Jun 24;12. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8264544/ 
8. Mavadiya HB, Roh D, Ly A, Lu Y. Whole Fruits Versus 100% Fruit Juice: Revisiting the Evidence and Its Implications for US Healthy Dietary Recommendations. Nutrition Bulletin. 2025 May 7; Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12398644/ 
9. Aw Yong PY, Islam F, Harith HH, Israf DA, Tan JW, Tham CL. The Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini Review. Frontiers in Pharmacology [Internet]. 2021 Jan 26;11:599080. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7870997/ 
10. Nataliia Hudz, Lesya Коbylinska, Katarzyna Pokajewicz, Vladimí­ra Horčinová Sedláčková, Fedin R, Mariia Voloshyn, et al. Mentha piperita: Essential Oil and Extracts, Their Biological Activities, and Perspectives on the Development of New Medicinal and Cosmetic Products. Molecules. 2023 Nov 6;28(21):7444–4. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10649426/ 
11. Saketkhoo K, Januszkiewicz A, Sackner MA. Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance. CHEST Journal. 1978 Oct 1;74(4). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/359266/ 
12. El A, Atwa AM, Elgindy AM, Mustafa AM, Senna MM, Mahmoud Abdelrahman Alkabbani, et al. Therapeutic applications of eucalyptus essential oils. Inflammopharmacology. 2024 Nov 5;33. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11799053/ 
13. Choi SY, Park K. Effect of Inhalation of Aromatherapy Oil on Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM [Internet]. 2016;2016. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808543/ 
14. MedlinePlus. Anaphylaxis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000844.htm 

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