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How to Limit Spring Allergies, Plus 7 Natural Remedies

By Joe Boland

March 14, 2025

Spring brings blooming flowers, fresh air and warmer days, but for millions of people, it also means the dreaded onset of spring allergies. If you're one of the many who suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how disruptive sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion can be.

The good news? There are many ways to help relieve spring allergy symptoms without relying solely on medications. Here’s everything you need to know to breathe easier this season.

Spring allergies to watch out for

Spring allergies are triggered when your immune system overreacts to airborne substances like pollen, mold spores and grasses. This reaction releases histamines, causing the hallmark allergy symptoms.

Common spring allergy triggers include:

• Tree pollen (oak, maple, birch)

• Grass pollen

• Mold spores (especially after rain)

• Flower pollen

• Ragweed

• Dust

• Residue from trees and flowers

Signs and symptoms of spring allergies include:

• Sneezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Itchy, watery or red eyes

• Postnasal drip

• Scratchy throat

• Coughing

• Fatigue

• Excess mucus production

• Tickle/irritation in the ears

• Decreased concentration and focus

• Decreased decision-making

• Exhaustion and sleep disorders

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• Low blood pressure

• Asthma

• Hives

• Eczema

• Middle ear infections

• Swollen and bruised-looking area under the eyes

Recognizing these seasonal allergy symptoms early can help you take action before they worsen.

Tips to limit spring allergies

While you can’t eliminate all pollen in the air, simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce exposure and ease symptoms.

1. Avoid these foods that may worsen allergies

Certain foods can cross-react with pollen, triggering or worsening allergy symptoms. Consider avoiding or limiting these common food allergens:

• Apples

• Cherries

• Peaches

• Melons (like cantaloupe and watermelon)

• Tomatoes

• Bananas

• Celery

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

• Conventional dairy

• Chocolate

• Peanuts

• Sugar

• Artificial sweeteners

• Processed foods

• Melons

• Bananas

• Cucumbers

• Sunflower seeds

• Shellfish

• Bottled citrus juice

• Echinacea

• Chamomile

• Wheat

• Soy

• Dried fruit

These foods share proteins similar to pollen, which may confuse your immune system and spark a reaction.

Food additives and preservatives can also trigger spring allergies, such as sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium sulfite and other artificial sweeteners.

2. Lifestyle changes to reduce spring allergies

• Check daily pollen counts, and limit outdoor activities when levels are high.

• Shower and change clothes after being outside to wash off pollen.

• Keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen times.

• Use HEPA filters in your home and car to trap allergens.

• Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum.

• Avoid drying clothes outdoors, as pollen can cling to fabric.

• Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens.

• Wear sunglasses and hats to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes and hair.

• Stay indoors on windy days when pollen is airborne.

• Avoid gardening, mowing the lawn, weeding and other activities that can cause allergens to disperse in the air around you.

• Wear a face mask if you do outside chores and your spring allergies are really flaring up.

• Don't let pets sleep in bed with you, as they can carry allergens, and wipe them down/bathe them more to remove allergens from their bodies.

• De-clutter your home, since clutter can encourage dust and allergen buildup.

• Consider replacing carpets with hard-surface flooring, since carpet can attract and keep in dust and pollen that is more difficult to clean, even with a vacuum. Hardwood floors and similar flooring are much easier to clean and remove allergens.

• Regularly wash bedding to remove allergens.

• Shower before going to sleep to keep your bed and room clean.

• Stay hydrated to maintain proper hydration.

By making these adjustments, you can cut down your exposure to allergens and reduce symptoms naturally.

3. Know your allergies

Identifying your allergies can help you take steps to limit or avoid allergens. You can have your doctor do a skin or blood test to specify exactly what you are allergic to and then come up with a maintenance and treatment plan to handle seasonal allergies.

Not only can IDing your spring allergy triggers help you avoid them, but it can also let you know what common allergens may not be triggers for you, potentially opening up more opportunities to enjoy the spring weather.

Natural remedies for spring allergies

If you're looking for natural ways to relieve spring allergies, consider these evidence-backed natural remedies that support an already healthy immune system and a healthy response to inflammation.

1. Eat these allergy-fighting foods

Certain foods have natural antihistamine properties that can help combat seasonal allergies, such as:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits) are rich in vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.

• Leafy greens (kale, spinach) are high in antioxidants and allergy-fighting compounds.

• Broccoli and Brussels sprouts help clear congestion and support detoxification.

• Onions and garlic contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine.

• Ginger and turmeric are potent health-promoting spices.

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help properly respond to inflammation.

• Hot and spicy foods (chili peppers, horseradish, wasabi) help thin mucus and relieve nasal congestion naturally.

• Bone broth is rich in amino acids and minerals that support gut health and a healthy response to inflammation, strengthening your body's natural defenses against allergens.

• Probiotic-rich foods (kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, natto, yogurt, raw cheese) promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for helping maintain healthy immune responses and lowering allergic reactions.

• Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with mucus-thinning properties that may help reduce nasal swelling.

• Apple cider vinegar may help break up mucus and improve lymphatic drainage, which can alleviate congestion from spring allergies.

• Fresh, organic vegetables provide a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support immune system function and a proper response to inflammation.

• Grass-fed meats are higher in omega-3s and other beneficial nutrients compared to conventionally raised meat.

• Free-range poultry provides clean, high-quality protein that supports tissue repair and a healthy immune system.

2. Consider these supplements

Certain natural supplements can help reduce allergy symptoms:

• Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that helps stabilize mast cells to reduce histamine release.

• Vitamin C helps maintain an already healthy immune system and acts as a natural antihistamine.

• Stinging nettle is an herb shown to ease sneezing and itching.

• Butterbur may help reduce nasal allergy symptoms without drowsiness (look for PA-free extracts).

• Probiotics support gut health, which plays a role in maintaining proper immune function and a healthy response to inflammation.

• Spirulina is a blue-green algae that has been shown to help improve symptoms of spring allergies.

• Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, which can help reduce sensitivity to allergens.

• Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that can help reduce nasal swelling and helps break down mucus, improving breathing.

• Zinc is critical for maintaining already healthy immune system function and may help reduce the duration and severity of seasonal allergy symptoms.

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you take other medications.

3. Use a neti pot for nasal irrigation

• Saline nasal irrigation, such as with a neti pot, helps flush out pollen, mucus and other irritants from your nasal passages. Regular use can help relieve congestion and reduce reliance on decongestants.

• Use sterile, distilled or previously boiled water to avoid contamination.

• Rinse nasal passages daily during allergy season for best results.

4. Try local raw honey

Some people believe eating local raw honey may help your body adapt to local pollen, reducing reactions over time. For example, a study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology found that patients who consumed honey had significantly better control of their allergies compared to those on conventional allergy medications.

If you try it, start with small amounts, and monitor how you feel.

5. Herbal teas and natural antihistamines

Green tea and peppermint tea may have mild antihistamine effects, while chamomile tea can be soothing for irritated throats (though avoid chamomile if you are allergic to ragweed, as it may be an irritant as well).

6. Essential oils

Certain essential oils have natural antihistamine properties. Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree can help open nasal passages and calm allergy symptoms.

You can diffuse them in your home, add to a warm bath, or dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the chest or neck to ease breathing.

7. Acupuncture

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy, has been shown to help relieve seasonal allergies by protecting an already healthy immune system and helping properly respond to inflammation. Targeting specific pressure points may help ease nasal congestion, itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms.

Regular sessions during allergy season can provide ongoing relief and may even reduce the severity of future allergies.

Conclusion

While spring allergies can make the season challenging, you don’t have to suffer through months of sneezing and congestion. By avoiding common triggers, making smart lifestyle choices and turning to natural remedies, you can enjoy springtime with fewer symptoms.

If your seasonal allergies are severe or persistent, consider consulting an allergist for personalized treatment options. But for many, these natural approaches to relieve spring allergies can make a world of difference.