It’s in the air again! You walk out to your car and the hood is covered with a yellow layer of pollen! Your eyes are itchy and your throat is scratchy. The seasonal allergies are here! No matter where you live, most Americans face some sort of struggle against the pollen and trees that are beginning to bloom.

Studies have found that one in five Americans suffer from some type of allergy irritation. That’s about 50 million Americans! The course of action to find relief has been to go to the doctor and get on antihistamine or other drugs to help but all of those come with side effects and harmful toxins that just aren’t really the best for your body. So here we have five natural allergy relief remedies to help you not only combat the symptoms but to strengthen your body so you are not as susceptible to them in the future.

5 Natural Allergy Relief Remedies

1. Add Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Your Diet

Giving your body the right foods give your immune system a chance to repair itself and be stronger and ready for the allergy season to come. Some of the best foods to eat are lemon, garlic, probiotics, leafy greens, bone broth, and gluten free grains.  Garlic naturally boosts your immune system and it is a natural antibiotic that fights off viruses. Lemons are loaded with vitamin C and they naturally boost your immune system, probiotics repair the gut which is one of the most important parts of your immune system. Leafy greens give you all the essential vitamins and minerals you need and eating gluten free grains help to limit inflammation and irritation.

2. Bee Pollen (Local Raw Honey)

If you add a teaspoon of local raw honey to your diet everyday it will help your body build up a tolerance to the natural pollen that is in the air. The reason this is so effective is because honey contains bee pollen which has been shown to boost immunity with its natural occurring enzymes and aid in combating seasonal allergies. A study from 2011 found that people who took bee pollen had decreased symptoms by 60%. So not only is honey effective but delicious. That’s not a bad thing to add to your diet! 

3. Essential Oils 

Essential oils work by reducing inflammation and detoxifying your body of bacteria and toxins that don’t belong. Eucalyptus, Frankincense, lemon, lavender and peppermint all have natural antihistamine properties to help your body. You can put any of these oils behind your ears and on your chest mixed with a carrier oil every day and throughout the day. You can also diffuse the oils in your home or office for two to three hours a day to help relieve and support your body. 

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar might be one of the most versatile and useful condiments in your kitchen. And when it comes to allergies it is a great tool. It helps reduce mucous production and it cleanses your lymphatic system. Mix a tablespoon with hot water and raw honey and drink every day for support. 

5. Exercise

This might be the last thing you want to do, but research has found that 30 minutes of exercise and movement a day can bring allergy relief. An indoor workout might be better if you just can’t bear the outside but the consensus is still the same; if you are able to get your body moving you will find allergen relief.