Seasonal Allergies: natural treatments

Alex Kelly
May 24
3 min read

Updated: Jun 15

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Addressing the Root Cause

Seasonal allergies are a misdirected and overreactive immune response to an allergen. The immune system mistakes the allergen as a threat and attacks.

Antihistamines may relieve symptoms by suppressing the release of histamine in the body, but they do not address the root cause of WHY excess histamine is being released in the first place.

There are a few common “root causes.”

liver congestion
poor gut health/inflammation
grain sensitivity
low quality indoor air/mold
sleep breathing disorders/mouth breathing

Liver Congestion: when the liver is not able to properly filter and detoxify the body it can contribute to allergies by allowing toxins to build up, sensitizing the immune system, and making it more reactive to the allergens.

Poor Gut Health/Inflammation: 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome produces metabolites, which help regulate inflammation and teach the immune system not to attack allergens.

Grain Sensitivity: grain can be related to seasonal allergies due to cross-reactivity between pollen and food proteins. Avoiding grain, especially wheat, can sometimes help ease seasonal allergy symptoms.

Low Quality Indoor Air/Mold: if your allergies tend to worsen, or don’t improve, consider an air purifier, replacing air filters, regularly washing bedding, bathing dogs after spending time outside. If mold is a factor that can play a part as well, as mold exposure can increase histamine production.

Sleep Breathing Disorder/Mouth Breathing: when you breathe through your mouth you are bypassing the nose’s natural filtering system. Not only does this expose your airway to more allergens, but it creates a constant state of inflammation throughout the body - which can exacerbate seasonal allergies.

Personal Protocol

Quercetin (~1,000mg/day): a flavonoid that stops the production and release of histamine

The one linked above 3 capsules = 1,000mg *also contains 300mg of Bromelain
Liquid option

Bromelain (1,000mg/day) - this is the enzyme in pineapples and helps reduce swelling in the nose and sinuses, can also help relieve hay fever symptoms

This one 1 capsule-500mg, so combined with the above Quercetin that gets you 800mg; close enough

Vitamin A (~2,000mcg/day) - to boost immune system, fight inflammation, and also has antihistamine properties

The one linked above 1 drop=1,5000mcg. So close enough. I just do one drop

Zinc (30mg/day) - helps heal adrenal fatigue caused by chronic stress which is typically worsened/common during seasonal allergies

1 capsule = 30mg….make sure to take with food!!!
Liquid option

Nettle Leaf (300-500mg 2x/day) - contains antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties

1 capsule = 435mg
Liquid option

Spirulina (1tsp/day) - I always end up never taking this because it tastes so bad; helps stop the release of histamine

Gummy options

Probiotics (~50 billion CFU) - to help with gut healing

If you can’t afford all the above separately, or can’t take all the pills then Bee Keeper’s Natural’s has a Sinus Support with Bee Propolis, Quercetin, Nettle Leaf, and Bromelain (although at lower doses than above).

Homeopathy Considerations

Boiron Allergy Calm 2yr+
Genexa 3yr+
Hyland's 12yr+
Histaminum - for hay fever
Euphrasia - for allergy eye relief
Allium Cepa - for clear, runny nose
Nat Mur - runny nose worse in the a.m

Other Considerations

Castor Oil Pack for Decongesting the Liver:

Saturate a cotton, wool, or flannel cloth with organic, cold-pressed castor oil
Apply to the targeted area (in this case the upper right quadrant of the abdomen)
Cover with plastic wrap or a towel to hold the pack in place and keeping it from soaking
Place a heating pad or warm compress on top to boost absorption (optional but recommended)
Leave the pack on for 30-60 minutes starting out. Overtime you can work your way up to overnight!
When you’re done you can store the cloth in a sealed bag and reuse several times before replacing

Bee Products like bee pollen, bee propolis, and especially local honey can help with seasonal allergies. Local honey contains trace amounts of local pollen, to the theory is that it can help the body build a tolerance to allergens. Bee Keeper’s Naturals has lots of great options.