Best Herbs & Plants for Seasonal Allergies

Spring is a season to look forward to. The days begin to get lighter, and the weather finally warms up. It’s the time of year when nature renews itself again.

New flowers, blossoms and leaves instead of barren trees. More time in the garden with new outdoor furniture and fresh produce served at the table. 

But as exciting as all these are, this period triggers seasonal allergy sufferers. Enter allergic rhinitis, which occurs due to hypersensitivity to airborne pollen counts.

Symptoms may include sneezing, nasal congestion and an itchy, runny nose. Such a shame to endure them during the blossoming time, but there’s a way to find relief despite these woes.

Herbs and allergy-friendly plants, for one, can help ease these allergy symptoms. Browse through these herbal treatment options, so you can enjoy the heyday!

1. Horehound

A mint family herb that is known for its ability to ease wet coughs and suppress chest congestion. It helps thin and move mucus buildup, making it effective as allergy relief.

Cultivate your own, either from seed, cuttings, and divisions. It grows in dry, sunny, sandy spots in the early spring.

2. Stinging nettle

This perennial flowering plant has shown excellent anti-inflammatory abilities. Its bioactive components can restrict multiple inflammatory events, therefore preventing allergy indications.

Cook the leaves to remove their stinging effects, and add them to your salads, soups, or stews. You can also use it in its dried form to brew nettle tea.

3. Butterbur

Not only does butterbur relieve allergy symptoms, but also migraine and asthma. The plant also contains Petasin, which combat leukotrienes and histamines that trigger allergies.

Butterbur products contain extracts from the root, rhizome, or leaves. Do not use the herb in its raw form, as it has alkaloids (PAs) that are harmful to humans. Opt for PA-free labelled herbal products.

4. Ginger

Ginger works as a natural antihistamine, antiviral agent, and immune booster. Its extract, in particular, makes it an effective natural allergic rhinitis treatment.

Brew a ginger tea; inhale the stream from your cup while you sip it to calm nasal congestion. Use fresh or dried ginger, and you may as well pair it with other herbs, e.g. turmeric.

(Image Credit: Flickr)

5. Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a potent antidote for allergies with antihistamine properties. It contains quercetin which also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Use the leaves, be they fresh or dried, mix them with alcohol, strain the plant and use the extract. This works to combat allergic rhinitis symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes. Or create a tea blend of goldenrod and horehound to aid congestion. 

Note: If you’re allergic to Daisy flowers, this may cause a reaction.

6. Horseradish

Horseradish is known to relieve hay fever symptoms and help clear nasal passages. But be cautious, as the aroma is far from gentle.

Hold freshly grated horseradish in your mouth until the flavour dissipates. Then, swallow it to clear the mucus in the throat. A pinch will do but go for a teaspoon if you need something stronger.

(Image Credit: Flickr)

7. Rosemary

Rosemary is accessible and multi-functional. The rosmarinic acid found in it makes it reliable not only as a flavour enhancer but also as a reliever.

It helps curb the inflammatory responses of white blood cells and allergic antibodies. This makes it one of the effective natural allergy remedies. Inhaling the aroma of rosemary oil may do the trick.

8. Mullein leaf

A lung-friendly herb with soothing and healing properties that can address allergy symptoms. It’s an expectorant which helps the body release phlegm and congestion. 

Plus, an excellent herb in a tea that will leave you feeling calm, allowing you to breathe deeply again.

9. Perilla

Perilla is a natural treatment that can make a big difference for children with allergies. Like rosemary, it contains high levels of the substance rosmarinic acid.

The herb is useful for aiding nasal congestion, allergic asthma, and eye irritation. Not only that, but the essential oils found in the herb can boost serotonin levels in the brain, as well.

(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

10. Sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is a nutrient-dense berry that contains superoxide dismutase. Short for SOD, it’s an enzyme that plays a crucial part in maintaining respiratory tract health.

The leaves, flowers, seeds, and berries are used in teas and oils. Ideal for people who suffer from allergic rhinitis, asthma, and chronic coughs, to name a few. 

(Image Credit: Flickr)

11. Yarrow

Used traditionally for colds, flu, and fevers, Yarrow can also be a useful rhinitis remedy. Its anti-microbial and anti-catarrhal actions make it effective for the respiratory system.

What’s more, this natural healer treats sinusitis and dust allergies. To brew, prepare one to two teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink it hot at least three times a day.

(Image Credit: Flickr)

12. Chamomile

Chamomile tea contains chemical compounds that may reduce inflammation. This makes it a good herbal companion for rhinitis sufferers.

One or two cups a day, sweetened with honey, can provide immunity against common allergens. Note: Avoid this if you have allergies to plants such as ragweeds, marigolds, or daisies.

(Image Credit: Flickr)

13. Garlic

Not exactly a herb, but garlic is a great substitute for relieving sinus pressure. Quercetin found in it is a key ingredient among many allergy-fighting supplements. 

What’s more, the allicin present in a crushed form thins the mucus that blocks the nasal passages. Overall, garlic has anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties.

(Image Credit: Flickr)

14. Turmeric

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse for a good reason. Its active ingredient, curcumin, helps reduce symptoms of inflammation-driver diseases. Plus, restrict allergic responses.

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in boiling milk – almond, coconut, or cow’s milk will do. Next, add 1/2 tsp. of honey and a pinch of black pepper in it, and then mix the ingredients well and let it cool.

(Image Credit: Flickr)

15. Vitamin C and echinacea

Echinacea is popularly associated with cold and flu treatments. But it’s also surprisingly beneficial as one of the herbs for allergies.

It helps strengthen the immune system, maintaining the body’s resistance to allergens.

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Allergy-friendly Garden Plants

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16. Double-flowered hollyhocks

Double-flowered hollyhocks are different from single-flowering plants as they produce less pollen. These bright blooms make a wise choice for allergy sufferers.

They also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, brightening up your garden even more.

17. Petunias

These annual flowers produce very little airborne pollen. You can enjoy working with these flowers in peace this springtime. They also make a pretty annual bloom for creating an allergy and hassle-free garden.

18. Magnolias

Magnolias offer a beautiful fragrance, but it’s less likely to trigger your allergies. Besides their smell, they’re also known for their beautiful blossoms.

Magnolia buds are also used to treat nasal conditions, including sinus headaches.

19. Fruit trees

Insect pollinated trees, such as apple trees and pear trees, are a type of Dioecious plant. They’re pollinated by insects, as opposed to the tree itself.

Even better, they produce fruit yearly with little to no maintenance needed.

20. Fuchsia

If you’re looking to add some life and colour to your garden whilst keeping the risk of pollen low, go for Fuschia. This low-allergy flower also stands out, attracting bees and other pollinating insects.

21. Geraniums

Geraniums are hardy plants that allergy sufferers can enjoy in various colours. They produce minimal pollen production and are low maintenance. 

They’re an excellent choice for potted plants, as they feature rich green foliage too. Once in full bloom, they produce an incredible scent attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

22. Hostas

These low-maintenance flowers offer delicate blooms that attract pollinators. Fortunately, the pollen isn’t windborne, so you can enjoy them in the springtime.

23. Phlox

Phlox is a more allergy-friendly plant choice. Its pollen is not airborne, and the plants are often suggested as an alternative to mums and daisies.

It blooms later in the summer and is a great food source for bees and insects.

24. Snapdragons

Snapdragons are an excellent choice for both spring and fall gardens. The snapped-shut flower that bees love to squeeze their way inside. This helps keep its pollen contained, making the flower safe from those with rhinitis.

25. Sea thrift

A native plant that relies on bees for pollination and shouldn’t cause distress to sufferers. The cheery globes of pink or white blooms also add a touch of charm to the garden.

Round-up

Spring is in the air, and so are seasonal allergies. With a new season in full bloom, the pollen counts at its highest. This leaves allergy sufferers unable to enjoy the great outdoors.

If you’re one of them or know someone who has spring allergies, these natural remedies may help. But keep in mind that we’re not giving medical advice, and we suggest you talk to your doctor.

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