Seasonal allergies have you stuffed up and sneezing? Nature has your back here. (Spoiler: Your elderberry kits aren’t just for winter!)
I remember one spring morning a number of years ago, stepping outside with my tea in hand, ready to soak in the sunshine and fresh air. But within minutes, my nose was running, my eyes were itchy, and my head felt like it was wrapped in cotton. I stood there, blinking through the haze of pollen floating like golden glitter in the air, and thought, “How can something so beautiful make me feel so awful?”
If you know, you know.
Spring, while stunning and full of life, can also bring a tidal wave of sneezing, sinus pressure, itchy eyes, and general misery for allergy sufferers. And while over-the-counter medications can mask symptoms, they often come with side effects—drowsiness, dry mouth, or that strange disconnected feeling.
That’s when I started exploring herbs—not just as a herbalist, but as a mom who wanted to stop feeling miserable every spring (and help my family do the same). The good news? Herbal remedies can help your body respond more gently and naturally to allergens—without the drowsiness or dependency.
Our bodies react to allergens by releasing histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation and those classic allergy symptoms. But certain herbs—gentle, accessible, and powerful—can support our system’s response and actually calm that reaction.
Nature has a funny way of providing us with the plants that cause the allergy symptoms but also the ones that can help combat them!
Let’s talk herbal MVPs for seasonal allergy support, and how you can start incorporating them daily:
- Nettle Leaf
Nettle is a powerhouse natural antihistamine. It helps regulate your body’s histamine response and calms inflammation. It’s simple, effective, and something I now use daily in tea during allergy season. Daily tea is best and the easiest to make at home, after a few days you’ll start to notice you’re reaching for that tissue box a lot less. Many in a preliminary study have reported that it worked better than allergy medications previously used!
Not a tea drinker? Try looking for capsules or a tincture!
- Elderberries
Surprise! Elderberries aren’t just for cold & flu. They’re rich in quercetin, a flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Quercetin helps stabilize cells that release histamine, reducing allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. This makes my elderberry syrup kits not just great for flu season—but incredibly supportive during spring and fall when pollen is high.
- Elderflower
Elderflower reduces mucus and helps open up the sinuses. It also contains the antioxidant flavonols quercetin (often use for allergies), kaempferol and isorhametin. The flowers contain up to 10x more flavonols than the berries. Use in teas!
- Peppermint
Opens up the airways, clears sinuses, and cools irritation. It can also heat the body up so be cautious of that. Add a little to your teas for an invigorating aroma and flavour!
- Garlic
Like elderberry and elderflower, it also contains quercetin which may inhibit histamine production and reduce allergy symptoms.
- Curcumin
Found in turmeric, a preliminary study showed that taking oral curcumin supplements can ease nasal congestion and other seasonal allergy symptoms.
Daily Remedies for Allergy Support
1 part nettle leaf
½ part peppermint
½ part elderflower
½ part lemon balm for calm vibes
To make: Steep 1-2 tsp per cup in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups per day when symptoms flare up.
Grab this pre-made tea blend here if you don’t want to source the herbs yourself
Nettle Tincture
This one will need to be prepared a bit in advance.
Grab a jar and fill it halfway with dried nettle, fill the jar with 80 proof alcohol and let sit in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Strain and place in a jar and label.
Adults can take 1 dropper full per day and up to 3 times a day if symptoms are more severe
Herbal Steam
Bring a pot of water to a boil, drop equal amounts of peppermint, thyme and elderflower in the pot. Put a towel over your head to prevent the steam from escaping and breath in for 10-15 minutes to relieve sinus congestion.
Your elderberry kits now double as an allergy support tool thanks to quercetin and antioxidant power—perfect for promoting year-round!
Itchy, water, irritated eyes. Whether you’re indoors or out, it can feel impossible to escape!
Chamomile Compress
Chamomile is soothing, anti-inflammatory and gentle enough for the delicate eye area.
How to use:
- Steep chamomile tea in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Let cool completely
- Soak a clean cloth or cotton pads and place over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes
- Also feel free to drink the cold tea for even more relief! It helps constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness.
Cold Spoons or Eye Masks
Keep 2 metal spoons in the fridge and place them over your eyes for instant relief. You can also use a cold gel eye mask or chilled herbal eye pillow with lavender and chamomile.
Alternatively, splashing cold water on the eyes can bring instant relief too!
Why I Love This Work
Helping people feel better—naturally—is my mission. Whether you’re a parent trying to help your kids breathe easier or someone just fed up with allergy meds that don’t really fix the problem, there are options. Plants have been supporting us for generations. My job is just to help you reconnect with them.
Allergy season doesn’t have to mean suffering. It can be a reminder to support your body, slow down, sip something warm, and maybe fall in love with herbs a little more deeply.
If you’re ready to try a more natural path to allergy relief, I’d be honoured to get one of these kits into your hands.
More Natural Ways to Relieve Seasonal Allergies
Supporting your body during allergy season isn’t just about herbs (though they help a ton!). Here are more gentle, effective ways to reduce symptoms and feel your best:
1. Local Raw Honey
Taking a small amount daily may help your body slowly desensitize to local pollen.
Tip: Start 1–2 months before allergy season for best results.
2. Nasal Rinses (Neti Pot or Saline Spray)
Flushing allergens out of your sinuses helps reduce congestion and pressure.
Tip: Always use sterile or boiled water, and clean your neti pot after each use.
3. Reduce Indoor Allergens
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter
Vacuum regularly with a HEPA vacuum
Wash bedding weekly in hot water
Keep windows closed on high-pollen days
4. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Inflammation makes allergy symptoms worse. Support your body by eating:
Leafy greens
Berries
Omega-3 rich foods (like salmon, flaxseed, or chia)
Garlic and onions (natural antihistamines!)
Avoid dairy and refined sugar during flare-ups—they can increase mucus.
5. Shower & Change Clothes After Being Outside
Pollen sticks to skin, hair, and clothes. A quick rinse can prevent tracking allergens around your home.
6. Essential Oils for Relief (Diffused or in Balms)
Peppermint: opens airways
Eucalyptus: clears sinuses
Lavender: soothes inflammation
Use safely: always dilute before applying to skin, and avoid around young children or pets without proper guidance.
7. Support the Liver & Detox Pathways
Your liver helps process histamine, and when it’s sluggish, allergy symptoms can get worse.
Try gentle liver-supportive herbs like:
Dandelion root
Milk thistle
Nettle (again—it’s a superstar!)
Safety Considerations & Herbal Use Tips
While these herbs are generally safe for most people, it’s important to remember that herbs are powerful and can interact with medications or certain conditions. Here’s what you should know:
Nettle Leaf
Generally safe for daily use as a tea or tincture. Caution if you’re taking diuretics, blood pressure medication, or blood thinners, as nettle can interact with these. May cause mild stomach upset in some people—start with a small amount.
Elderberries
Always cook or steep dried elderberries before consuming. Raw elderberries (especially stems and leaves) can cause nausea or digestive upset. Safe for most people, including kids, when prepared properly (like in your elderberry syrup kit).
Elderflower
Generally safe, but avoid in large doses during pregnancy (occasional use is usually fine in tea). People with known ragweed or flower allergies should try a small amount first to check for sensitivity. Elderflower might lower blood sugar levels.
Peppermint
Avoid if you have GERD or acid reflux, as it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Not recommended for children under 5 in essential oil or strong steam form—can be irritating to airways. Tea is generally safe for everyone.
Curcumin
Turmeric and curcumin are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and research suggests they are well-tolerated even at doses up to 8 grams (about 3 teaspoons) per day. May interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, and certain cancer treatments. It can potentially increase the risk of bleeding and worsen blood clotting. Not recommended while pregnant in greater amounts found in food (avoid the supplements).
General Tips
Start slow—especially if it’s your first time using herbal remedies.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications, check with a qualified herbalist or your health provider.
For children, reduce dosages appropriately (usually ¼ to ½ of adult doses depending on age/weight).
Keep herbs stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
🌿 Natural Support for Seasonal Allergies with VitalHealth
If you’re struggling with itchy eyes, sneezing, sinus pressure, or fatigue when the seasons change, VitalHealth offers several supplements that may support your body’s natural defenses and detox pathways:
✅ Organex
A liver and digestive detox blend with boldo, milk thistle, chicory root, and artichoke. These ingredients assist in flushing out toxins and may help reduce histamine buildup, which is often linked to allergy symptoms.
✅ Glutation / Glutation Plus
Packed with glutathione, turmeric, and rosehip for powerful antioxidant support, these supplements help balance immune response and reduce inflammation—ideal for managing environmental sensitivities.
✅ Tea Detox
A gentle herbal tea formula featuring chamomile, marshmallow root, and ginger. It soothes the gut and supports lymphatic flow, which can help alleviate bloating, congestion, and skin irritation tied to allergies.
✅ Itaren
Formulated with dandelion, moringa, and uva ursi, Itaren promotes urinary and lymphatic detox, supporting the body in flushing out allergens and reducing inflammation.
These supplements are designed to work in harmony with your body’s natural systems, offering a plant-based, non-pharmaceutical approach to seasonal allergy support.
Highly recommend setting yourself up as an affiliate with Vital Health for a discount on products as it is pretty significant! Email me with any questions theglamherbalist@gmail.com for your free Vital Quiz and get the right products.
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