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!
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.
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.