Springtime Sniffles
Your guide to surviving this spring allergy season with easy health tips and natural remedies.
Red, irritated eyes? Drippy nose? You're not alone. Each year, seasonal allergies affect over 60 million Americans.
Seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever, lead to a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing usually during spring, summer, and early fall. The most common triggers of spring allergies are tree and grass pollen. "We experience an extended tree pollen season during the spring in Louisiana," said Dr. Andrew Abreo, pediatric allergist and immunologist at Manning Family Children's Hospital. "Our warm, humid climate allows many plants to bloom earlier and for longer periods."
With allergy season starting as early as February, you might feel tempted to stay indoors, but there are natural ways to ease the season's discomfort without giving up outdoor activities. For those struggling with spring allergies, Dr. Abreo recommends these key strategies to reduce pollen exposure: keep windows closed when counts are high, consider using a HEPA air purifier, and shower after spending time outdoors.
"Over-the-counter antihistamines can help with intermittent nasal symptoms," he said. "Newer, second-generation antihistamines are generally better tolerated with longer-lasting relief than older options like Benadryl. For people with persistent or severe symptoms, consistent use of an over-the-counter or prescription nasal steroid spray may be helpful." To discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and an individualized treatment plan, Dr. Abreo recommends seeing a board-certified allergist.
Along with staying hydrated, Dr. Abreo notes that nasal saline rinses are among the most effective natural ways to clear pollen and reduce symptoms without medication. Using a bulb syringe or neti pot, regular nasal irrigation helps relieve allergy-related sinus congestion by flushing the nasal passages with a saline solution.
Although medications and sprays can relieve spring allergies, natural remedies including local honey, vitamin C, and quercetin may also help support the immune system and act as mild antihistamines. "Using local raw honey is a homeopathic thing," said April Pilet, RN BSN, a certified natural healthcare consultant and owner of the Natural Wellness with Nurse April in Arabi. "The bees are making honey from the pollen produced by local flowers. This exposes you to the allergens, which can strengthen your body's immune system."
When it comes to vitamin supplementation, Pilet emphasized that vitamin C comes in different grades and that choosing a medical-grade option is important. "Many of these high-volume sellers like Walmart and Amazon make vitamin C supplements using cellulose as a filler. Do not take vitamin C with ascorbic acid, which is fake and synthetically-made," she stated. "Source your vitamin C made from real acerola berry."
In fact, Pilet prefers elderberries, which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that boost the immune system and help reduce inflammation. "As a natural remedy, elderberry works better than vitamin C and has the highest source of quercetin," she said. "I make my own elderberry. One tablespoon per day for an adult is for preventive care, while one tablespoon every three hours can help knock out a cold." Pilet sells her 16-ounce jar of organic elderberry juice at her clinic and at Canseco's Market grocery stores.
"I would recommend a steady dose of vitamin C and quercetin," said Chef Amelie Kindler, a nutrition consultant and head chef at the Well Café located inside the Spyre Wellness Center on Prytania Street. "Vitamin C will help boost the immune system, and quercetin stabilizes the release of histamines."
Kindler, who partners with local farms to craft a nutrient-dense menu for the Well Café, promotes natural remedies such as local honey and nettle tea to help combat seasonal allergies. "If you are ingesting small amounts of local pollen through the honey, your immune system will build up a tolerance and not react as strongly," Kindler said. "This paired with drinking nettle tea once a day and clearing sinuses with a saline rinse is a good front against seasonal allergies."
Similarly, butterbur (Petasites hybridus), a medicinal plant used for allergy symptoms, has attracted interest as a natural antihistamine. "There is a slight improvement in allergies with the use of butterbur as a potential antihistamine," said Molly Kimball, RD LDN CSSD, director of lifestyle nutrition at Ochsner Health and founder of Eat Fit. "But studies are short and there is not enough research."
Kimball added that probiotics, turmeric, and vitamin D are also commonly used as natural remedies. "In general, probiotics like yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods could be helpful in improving allergy symptoms," she said. "There also seems to be promise for turmeric and vitamin D but there is little human testing to show real evidence." While these supplements can help with allergy symptoms, Kimball advises embracing anti-inflammatory, omega-3-rich foods and steering clear of sugars, ultra-processed snacks, fried foods, and alcohol to give the body the best chance at relief. "Alcohol, more specifically red wine, could worsen the allergy symptoms," Kimball said. "If you are one that suffers from allergies, it would be best to take out these things that are likely to worsen your symptoms."
Managing seasonal allergies doesn't mean missing out on spring. Over-the-counter medications can ease symptoms, while natural remedies including a saltwater nasal rinse, local honey, probiotics, vitamins, nettle tea, and butterbur may provide extra relief. With a mindful diet and healthy lifestyle choices, you can breathe easier and fully savor the sights, scents, and joys of spring.
