Seasonal Allergies

If you’ve ever felt that telltale tickle in your throat or found yourself sneezing nonstop just as the seasons start to change, you're not alone. Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, affect millions of people each year—often at the same time, like clockwork.

But why do they happen? When do they start and stop? And most importantly, what can you do to feel better naturally?

Let’s break it down.

Why Do Seasonal Allergies Happen?

Seasonal allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to something harmless—most often, pollen. When trees, grasses, or weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants, your body can mistake that pollen for a threat. In response, it releases chemicals like histamine, triggering a cascade of symptoms designed to “protect” you—but that actually just make you feel miserable.

This reaction is more common in people with a genetic tendency toward allergies (called atopy), and it can worsen with age or exposure to new allergens.

When Do Seasonal Allergies Start & End?

It depends on the type of pollen you’re sensitive to:

• Spring (March–May): Tree pollen (like oak, birch, maple)

• Summer (May–July): Grass pollen (like ryegrass, Timothy grass)

• Fall (August–October): Weed pollen (like ragweed, sagebrush)

• Winter: Symptoms often die down, but indoor allergens like dust mites or mold can still cause reactions.

Where you live also matters—warmer climates can have longer pollen seasons, while rain and wind can temporarily stir up or wash away allergens.

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies affect more than just your nose. Symptoms can include:

• Sneezing fits

• Runny or congested nose

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Scratchy throat or postnasal drip

• Coughing

• Headaches or facial pressure

• Fatigue or brain fog (from inflammation and poor sleep)

• Skin flares (eczema or hives can worsen due to histamine response)

Natural & Holistic Ways to Manage Seasonal Allergies

While antihistamines can offer relief, they often come with side effects like drowsiness or dry skin. If you're looking for gentle, natural ways to manage allergy symptoms, here are some effective options:

1. Local Raw Honey

Some believe that eating small amounts of local honey can help your body slowly build tolerance to local pollen. While scientific proof is limited, many swear by it—and it’s a sweet, natural addition to tea or toast.

2. Nasal Rinses (Neti Pot or Saline Spray)

Flushing out your sinuses with a saline solution can clear out allergens and reduce inflammation. Just be sure to use sterile, filtered water.

3. Quercetin-Rich Foods

Quercetin is a natural plant compound that acts as a natural antihistamine. You’ll find it in apples, onions, berries, and leafy greens. It helps calm the body’s allergic response over time.

4. Herbs that Help

• Nettle Leaf: Acts as a mild antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.

• Butterbur: Shown to reduce nasal symptoms (though it must be properly processed to remove liver-toxic compounds).

• Chamomile & Peppermint Teas: Calm the respiratory tract and ease allergy-related headaches.

5. Essential Oils for Sinus Support

Eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender oils can help open airways and calm inflammation. Diffuse them in your space or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation.

6. Keep Your Environment Clean

• Keep windows closed during peak pollen times (early morning).

• Use a HEPA filter in your home and car.

• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to avoid tracking pollen inside.

• Don’t dry clothes outdoors during high pollen days.

7. Support Gut Health

An imbalanced gut can worsen immune responses. Eat probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables to help regulate your immune system and reduce allergy severity.

8.Acupuncture

If you’re looking for a time-tested, holistic approach to managing seasonal allergies, acupuncture is worth exploring. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to balance the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

For allergies, acupuncturists often focus on points related to the lungs, sinuses, and immune system. Regular sessions during peak allergy seasons may help:

• Reduce nasal congestion and sinus pressure

• Ease headaches and itchy eyes

• Calm the body’s histamine response

• Improve overall energy and sleep

What makes acupuncture especially appealing is that it addresses the root imbalances, not just the symptoms. Many people find that regular treatments not only help them breathe easier but also support their mood, digestion, and stress levels—all of which can impact how your body handles allergic reactions.

When to See a Doctor

If your symptoms are intense, year-round, or affect your breathing, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare provider or allergist. You may benefit from allergy testing or long-term solutions like immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Seasonal allergies can be annoying, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming—but they’re also manageable. What matters most is listening to your body and supporting it in ways that work for you. With mindful habits and a few holistic tools, you can get back to enjoying the season—without the suffering.