8 Easy Ways Calm Seasonal Allergies (...without drugs)

As someone who's dealt with severe allergy symptoms in Sacramento my whole life, I have been a regular on the seasonal allergy struggle bus. Between cycling allergy meds and knowing which steroids to use when, I thought the suffering was normal. That was until I started making some lifestyle changes to adapt and find real relief.

I used to get chronic sinus infections every winter/spring, which made me miserably miserable. That's why Summer is my favorite season—it's so hot that everything basically begins to die. Muahaha...

We have a funny joke for new people who move to Sac: if you don't have allergies yet, don't worry, they will come. You become a true Sacramentan when you develop allergies—it's almost like an initiation process.

But I really, truly, madly, deeply hope no one experiences symptoms as severe as some of us, including myself. So why not start incorporating these low-effort changes to make life more enjoyable?

Since adopting a few easy lifestyle changes, I rarely experience sinus infections or severe symptoms from seasonal/environmental allergies. I have also been able to slowly transition away from over-the-counter allergy pills and prescription steroids. That's the biggest win in my book.

In this post, I am going to share with you the products and habits I've incorporated in my life to make my life as comfortable as possible when it comes to seasonal allergies.

Please keep in mind these are only things that have worked for me personally, and this should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any concerns, please consult with a trusted medical professional.

Also, the products I share with you have links for easy purchase. By using these links to do your shopping, I may receive a small kickback at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you did!

Without further ado, here is my Seasonal Allergy Protocol:

1. Nasal and Sinus Rinses with Saline Solutions

Your nose is the air filter for the rest of your body. Help it out by incorporating a saline nasal spray into your morning and night routine to remove allergens and minimize congestion.

For more intense symptoms, consider using a neti pot or sinus irrigator.

These have helped me keep my sinuses clear and moist, reducing the chances of sinus infections.

Recommended Products:

Arm & Hammer Simply Saline

Neil Med NasaFlo Neti Pot with 50 Premixed Packets

Neil Med SinuFlo Read Rinse

2. Drink Lots of Water

I am sure this goes without saying, but staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall good health, and it can also help alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms.

Drinking plenty of water can assist in thinning mucus secretions, making it easier to breathe and reducing congestion.

This is especially important especially for my allergy sufferers who also experience asthma symptoms!

To make drinking easier in my first-world-workaholic life, I have a WaterDrop water filter in the bathroom near my workspace. Remember, when you drink all the water, you pee all the time. So, it's convenient for me to refill my glass after each potty break, rather than having to go all the way downstairs to the kitchen.

Recommended Product:

WaterDrop Water Filter Pitcher

3. Local Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is often hailed as a natural remedy for allergies, even though scientific evidence is limited. Some, including myself, believe that consuming small amounts of bee pollen can gradually desensitize the immune system to allergens.

I personally drink a small amount every morning to start the day with hydration and a little immunity boost.

**CAUTION: bee pollen can trigger immediate allergic responses. When incorporating bee pollen into your routine, start very slowly. Begin with one granule of pollen a day and ensure you do not react before gradually increasing the amount over time. Eventually, you can shoot for a teaspoon of pollen.

For Local Sacramento Folk:

I go to The Bee Box but you also have the option of going to the Sacramento Honey Company.

Always check with local sellers at Farmers Markets to ensure the pollen is sourced within a max of 50 miles from home for it to be effective.

4. Eye Drops

Whatever you do, do not touch or rub your eyes! Itchy and watery eyes are common symptoms of seasonal allergies and rubbing your eyes will only make it worse.

Simple over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide quick relief by soothing irritation and reducing redness.

Simple eye drops for dry eyes benefit you because they help the eyes naturally cleanse and remove pollutants and irritants effectively.

Also, if you spent some time outdoors, immediately rinse/wash your face when you get inside. It will help remove extra pollen you've picked up while out and about.

Recommended Product:

Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops

5. Reusable Handkerchiefs or Napkins

This is a game changer. I can't imagine the number of tissues I would have wasted if I hadn't made the switch. Not to mention the damage I've prevented from constantly rubbing and irritating the skin on my nose!

After some trial and error, I've finally found the perfect set of handkerchiefs. They are environmentally friendly, easy to maintain, and gentle on my nose. They not only dry quickly but they also come out of the dryer wrinkle-free while maintaining their softness.

These handkerchiefs have become a convenient and practical solution for managing my seasonal allergies.

Recommended Product:

Perry Ellis 12 Pack Handkerchiefs

6. Teas

Herbal teas, like nettle and mullein leaf, have been used for their potential anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

Nettle tea is believed to help reduce histamine levels in the body, while mullein leaf tea may provide relief for respiratory symptoms associated with allergies.

I enjoy them hot to help open up my sinuses when I feel a little more congested, but they can totally be consumed cooled or cold.

Recommended Products:

Traditional Medicinals Nettle Leaf Tea

Buddha Teas Mullein Leaf Tea

7. Air Filtration Systems

Regardless of whether you have an HVAC system or not, filtering your air will go a long way for seasonal and environmental allergy sufferers. It's surprising how much dust and allergens circulate around us without us knowing!

These are some passive measures you take take to address that issue.

Make sure to clean and change your HVAC filters regularly; it is recommended at least every 3 months.

If you don't have an HVAC system, using a plug-in air purifier in the spaces where you spend the most time can make a significant difference. Remember to maintain the air purifier by keeping it clean and changing the filters as required.

Keep an eye out for possible sales on Winix brand air purifiers at Costco, if you have a membership.

It's worth noting that where I live, there is a significant amount of dust and dirt, so I utilize both my HVAC system and small air purifiers throughout my house. These measures have helped me alleviate stuffiness and improve my indoor air quality.

Recommended Products:

Filtrete MPR 1900 Air Filters

(ensure you are selecting the correct size for your home or office)

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon

8. Eating Organic and Low Inflammatory Foods

The food we consume plays a significant role in our overall health and how our bodies respond to allergens. Opting for an organic and low-inflammatory diet can help reduce exposure to potential allergens and minimize seasonal allergy symptoms.

Incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding highly processed foods and common allergens.

This will help support your immune system and promote better overall well-being. Who doesn't want that?

Bonus Tip: Get Outside and Walk, Breathe in the Air:

Although it may seem counterintuitive, spending time outdoors can actually benefit seasonal allergy sufferers. Going for walks and taking deep breaths of fresh air can be refreshing and improve your overall well-being.

Just be mindful of pollen levels and take necessary precautions, such as checking the daily pollen forecast to gauge the severity of allergens in the air and adjusting your outdoor activities accordingly.

Don't let your allergies stop you from enjoying the outdoors and the benefits of natural vitamin D from the sun and other immune-boosting elements in fresh air.

By combining all the recommendations, you can effectively manage your seasonal allergies and live a more enjoyable life.

Dealing with seasonal allergies doesn't have to be a constant struggle. I, personally, didn't want to continue suffering or be a prisoner to cycling allergy medications each season just to find little comfort.

By incorporating these natural tips into your routine, you might find relief from irritating symptoms and enhance your overall quality of life.

Embrace these natural approaches and take control over your seasonal allergies in a way that aligns with your preferences and well-being.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before trying new remedies, especially if you have existing allergies or medical conditions.