Allergies: Causes, Remedies, and Relief

Allergies can affect almost any part of the body, from substances that come into contact with the skin to allergens that are inhaled, ingested, or absorbed. These reactions can cause itching, rashes, swelling, asthma, hives, nasal congestion, digestive issues, and more.

Allergies can feel like a daily trap. If you’re allergic to pollen, simply stepping outside can lead to hours of discomfort. If you’re sensitive to pets or dust, your own home can become a source of misery. Even food allergies can make eating out feel like a risk. Many sufferers experience fatigue, mental fog, and a sense of discouragement.

Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve allergy symptoms at home. From simple changes in diet to over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and natural remedies, you can find approaches that ease your symptoms and help you breathe a little easier.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies are immune system overreactions to substances that are normally harmless. These substances, known as allergens, can be inhaled, ingested, injected, or come into contact with through touch. When your body detects an allergen, it produces histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and symptoms.

Common allergens include:

  • Pollens (trees, grasses, weeds)
  • Dust mites
  • Mold
  • Pet dander
  • Foods like peanuts, dairy, eggs, shellfish, wheat, soy, strawberries, and tomatoes
  • Insect stings and bites
  • Medications (e.g., penicillin, aspirin)
  • Chemicals in cosmetics, perfumes, or cleaning products

Reduce Environmental Toxins

The most common allergies are caused by things we encounter daily, such as dust, mold, pet hair and dander, cigarette smoke, perfumes, and air fresheners.

The most effective step to take when you or someone in your family has allergies is to reduce possible allergens as much as possible.

  • Reduce Carpet/Rug Usage: Carpets are breeding grounds for dust mites, as is furniture.
  • Hard Floors: Floors that can be cleaned daily, such as tile, linoleum, wood, etc., are far preferable to carpets.
  • Vacuum Regularly: If you have carpet, invest in a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Leather or vinyl furniture is easier to keep free of allergens; however, regular vacuuming is still necessary to maintain its cleanliness.
  • Clean Blinds: Regularly clean the drapes or wash blinds to reduce dust.
  • Clean Vents: Clean household heating and cooling vents with a mixture of bleach and water to remove mold and mildew.
  • Scrub and Bleach Damp Areas: Clean other mold or mildew-prone areas, such as showers and tubs.
  • Cover Mattresses: Get allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers as well.
  • Pets: Make sure to bathe pets regularly, and don’t allow them to sleep with the allergy-prone family member.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely depending on the allergen and the individual. You might experience:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Sneezing fits
  • Hives or eczema
  • Digestive upset
  • Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or brain fog

These symptoms may appear seasonally, occasionally, or persist year-round.

When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Frequent or worsening symptoms
  • Severe reactions (e.g., facial swelling, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat)
  • Symptoms that don’t improve with home remedies or OTC treatments

For food allergies or anaphylaxis, carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) and seek emergency care immediately if you experience symptoms like throat swelling, dizziness, or fainting.

When to Avoid Home Remedies

Skip home remedies and seek professional help if:

  • You have severe asthma or breathing difficulty
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding—some herbs and supplements may not be safe
  • You have known food allergies—avoid honey, garlic, or other ingredients that may cause cross-reactivity

Home Remedies and Natural Relief

Living with allergies doesn’t have to mean constant discomfort. By taking a thoughtful approach, identifying your triggers, reducing exposure, supporting your immune system, and using natural or over-the-counter remedies, you can significantly reduce your symptoms. Be patient, and try different combinations until you find what works for you.

Nasal Irrigation with a saline rinse or neti pot helps clear allergens from the nasal passages. This can relieve congestion and reduce inflammation.

Steam inhalation can loosen mucus and soothe irritated nasal tissues. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to hot water for added benefit.

Local raw honey may help desensitize your body to pollen over time. Take one teaspoon daily if you’re not allergic to honey or bee products.

Probiotics found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods may help balance your immune system and improve gut health, which is crucial since many immune cells reside in the digestive tract.

Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and antioxidant. Try 1,000 mg per day in divided doses during allergy season, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Quercetin, a plant pigment found in apples and onions, may block histamine release. Supplements are available, often combined with bromelain to aid absorption.

Butterbur is a well-researched herbal supplement that may reduce inflammation in the nasal airways. Use only PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) formulations.

Castor oil: A few drops in juice on an empty stomach may help reduce internal allergic reactions for some people, particularly those affecting the skin and nasal passages.

OTC Treatments for Allergy Relief

Antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Allegra), block histamine and reduce symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itching.

Nasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort), reduce nasal inflammation and are often more effective than antihistamines for managing chronic symptoms.

Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can help relieve sinus pressure and nasal swelling. Use only short-term, as they can raise blood pressure and cause rebound congestion.

Eye drops with antihistamines or lubricants can soothe itchy, watery eyes.

Foods and Nutrients That May Help

Bananas may help alleviate symptoms for individuals with food allergies or asthma, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Carrot, beet, and cucumber juice is a refreshing and nutrient-rich way to support your immune system. Add a bit of ginger for extra benefits.

Cucumber, ginger, lemon, and garlic juice provide antioxidants and support the immune system. These ingredients may help your body respond more calmly to allergens.

Traditional and Herbal Support

Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to reduce heat and inflammation. It may help balance an overactive immune response.

Bi Yan Pian is a Chinese herbal blend used for nasal congestion. It contains a variety of roots and flowers to help open airways and reduce inflammation.

Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments

Reduce processed foods, additives, and preservatives, especially MSG and artificial colors. These can trigger inflammation and allergic responses.

Eat more anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, turmeric, ginger, olive oil, and wild-caught fish.

Hydration is essential. Drink plenty of water to thin mucus and help flush allergens from your system.

Environmental Allergy Tips

Vacuum often using a HEPA filter to reduce dust and pet dander. Hard flooring is better than carpet for allergy sufferers.

Wash bedding weekly in hot water. Use allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers.

Shower before bed to rinse off pollen and pet allergens collected during the day.

Clean mold-prone areas like bathrooms and basements with diluted bleach or mold-killing products.

Run a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom or main living space.

Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons and use air conditioning to filter indoor air.