Elsevier; de Shazo RD, et al. Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis. Dykewicz MS, et al. Rhinitis A practice parameter update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Pellow J, et al. Health supplements for allergic rhinitis: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Bielory L. Complementary and alternative therapies for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Products and Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition.

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Medical Professionals. Clinical Trials. Mayo Clinic Alumni Association. Refer a Patient. Executive Health Program. International Business Collaborations. High-efficiency particulate air HEPA filters are one type of air filter to consider.

By trapping airborne irritants such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, HEPA filters reduce allergens in your home. In a review , butterbur — also known as Petasites hybridus — was found to be equally effective for itchy eyes as a commonly used oral antihistamine.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in papaya and pineapple. Natural healers consider bromelain to be effective at improving breathing by reducing swelling. A review of 13 studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.

A review of 23 studies indicated that probiotics may help improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. According to the theory, you will lower your allergic reaction over time to the pollen that the bees collect in your area to make their honey.

By removing moisture from the air, air conditioners and dehumidifiers can limit the growth of mildew and mold that can negatively impact allergies. A study indicated that dietary spirulina — a blue-green algae — demonstrated antiallergic protective effects towards allergic rhinitis.

Natural healing practitioners suggest stinging nettle as a natural antihistamine to help with allergy treatment. Quercetin is a favorite of natural healing advocates who believe that it stabilizes the release of histamines and helps to control allergy symptoms.

Practitioners of natural medication suggest taking 2, milligrams of vitamin C daily to reduce histamine levels. A study showed that peppermint oil treatment had enough anti-inflammatory effects that reduced the symptoms of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis to warrant clinical trials.

Essential oils can be diffused into the air but should be diluted in a carrier oil if applied topically. Advocates of natural healing suggest using eucalyptus oil as an antimicrobial agent by adding it to each load of wash during allergy season.

Based on the results of a study , frankincense oil may help against perennial allergic rhinitis. You can dilute it in a carrier oil and use behind your ears or use inhalation by diffusing it into the air. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. The U. Test the essential oil mixed in carrier oil on unbroken skin, such as your forearm.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. MindBodyGreen provides third-party-tested supplements made with high quality ingredients. Our testers and dietitians discuss whether MindBodyGreen….

Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy. Lemon essential oil can also help clear your sinuses and reduce congestion, common symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Try diffusing the oil to lift your mood or diluting and applying it to your skin to help with allergy symptoms. The U. If you have numerous allergies or are particularly chemical sensitive, essential oils can trigger even more allergic responses.

Nearly 8 percent of Americans experience seasonal allergies. A ragweed allergy occurs when someone has an adverse immune response to ragweed pollen. Learn about ragweed allergy symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Learn how to use this alternative treatment. If your asthma treatment regimen is no longer working, you may consider using an alternative. Find out if essential oils like peppermint and clove, or…. The sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and sinus pressure that come with seasonal allergies — all of these symptoms can become nearly unbearable.

Learn about histamine and how it contributes to conditions like allergies and eczema. Sulfa allergies are an uncommon reaction to some medications. Hair coloring products contain many ingredients that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.

Hair dye brand names can be deceiving, since…. Skeeter syndrome is another name for a mosquito bite allergy. Nearly everyone is sensitive to mosquito bites, but the reaction can be serious for….

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Essential Oils for Allergies.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Lavender Blend of oils Eucalyptus Tea tree oil Peppermint Lemon Risks and complications Overview.

Blend of sandalwood, frankincense, and Ravensara oil. Tea tree oil. Risks and potential complications of using essential oils. How we reviewed this article: Sources.

You may get all you need from the food you eat. Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart. Here are 12….

Vitamins are what your body needs to function and stay healthy. It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but supplements…. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting and healthy bones.

It can be found in leafy greens, vegetable oils, and broccoli. L-citrulline is an amino acid made naturally in your body. It may also be taken as a supplement to help boost exercise performance, lower blood…. Who needs to take vitamin C supplements, and how much is enough?

The answer may depend on your age and overall health. Dietary supplements are products such as vitamins, herbs, and minerals that may help provide nutrients and health benefits.

They may have risks and…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Avoidance Home remedies Precautions Takeaway Some home remedies for allergies, like nasal irrigation or certain essential oils, can help relieve some allergy symptoms.

The best natural remedy for allergies. Home remedies for allergies. Precautions when using home remedies for allergies. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 14, Written By Scott Frothingham. Jul 12, Written By Scott Frothingham.

Share this article. Read this next. Malanga Health Benefits and More. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Are mindbodygreen Supplements Worth It? Our Testers and Dietitians Explain.

By Kelsey Kunik, RDN. Are Vitamins Good for Athletes? READ MORE. What Are Vitamins and Can They Help Your Health? It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but supplements… READ MORE.

Vitamin K: Everything You May Need to Know Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting and healthy bones. L-citrulline: Benefits, Side Effects and More L-citrulline is an amino acid made naturally in your body.

Complementary and alternative medicine for allergic rhinitis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. Meltzer EO; NasalCrom Study Group.

Efficacy and patient satisfaction with cromolyn sodium nasal solution in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis: a placebo-controlled study. Clin Ther. Ouwehand AC, Nermes M, Collado MC, Rautonen N, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Specific probiotics alleviate allergic rhinitis during the birch pollen season.

World J Gastroenterol. Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. Nettle extract Urtica dioica affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Rudack C. Spectrum of treatments for hay fever. MMW Fortschr Med. Schapowal A; Petasites Study Group.

Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. Schapowal A, Study Group. Treating intermittent allergic rhinitis: a prospective, randomized, placebo and antihistamine-controlled study of Butterbur extract Ze Task Force on Allergic Disorders.

The Allergy Report. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Tamura M, Shikina T, Morihana T, Hayama M, Kajimoto O, Sakamoto A, et al. Effects of probiotics on allergic rhinitis induced by Japanese cedar pollen: randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Taylor MA, Reilly D, Llewellyn-Jones RH, McSharry C, Aitchison TC. Randomised controlled trial of homeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial series.

Thomet OA, Schapowal A, Heinisch IV, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of an extract of Petasites hybridus in allergic rhinitis. Int Immunopharmacol. Thornhill SM, Kelly AM. Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Altern Med Rev.

Ullman D. The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; Wakai K, Okamoto K, Tamakoshi A, Lin Y, Nakayama T, Ohno Y. Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and fatty acid intake: a cross-sectional study in Japan.

Ann Epidemiol. Westman M, Stjarne P, Asarnoj A, et al. Natural course and comobidities of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in children. Xue CC, An X, Cheung TP, Da Costa C, Lenon GB, Thien FC, Story DF.

Acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis: a randomised, sham-controlled trial. Med J Aust. Xue CC, English R, Zhang JJ, Da Costa C, Li CG. Effect of acupuncture in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Am J Chin Med. Share Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Home Health Library. Allergic rhinitis Hay fever; Perennial allergic rhinitis; Rhinitis - allergic; Seasonal allergies. Signs and Symptoms Allergic rhinitis can cause many symptoms, including: Stuffy or runny nose Sneezing Post-nasal drip Red, itchy, watery eyes Swollen eyelids Itchy mouth, throat, ears, and face Sore throat Dry cough Headaches Facial pain or pressure Partial loss of hearing, smell, and taste Fatigue Dark circles under the eyes.

Causes The immune system is designed to fight harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by pollen and mold spores.

Sources include: Ragweed in autumn. The most common seasonal allergen. Grass pollen in late spring and summer Tree pollen in spring Fungus, mold growing, on dead leaves, common in summer and autumn Year-round allergic rhinitis may be triggered by: Pet dander Dust and household mites Cockroaches Molds growing on wallpaper, house plants, carpeting, and upholstery Smoke Smog.

Risk Factors Family history of allergies Having other allergies, such as food allergies or eczema Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke Male gender. Diagnosis Your doctor will ask questions about your family and personal history of allergies.

Do symptoms change depending on the time of day or the season? Do you have a pet? Have you made changes to your diet? Are you taking any medications? Prevention The best way to control your symptoms is to avoid being exposed to the allergens that trigger them.

If you have hay fever, during days or seasons when airborne allergens are high: Stay indoors and close the windows. Use an air conditioner in your home and car. Avoid using fans that draw in air from outdoors. DO NOT hang laundry outside to dry. Bathe or shower and change your clothes after being outside.

Use a HEPA air filter in your bedroom. If you have year-round allergies: Cover your pillows and mattress with dust mite covers. Remove carpet and install tile or hardwood floors. Use area rugs and wash them often in very hot water. Use blinds instead of curtains.

Keep pets out of the bedroom. Use a HEPA filter on your vacuum. Use an air purifier. Wash bedding and toys, such as stuffed animals, in very hot water once a week. Treatment The best way to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis is to prevent exposure to allergens. Lifestyle Although you cannot stay indoors during all pollen and ragweed seasons, avoiding peak exposure times can help.

If you have year-round allergies: Get rid of carpets and upholstered furniture. Wash bedding every week in very hot water. Keep stuffed toys out of the bedroom. Cover pillows and beds with allergen-proof covers.

To reduce mold: Clean moldy surfaces. Mold is often found in air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, swamp coolers, and refrigerator drip pans. Fix water leaks and clean up water damage immediately. Make sure kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces have good ventilation.

Installing exhaust fans can help. Vent laundry dryers to the outside. Put flooring in crawl spaces. Medications Depending on the type of allergic rhinitis you have, your doctor may recommend medications.

Antihistamines Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine in your body. Over-the-counter antihistamines, including diphenhydramine Benadryl , chlorpheniramine Chlor-Trimeton , and clemastine Tavist. These older antihistamines can cause sleepiness. Loratadine Claritin , cetrizine Zyrtec , and fexofenadine Allegra do not cause as much drowsiness as older antihistamines.

Prescription antihistamines, longer-acting than over-the-counter antihistamines and are usually taken once a day. They include desloratadine Clarinex. Decongestants Many over-the-counter and prescription decongestants are available in pill or nasal spray form.

Nasal corticosteroids Nasal corticosteroids are prescription sprays that reduce inflammation and help relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They include: Beclomethasone Beconase Fluticasone Flonase Mometasone Nasonex Triacinolone Nasacort It may take a few days to a week of using these sprays to see improvement in symptoms.

Leukotriene modifiers These prescription drugs block the production of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory chemicals produced by the body. Cromolyn sodium NasalCrom This over-the-counter nasal spray prevents the release of histamine and helps relieve swelling and runny nose.

Nasal atropine Ipratropium bromide Atrovent is a prescription nasal spray that can help relieve a very runny nose. Eye drops Antihistamine eye drops relieve both nasal and eye symptoms. These include azelastine, olopatadine, ketotifen, and levocabastine.

Decongestant eye drops include phenylephrine and naphazoline. Eye drops may cause stinging or even headache. Other Treatments Allergy shots or immunotherapy are often recommended to anyone 7 years and older who has severe allergy symptoms or who also has asthma.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements Some people with allergic rhinitis also have food allergies. Lactobacillus acidophilus. One small study suggests that L. acidophilus , a type of "friendly" bacteria, might help reduce allergic reaction to pollen.

More study is needed. Quercetin is a flavonoid plant pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their color. In test tubes, it stops the production and release of histamine, which causes allergy symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes.

However, there is not yet much evidence that quercetin would work the same way in humans. More studies are needed. Quercetin can potentially interfere with many medications, so speak with your physician. Preliminary test tube and animal studies suggest that spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, may help protect against harmful allergic reactions.

Spirulina stops the release of histamine, which contributes to symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Researchers don't know whether it would work in people. Vitamin C 2, mg per day.

Vitamin C has antihistamine properties and preliminary research suggests it might help reduce allergy symptoms. Other studies failed to show any effect. Herbs The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease.

Butterbur Petasites hybridus. Butterbur has been used traditionally to treat asthma and bronchitis and to reduce mucus. Several scientific studies suggest it can help with allergic rhinitis.

One study of people with hay fever found that an extract of butterbur was as effective as Zyrtec. Another study compared butterbur to Allegra with similar findings. However, both studies were small. So more research is needed. Researchers do not know whether taking butterbur longer than 12 to 16 weeks is safe.

Butterbur can cause stomach upset, headache, and drowsiness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young children, should not take butterbur. Only use butterbur products from a reputable manufacturer under the guidance of your physician. Low quality butterbur may contain potentially harmful toxins.

Stinging nettle Urtica dioica , mg per day for one week. Stinging nettle has been used traditionally for treating a variety of conditions, including allergic rhinitis.

But studies so far are lacking. Only one small study suggested that stinging nettle might help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Pregnant women and young children should not take stinging nettle. Talk to your doctor before taking stinging nettle if you have diabetes or if you take blood pressure medication, blood thinners, diuretics, water pills, lithium, or other medications processed by the kidneys.

Tinospora cordifolia mg three times per day. In one study, people with allergic rhinitis who took a specific formulation of tinospora Tinofend for 8 weeks had many fewer symptoms than those who took placebo. Some researchers questioned the results of the study.

More research is needed. People who have diabetes or an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn disease should not take tinospora.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take it, either. Tinospora can interact negatively with diabetes medications and drugs that suppress the immune system.

Astragalus Astragalus membranaceus , mg two times per day. People who have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn disease, should not take astragalus without asking their doctor. People who take lithium or drugs that suppress the immune system should not take astragalus.

Acupuncture Some evidence suggests that acupuncture may help treat people with allergic rhinitis, although not all studies agree. Homeopathy Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms based on their knowledge and experience.

Nux vomica. For stuffiness with nasal discharge, dry, ticklish, and scraping nasal sensations with watery nasal discharge and a lot of sneezing. An appropriate person for this remedy is irritable and impatient. Arsenicum album. For stuffiness with copious, burning nasal discharge and violent sneezing.

An appropriate candidate for Arsenicum feels restless, anxious, and exhausted. Allium cepa.