One morning you wake up and it’s … ah… ah… ah-CHOOOO! Allergy season can hit fast and hard, with sudden fits of sneezing, a non stop runny nose and itchy eyes leaving you feeling miserable.

For many, the path to relief begins with the rattle of a pill bottle  and that’s perfectly OK.

But there are other, more natural options that may be worth a try, says General medicine specialist Dr. Lalit Mohan Parashar . And most are simple solutions that don’t require the removal of a childproof cap.

“There can be an over-reliance on medications as a quick fix,” says Dr Parashar“ Sometimes, you can take a different approach and get similar results.”

What Are Allergies?

Allergy symptoms include trouble breathing, itching, sneezing, runny nose, cough, rash, vomiting, swelling and more

Allergies can cause minor itching, sniffling and sneezing. But they can also cause life-threatening swelling.

Allergies are your immune system’s overreaction to foreign substances. When you touch, inhale or eat something you’re allergic to, your body thinks it’s harmful and reacts to try to get rid of it. This can cause minor reactions like itching, sniffling and sneezing. But in some cases, allergic reactions can lead to life-threatening airway swelling and low blood pressure (anaphylaxis).

You can be allergic to almost anything like pollen, animals, medications and food. Some people have allergies that are merely annoying. Others have to completely alter their lives to avoid reactions.

What are different Types of allergies?

Some common allergies include:

• Bee stings and other insect stings and bites
• Dust mites
• Foods
• Medications
• Molds
• Pets and other animals
• Poison ivy rashes and other contact dermatitis reactions.
• Pollen (seasonal allergies)

How can you recognize symptoms of allergies?

What causes allergies?

Allergies happen when your immune system mistakenly identifies foreign proteins  in pollen, pet dander, medications, food or other substances as something harmful (as if it were a virus or bacteria). Inhaling, eating or touching something you’re allergic to activates mechanisms meant to protect you and flush the allergen out of your system. This causes your symptoms, which can sometimes be life-threatening.

You generally have to be exposed to a substance more than once before you’ll react to it. The first time you’re exposed, your body sees it as foreign and creates antibodies to it (sensitization). The next time you’re exposed to the same substance, it activates the antibodies. This alerts your immune system to attack, triggering your symptoms.

What are Natural remedies for allergies?

1. Honey:

Although there’s no scientific evidence to prove it, a popular theory suggests eating locally produced honey, as opposed to mass-produced honey, to improve allergies.

According to the theory, you’ll lower your allergic reaction over time to the pollen that the bees collect in your area to make their honey.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has long been touted as a nutrient that boosts your immune system

Trusted Source and for good reason. It may have an antihistamine effect.

According to a 2018 observational study, vitamin C may reduce allergy-related symptoms when delivered at high doses intravenously (into your vein).

However, daily recommendations for vitamin C are much lower than in this study. For most adults over 18 years, it’s recommended that:

• men consume 90 milligrams (mg) daily
• women consume 75 mg.

3. Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers

To reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens):

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergies.
• Remove clothes you've worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Don't hang laundry outside, pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.

4. Take showers

Make sure to get a good scrubbing in, particularly before going to sleep, in order to wash off any allergens.

“Think of the hair in your ears and your eyebrows as Q-tips that collect pollen throughout the day,” says Dr. Lalit Mohan Parashar. “If that hangs around while you’re in bed, it can worsen itchy eyes and nasal congestion while you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep.

5. Vitamins and supplements

As mentioned, a healthy diet supports a strong immune system response. But it’s possible that your immune system may need an extra boost  and that’s where dietary supplements might help.

Certain vitamins and herbs also can help limit inflammation that comes with allergic responses. Dr. Lalit Mohan Parashar suggests looking for supplements with:

• Vitamin D.
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin A.
• Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Stinging nettle, which is considered a natural antihistamine.
• Quercetin.

6. Quercetin

Quercetin is a favorite of natural healing advocates who believe it stabilizes the release of histamines and helps manage allergy symptoms.

A 2022 study suggests that a quercetin-containing supplement may improve allergic symptoms such as:

• itchy eyes
• sneezing
• a runny nose
• difficulty sleeping

To get this nutrient from your diet before reaching for supplements, look to:

• broccoli
• cauliflower
• green tea
• citrus fruits.

7. Essential Oils for Allergy 

Relief Some oils have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties:  

• Peppermint oil: Opens nasal passages (inhale or diffuse).  
• Eucalyptus oil: Reduces mucus (add to steam inhalation).  
• Lavender oil: Calms allergic reactions (apply diluted to temples).  
• Safety tip: Always dilute with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before skin application.

When Home Remedies Fall Short in Allergies?

For many individuals, steering clear of allergens and using over-the-counter medications provides sufficient symptom relief. However, if your seasonal allergy symptoms persist and remain troublesome, there’s no need to lose hope additional treatment options exist.

For those with severe seasonal allergies, your healthcare provider might suggest undergoing allergy testing either through skin prick tests or blood tests to pinpoint the exact allergens causing your reactions. These tests can guide you in effectively avoiding your specific triggers and help determine the most suitable treatments for your condition.

For some people, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) can be a good option. Also known as desensitization, this treatment involves regular injections containing tiny amounts of the substances that cause your allergies. Over time, these injections reduce the immune system reaction that causes symptoms. For some allergies, treatment can be given as tablets under the tongue.

How long can allergies last?

Your allergies will continue as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. Some start within minutes of exposure, while others don’t start until hours or days later. Once you’re no longer around allergens, your symptoms should go away after a few hours. Some allergies, like poison ivy rashes, can last for a few weeks.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention (Emergency)

You should go to the emergency room or call emergency services immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms include:​

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting
• Hives or skin rash accompanied by other systemic symptoms
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain following exposure to an allergen

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment with epinephrine and emergency medical care .​

Where to seek help.

If you suffer from allergies, it's important not to ignore the symptoms whether they’re mild or severe. Visiting MASSH Hospital in Delhi can be a proactive step toward better health. The hospital is currently offering free consultation for individuals with allergies, making it easier for you to get evaluated without worrying about the cost. Early diagnosis can help identify the specific allergens causing your symptoms and guide you toward effective treatment, whether it's medication, lifestyle changes, or immunotherapy. Don’t wait until your symptoms worsen. Take advantage of this opportunity at MASSH Hospital and protect your health before it’s too late.