Breathe Easy This Spring: Herbal Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Spring is a beautiful time of year—flowers bloom, birds sing, and the world feels fresh and alive again. But for many of us, it also means sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and congestion thanks to pollen-heavy air.
Before you reach for over-the-counter antihistamines, why not explore what nature has to offer? Herbs like Nettle, Goldenrod, Mullein, Calendula, Elderberry, and Holy Basil (Tulsi) have been used for centuries to support respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and help the body adapt to allergens naturally.
Here’s how you can incorporate these herbal allies into your routine for a sneeze-free season.
1. Nettle: Nature’s Antihistamine
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the most powerful natural antihistamines available. Instead of blocking histamine (like pharmaceutical antihistamines), Nettle works by stabilizing mast cells, preventing them from overreacting to allergens in the first place.
How it Works:
Contains quercetin, a natural antihistamine.
Helps reduce inflammation in the sinuses and respiratory tract.
Supports kidney function, helping to flush allergens from the body.
How to Use:
Nettle Tea: Steep dried nettle leaves in hot water for 10 minutes and sip daily.
Nettle Infusion: For stronger benefits, steep 1 tablespoon of dried nettle in hot water overnight.
Nettle Capsules: A great option if you need fast relief on the go.
Product Highlight: Explore our Nettle Tincture for convenient use, our dried nettle leaves, or grow your own nettle with our plants.
2. Goldenrod: The Misunderstood Allergy Remedy
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) often gets unfairly blamed for seasonal allergies, but the real culprit is usually ragweed, which blooms at the same time. In fact, Goldenrod can actually help relieve allergy symptoms by acting as a natural decongestant and antihistamine.
How it Works:
Contains quercetin and rutin, which reduce histamine reactions.
Acts as a natural astringent, helping to dry up excess mucus.
Supports kidney and lymphatic function, which helps flush allergens from the body.
How to Use:
Goldenrod Tincture: Take 30–40 drops (about 1 dropperful) in water up to three times daily during allergy season.
Goldenrod Tea: Steep dried goldenrod in hot water for 10 minutes and sip as needed.
Product Highlight: Try our Goldenrod Tincture for effective relief, our dried goldenrod, or grown your own plants!
3. Mullein: Soothing for Lungs & Sinuses
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a superstar herb when it comes to clearing the lungs and reducing respiratory inflammation. If pollen and dust leave you feeling congested, mullein can help open up your airways.
How it Works:
Acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and remove mucus from the lungs.
Soothes inflamed tissues in the respiratory tract.
Helps with dry coughs and congestion caused by seasonal allergies.
How to Use:
Mullein Tea: Steep dried mullein leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes and drink 1–3 cups daily.
Mullein Steam Inhalation: Add dried mullein to a bowl of hot water, drape a towel over your head, and breathe in the steam for relief from nasal congestion.
Product Highlight: Our Dried Mullein Leaves make a soothing tea or grown your own mullein to harvest!
4. Calendula: Calming Inflammation from the Inside Out
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is best known for skin healing, but it also works wonders for calming internal inflammation—especially in the gut, which plays a big role in immune health and allergy responses.
How it Works:
Reduces inflammation in mucous membranes, soothing irritated sinuses.
Supports lymphatic drainage, helping the body eliminate allergens.
Helps balance the gut microbiome, where much of the immune system resides.
How to Use:
Calendula Tea: Steep dried calendula flowers in hot water for 10 minutes and drink daily.
Calendula Infused Honey: Add dried calendula flowers to raw honey and let it infuse for 2 weeks—take a spoonful when allergy symptoms flare up.
Product Highlight: Enjoy our Dried Calendula Flowers for a calming tea or grown your own calendula to harvest for teas!
5. Elderberry: Immune Support Against Allergy Attacks
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is widely known for its immune-boosting properties, but it also helps the body respond to allergens more effectively and reduces excess mucus production.
How it Works:
Contains flavonoids and antioxidants that support the immune system.
Helps the body fight off inflammation caused by allergens.
Protects against secondary infections that often come with allergy season (like sinus infections).
How to Use:
Elderberry Syrup: Take 1–2 teaspoons daily for immune support.
Elderberry Tea: Brew dried elderberries into a tea with honey for a soothing drink.
Product Highlight: Grow your own Elderberry trees to harvest the berries and flowers for teas!
6. Holy Basil (Tulsi): Nature’s Stress-Reducing Antihistamine
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as Tulsi, is a powerful adaptogen—meaning it helps your body adapt to stress (including environmental stressors like pollen!). It also has natural antihistamine properties, making it a great herb for allergy relief.
How it Works:
Reduces cortisol levels, which can worsen allergy symptoms.
Acts as a bronchodilator, opening up the airways.
Helps with stress-related inflammation, making it great for overall wellness.
How to Use:
Holy Basil Tea: Steep dried tulsi leaves for 5–7 minutes and sip daily.
Tulsi Tincture: Take 1 dropperful in water up to three times a day.
Product Highlight: Experience tranquility with your own Holy Basil plants or our dried holy basil to make calming teas.
Putting It All Together: Your Natural Allergy Relief Plan
To keep allergies at bay, try combining these herbal remedies:
☀️ Morning: Take Nettle Infusion + drink Mullein Tea for congestion relief.
🍃 Afternoon: Sip Calendula or Holy Basil Tea for inflammation support.
🌙 Evening: Take Elderberry Syrup before bed to support your immune system.
🌾 During Peak Allergy Days: Add Goldenrod Tincture to your routine for extra decongestant support.
By working with your body, instead of against it, these gentle but powerful herbal allies can help you breathe easier and enjoy all that spring has to offer—without the sniffles!
While we love sharing the benefits of medicinal herbs, we’re not medical professionals. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
