Mailbag: 7 Natural Allergy Fighters That Won't Leave You Drowsy
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 3, 2025
“I have a really bad allergy and take an antihistamine every 3rd day because they are bad for your health. I really need to take one a day but I suffer so I will not overdo it. Is there anything out there that is natural that really works?
Thank you,”
Sneezy and Allergic
Hi Sneezy,
It’s that time of year again. Spring has sprung and allergies are hitting hard.
However, I understand your concerns about taking daily antihistamines. Because, while they can provide welcome relief from allergy symptoms they come with downsides.
Regular antihistamine use can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.
Even worse, some users experience brain fog or memory issues. And long-term, daily use leads to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same relief.
Plus, certain antihistamines can interact negatively with other medications or aggravate conditions like glaucoma, enlarged prostate, or thyroid disorders.
When it comes to natural alternatives for allergy relief, there are several promising options that I’ve recommended to my own patients to help them reduce their reliance on conventional antihistamines:
- Quercetin: This natural plant compound has antihistamine properties that can help stabilize the cells that release histamine (the molecule behind allergic reactions) in your body. You can find it in foods like apples, onions, and green tea, or as a supplement.
- Stinging nettle: Studies suggest this herb reduces allergy symptoms by acting as a natural antihistamine. It’s available as a tea or supplement.
- Butterbur: This herb has reduced nasal and eye allergy symptoms in studies. However, if your seasonal allergies include ragweed its best to skip this one as it’s part of the same family.
- Local honey: Some people find that eating small amounts of local honey can help build tolerance to local pollens over time.
- Nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot or saline spray can help flush allergens from your nasal passages providing quick symptom relief.
- Probiotics: Supporting your gut health with beneficial bacteria can help modulate your immune response to allergens, stopping reactions before they start.
- Essential oils: Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils can help open airways and reduce inflammation when diffused or used topically (diluted with a carrier oil).
Remember, natural remedies may take time to build effectiveness. Also, combining several approaches often yields the best results.
I encourage my patients to introduce one remedy at a time and monitor how their body responds. And keep in mind, no solution works for everyone.
You can also try to minimize your exposure to allergens by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, showering before bed, removing and washing clothing when you get home, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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