Seasonal allergies have a way of making the most beautiful time of year feel like a challenge—think itchy eyes, endless sneezing, and that foggy, run-down feeling. While over-the-counter meds are a godsend for many people, not everyone wants to use them all of the time. Whether you’re sensitive to the side effects or just want to do even more to squash those allergies, the good news is there are plenty of effective, low-intervention ways to find relief and feel more like yourself this season. These are five of our favorites.
1. Keep Windows Closed During High Pollen Times
As tempting as it is to let in that fresh spring air, open windows can turn your home into a pollen magnet. Pollen levels usually spike in the early morning and again in the evening, so it’s best to keep things shut during those hours. If you need some airflow, turn on the AC—just make sure the filter’s clean so you’re not recirculating the very stuff you’re trying to avoid.
2. Shower and Change Clothes After Being Outdoors
Pollen has a sneaky way of hitching a ride on your skin, hair, and clothes—so if you’ve been outside, it’s a good idea to rinse off and swap into something clean. A quick shower can wash away the allergens you picked up, and changing clothes keeps you from spreading pollen all over your couch, bed, or anywhere else you want to breathe easy.
3. Be Strategic About What You Eat and Drink
Certain plant ingredients may help you cope with allergies a little bit better. Consuming local honey is a sweet way some people use to potentially build immunity to regional pollen. The idea is that trace amounts of local pollen in the honey might help your body adapt over time. (The worst-case scenario is still pretty tasty.) And for a plant-based approach to allergy relief, consider a can of Erha’s Herbal Rx For Allergies. This functional drink is formulated with natural ingredients aimed at supporting the body’s response to allergens: acerola and vitamin C to boost your immune system, plus quercetin and nettle to help mute your body’s histamine response to allergens.
4. Use a Saline Nasal Rinse or Neti Pot
If your nose feels stuffy or itchy, a saline rinse can be a total game changer. Using a neti pot or saline spray helps flush out allergens and clear things up fast. Just make sure you’re doing it safely—always use distilled or previously boiled water, not straight from the tap. It’s super affordable, easy to do at home, and can bring real relief when allergies hit hard.
5. Invest in an Air Purifier
If you’re not already using an air purifier, this might be the season to start. A good one with a HEPA filter (like the ones from Blueair) can trap pollen, dust, pet dander—basically, all the things that make your nose and eyes go haywire. In fact, a 2024 review of studies found that air filters can help ease symptoms of allergic rhinitis, even if they’re not a cure-all. (Think of them as one more tool in your allergy-fighting kit.) Just don’t forget about humidity—keeping it between 30 and 50 percent can help prevent mold and dust mites from joining the party.
Managing seasonal allergies doesn’t always have to mean reaching for the medicine cabinet. Small daily habits—like rinsing your sinuses, keeping pollen out of your home, or sipping a functional beverage—can add up to big relief. Everyone’s allergy triggers and responses are different, so it may take a little experimenting to figure out what works best for you. But with a few mindful adjustments, spring can feel a lot less like a battle—and a lot more like a season to enjoy.