Finding Relief: Natural Approaches to Allergies That Actually Work
- Marissa Boyd, ND
- May 12
- 6 min read
By Dr Marissa Boyd, ND
Allergies are more than just sneezing fits or itchy eyes—they're a signal from your body
that something is out of balance. And you're not alone. Millions of people deal with
allergies every year, often turning to quick fixes that only temporarily mask the
symptoms.
But what if there was another way?
Natural and holistic treatments are becoming increasingly popular as people seek
gentle, long-term solutions that actually work with their bodies. If you're tired of “just
dealing with it,” there’s good news: there are natural ways to support your body that go
beyond symptom suppression. And most importantly, these approaches can be
customized for your unique health journey.
Let’s explore what’s really going on in your body, and how to start finding
relief—naturally.
Understanding Allergies – What’s Really Going On in Your Body?
For the curious reader who’s tired of "Band-Aid" fixes.
At their core, allergies are a sign that your immune system is overreacting to something
harmless—like pollen, pet dander, certain foods, or even dust. Your body thinks it’s
under attack, and in response, it releases chemicals like histamine. That’s what causes
all those classic allergy symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and more.
But allergies aren’t limited to your nose and eyes. Many people experience brain fog,
fatigue, mood swings, and skin irritation, all of which can be tied to allergic responses.
Types of allergies include:
Seasonal (like hay fever in spring or fall)
Food-related (such as dairy, nuts, soy, gluten)
Environmental (dust mites, mold, pets, chemicals)
Skin-related (eczema, hives)
Why does this happen in the first place? Often, the root causes are more than skin
deep. Factors like poor gut health, immune system imbalances, chronic inflammation,
toxin exposure, and even genetics can all contribute.
This is where working with a Naturopathic Doctor can be game-changing. Your ND can
help you identify the underlying triggers through comprehensive testing and clinical
experience—so you're not just treating the surface symptoms, but getting to the root.
Naturopathic & Holistic Approaches to Allergy Relief
For the health-conscious individual who wants natural, drug-free relief.
If you're looking for a way to feel better without relying on daily allergy medications,
natural medicine offers effective, evidence-based alternatives. Instead of just blocking
symptoms, holistic care aims to restore balance and build resilience in your body.
Start with the basics: reduce inflammation.
Cut back on processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and anything artificial. Focus on whole,
vibrant foods—think leafy greens, berries, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich herbs and
spices like turmeric and ginger. And don’t underestimate the power of proper hydration.
Dehydration can worsen allergic reactions.
Gut health is crucial.
About 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, so keeping it in good shape is
key. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Add
prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and asparagus to nourish healthy bacteria. Bone
broth and fermented foods can also soothe and strengthen your digestive lining.
Herbs that help:
Stinging nettle – Nature’s antihistamine
Quercetin – Found in apples and onions; helps reduce histamine release
Reishi mushroom – Supports balanced immune responses
Key supplements include:
Vitamin C (natural antihistamine)
Bromelain – Helps break down mucus
Vitamin D3 (immune modulator)
NAC (helps clear mucus and supports lung health)
The best part? These tools can often be combined for even better results—but it’s
important to customize your approach. Work with an ND to figure out what’s best for
your individual needs, lifestyle, and current symptoms. Your Naturopathic Doctor can
help you choose the right remedies, in the right form, at the right time.
How Conventional Allergy Medications Work
For the reader curious about how their current medications fit into the big picture.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can be incredibly helpful when symptoms flare
up—but many people don’t fully understand how they work or what they actually do
inside the body.
Let’s break it down:
Antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), and Allegra
(fexofenadine) block the action of histamine—a chemical your body releases
during an allergic reaction. This helps reduce symptoms like sneezing, runny
nose, and itching.
Decongestants, such as Sudafed, work by shrinking swollen blood vessels in
your nasal passages, helping you breathe more easily.
Nasal corticosteroids, like Flonase, reduce inflammation in the nasal passages,
often used for chronic or severe symptoms.
While these can offer fast relief, they don’t actually address the reason your immune
system is reacting in the first place. Plus, many people experience side effects—like
drowsiness, dry mouth, or rebound congestion with long-term use.
That’s where a more holistic, long-term approach comes in. Some people find that
combining the best of both worlds—short-term relief from medications, plus a long-term
natural strategy—helps them feel better and reduce dependence on meds over time.
Your Naturopathic Doctor can help you strike that balance and even guide you on how
to taper off certain medications if that’s your goal.
Personalized Allergy Protocols by Life Experience
For the reader looking to relate their symptoms to their own stage of life.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to allergies. Your age, lifestyle, and
stress levels all influence how your body reacts—and what it needs for support.
For Kids:
Children's immune systems are still developing, and early allergies may show up as
eczema, food sensitivities, or chronic colds. The focus should be on building strong
foundations:
Probiotic-rich foods or gentle supplements
Omega-3s to reduce inflammation
Low-tox living (think clean air, clean water, and clean products)
Gentle herbal support like chamomile or elderflower
For Busy Adults:
Life is hectic—and stress plays a huge role in allergy flares. You may notice your
symptoms worsen during busy seasons or when you’re burning the candle at both ends.
Support your adrenals with adaptogens like ashwagandha or holy basil
Prioritize sleep and daily movement
Try nervous system reset tools: breathwork, forest walks, journaling
Strengthen your gut, even if digestion seems fine
For Older Adults:
Aging bodies can become more sensitive, and chronic inflammation may already be
present. Allergies may show up differently now—such as skin reactions or fatigue.
Gentle detox strategies like dry brushing, sauna, or liver-supportive herbs (e.g.,
milk thistle)
Anti-inflammatory diet with turmeric, leafy greens, and clean protein
Movement that supports lymphatic flow—walking, stretching, rebounding
Working with your ND means these protocols won’t be guesswork. You’ll get support
tailored to your life stage, unique symptoms, and health goals.
Everyday Allergy Prevention & Home Strategies
For the practical reader who wants simple, everyday solutions.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to feel better—you just need small, smart
shifts that add up over time. These strategies help reduce your exposure to allergens
and give your body more space to heal.
Air quality matters. Use HEPA filters, keep windows closed during high-pollen
seasons, and avoid synthetic fragrances in your home.
Rinse it out. A daily nasal rinse or neti pot with sterile saline can help remove
allergens and reduce congestion.
Eat with intention. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric,
berries, leafy greens, flaxseed, and oily fish. Limit dairy, gluten, and
sugar—common triggers for many.
Track your patterns. Keep a journal to note when symptoms spike. You might
uncover unexpected triggers—like certain foods, fabrics, or emotional stressors.
Prepare for the seasons. If you struggle in spring or fall, begin immune and liver
support about 4–6 weeks before pollen hits. Herbs, vitamins, and food strategies
are most effective when started early.
Your Naturopathic Doctor can help design a plan that matches your daily rhythm, health
history, and living environment—so the steps feel doable and sustainable.
Conclusion: Relief is Possible, Naturally
If you’ve been living with allergies for years, it’s easy to believe this is just your “normal.”
But you don’t have to settle. Allergies are common, yes—but that doesn’t mean you
need to just put up with them.
By supporting your body with the right tools—from gut-friendly foods and stress relief to
personalized herbal protocols—you can start to experience real, lasting relief.
And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Your Naturopathic Doctor can help uncover the root causes, tailor your treatments, and
walk with you on the path toward balance. Whether you want to reduce your symptoms,
get off medications, or simply feel like yourself again—there is a path forward.
You deserve to feel good in your body. Book a visit with your ND and take that first step
toward allergy freedom.
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