Holistic Strategies for Seasonal Allergies

This is the longest allergy season I’ve seen in awhile…and it seems like the pollen slog of early spring is continuing into summer.

If you're like many folks popping into Soraluna, you might be reaching for tissues, eye drops, or antihistamines. Sniffles, itchy and watering eyes, nasal congestion, dark under-eye circles, facial puffiness, headaches, flare-ups of eczema, and general facial irritation—these are the common signs that spring is in full bloom and your immune system is processing it all.

If you suffer from allergies, you probably already have your go-to stack of supplements and antihistamines to help you manage the season, whether it lasts a few months for you or the whole year.

But here's the thing: every season can hit differently. Your symptoms might be mild one year and knock you off your feet the next. Why? It often depends on the health of your immune system, how much stress and illness you’ve carried through the winter months (do you remember those flus of March 2025?), and the state of your overall defensive energy reserves—something Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) calls your "Wei Qi" (or protective energy).

And, of course, let’s not forget the unpredictability of spring weather—pollen surges after rain, temperature swings, wind, construction dust, the news (ha!) —all of which can worsen symptoms.

There’s a lot to be said about holistic medicine and allergies, but here are some of my favorite go-to strategies to help you breathe well during spring.

Immediate Support: Calm the Symptoms

These are remedies I reach for again and again when someone walks in with acute allergy symptoms. They work to soothe and regulate your body's immediate histamine response while gently supporting your system.

Herbs Etc. Allergy ReLeaf® System

This Western herbal blend is formulated to reduce histamine reactivity. It combines ingredients like stinging nettle, licorice, and plantain, as well as quercetin capsules to support a healthy immune response. You can find this online and locally at Rainbow Grocery. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is wonderful to open the sinuses, reduce inflammation, and regulate your immune system. People are often so surprised by how the points work, especially points on the face. Points often used during allergy season include LI20, Bitong, and Yintang—these can provide immediate relief, especially when paired with points that support digestion and immunity, like ST36 and LI11.

Bi Yan Ling Nasal Spray

This nasal spray, based on TCM principles, can soothe inflamed nasal tissues and improve airflow. Tree peony root is anti-inflammatory and gentle enough for daily use during peak allergy periods. The formula is alcohol based and can sting a little bit, but I find the bite is worth it for the drainage that follows. 

Pro tip: I also use this spray topically on bug bites to help calm the system’s reaction to foreign disturbances. Really great when you’re traveling to areas infested with airborne vampires.

Clear Passage Tincture

I love this tincture from Five Flavors Herbs. It is based on the classic East Asian Medicine formula Cang Er Zi San for opening the sinuses, while also using Western herbs like goldenrod and yerba santa to calm seasonal symptoms.

Allergy Formulations from WishGarden

WishGarden’s herbal blends for allergies are gentle and fast-acting, often combining anti-inflammatory and expectorant herbs. They include glycerin, so they’re often rather sweet and easy to take down. I love them for folks who prefer liquid extracts and are sensitive to stronger medicines. I personally use their formulation for pregnancy, even when not pregnant, because I find it’s gentler on my sensitive stomach. 

Golden Lotus Brand Herbal Cough Drops

These traditional Chinese herbal lozenges are soothing for irritated throats and can help settle coughing due to post-nasal drip. I love having these around, because not only are they herbally supportive, but I actually love the strong minty taste!

Longer-Term Support: Build Resilience

Allergy symptoms may flare suddenly, but often indicate deeper imbalances that might benefit from longer-term support to really get at the root of things. These strategies help strengthen your system so that, ideally, each allergy season becomes more manageable.

Daily Nettle Infusions

Nettle is a powerhouse herb for seasonal allergies. Rich in minerals and a natural antihistamine, daily infusions (not just capsules!) help reduce inflammation and support the adrenals and immune system over time.

I recommend doing your own research on nettles, for they’re not always appropriate for folks already taking diuretics, among other things. 

To make an infusion, you can check out these instructions. I like to order my nettles from Foster Farms Botanicals in Vermont. They carry these same nettles in bulk at Rainbow Grocery.

Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea

In TCM, chrysanthemum is used to clear wind and heat—perfect for red, itchy eyes. Goji berry adds an iron-rich nourishing boost, supporting the liver and yin—ideal if you're running depleted from a long winter.

To make goji -chrysanthemum tea, take a few grams of chrysanthemum blossoms (3-10 of them, depending on how strong you like it) and 1-3 teaspoons of goji berries, and infuse in hot water for 3-5 minutes. You can resteep up to 3 times. Sweeten as needed. I make it strong, and like to drink this throughout the day. 

Bilberries are also a beautiful substitute for goji berries, as they also go to the eyes and have a deep berry flavor. 

Drink daily during allergy season to compound results. 

Custom TCM Formulas

No two allergy sufferers are exactly alike, and this is where TCM really shines. A custom herbal formula based on your unique constitution and pattern—whether it’s wind-heat, dampness, or lung qi deficiency—can provide targeted, lasting relief.

Three Year Protocol

While it is a more substantial investment, I also have a three-year protocol using large vacuum-packed herbal decoctions for really supporting seasonal allergy sufferers. You take the formula each spring for three springs, and I’ve personally found this really helpful. The blend contains a high dose of tree peony root (mu dan pi) and liquidambaris (lu lu tong), as well as other herbs based on your personal symptoms and constitution. This also works well when combined with regular acupuncture. 

Regular Acupuncture

Weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture treatments can help regulate your body’s immune responses, reduce inflammation, and prevent the allergy “cascade” before it fully sets in. Think of it as tuning up your immune system—especially if you're prone to chronic sinus issues.

Yarrow Environmental Solution

This one is a bit of a wild-card, but if you’re a flower essence lover, this might be supportive for you. Yarrow flower essence is famous for helping people build their inner sense of boundaries between self and non-self. Years ago I accidentally discovered that this blend really helped my seasonal symptoms, especially when there was a dusty construction site nearby. I love this blend from Flower Essence Services for seasonal support.

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot of tools out there to support you during allergy season, and it might take a few different approaches to really find equilibrium. 

If there’s any way I can help, feel free to come in for an appointment, and we can figure out what you and your body need to thrive while the world is blooming.

You deserve to enjoy the flowers and breathe at the same time!

And finally, keep in mind — this is all information for educational purposes, and does not constitute medical advice. Be sure to speak with a seasoned medical provider before undergoing any herbal or alternative therapies. Allergies can be serious, and sometimes DIY remedies are inappropriate. Be safe and be smart!