Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose.

Many individuals rely on over-the-counter medications to find relief from these symptoms, but there are also several all-natural remedies that can provide quick relief. In this article, we will explore some of these natural remedies that can help soothe allergic rhinitis in under 15 minutes.

1. Neti Pot

The use of a neti pot is a popular natural remedy for relieving nasal congestion and reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This simple device helps flush out irritants and allergens from the nasal passages.

To use a neti pot, mix a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized salt with warm distilled water. Tilt your head to one side over the sink, pour the solution into one nostril, and let it flow out through the other nostril. Repeat on the other side. This gentle nasal irrigation can provide almost instant relief from congestion.

2. Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is another effective way to alleviate nasal congestion and soothe irritated nasal passages. Boil a pot of water, remove it from heat, and add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint.

Lean over the pot while covering your head with a towel, creating a steam tent. Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes, taking slow and deep breaths. The warm and moist air helps to loosen mucus and reduce inflammation, providing quick relief.

3. Saline Nasal Spray

A saline nasal spray can offer immediate relief from nasal congestion and help flush out allergens. Mix half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm distilled water.

Fill a nasal spray bottle with the solution and spray a couple of times into each nostril. This natural remedy helps moisturize the nasal passages and relieve inflammation, providing almost instant relief from symptoms.

4. Quercetin-rich Foods

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Consuming foods rich in quercetin can help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Some quercetin-rich foods include apples, onions, citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens. Incorporating these foods into your diet may provide relief from symptoms and help reduce the frequency and severity of allergic rhinitis attacks.

5. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has been used for centuries to treat various respiratory conditions, including allergic rhinitis. Peppermint has natural decongestant properties and can help relieve nasal congestion and soothe irritated nasal passages.

Brew a cup of peppermint tea by steeping dried peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink the tea while it’s still warm to experience its soothing effects on your symptoms.

6. Local Honey

Local honey is believed to help build immunity to local pollen, a common trigger for allergic rhinitis.

Consuming a spoonful of local honey each day can gradually desensitize your body to the allergens in your area, thus reducing the severity of your symptoms. However, it’s important to note that this remedy may take longer than 15 minutes to show significant effects.

7. Nasal Breathing Exercises

Nasal breathing exercises, such as the “4-7-8” technique, can help calm the body and relieve nasal congestion caused by allergic rhinitis.

This exercise involves inhaling through your nose for a count of 4, holding your breath for a count of 7, and exhaling forcefully through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat this cycle three times, focusing on deep and slow breaths. This exercise helps regulate your breathing and reduce inflammation, providing quick relief.

8. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil has strong anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for allergic rhinitis.

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a diffuser or a bowl of hot water and inhale the soothing vapor for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, and gently massage it onto your chest or under your nose. Eucalyptus oil provides quick relief from congestion and promotes easy breathing.

9. Herbal Teas

Several herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger, and green tea, have natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Brew a cup of any of these herbal teas and drink it while it’s warm.

The warm liquid combined with the herbal properties can help soothe irritated nasal passages and provide relief from symptoms of allergic rhinitis in a short period.

10. Probiotics

Research suggests that taking probiotic supplements or consuming probiotic-rich foods can help reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Probiotics promote a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in immune system regulation.

A balanced gut microbiome can help regulate the body’s immune response to allergens, potentially decreasing the frequency and intensity of allergic reactions. Look for probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium lactis for optimal results.