What works (and what doesn’t) for seasonal allergies - MultiCare Vitals (2025)

At a glance

While many of us are celebrating the changing seasons and ability to enjoy longer, warmer days outside, a large percentage of the community is dreading the shift because it marks the return of their allergies.

Seasonal allergies are, unfortunately, one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide. The good news: There are many options to help alleviate your symptoms, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as regular allergy shots.

But if you find your medicine cabinet empty during a flare-up or simply want to add an extra layer of prevention to your daily routine, the experts at MultiCare weighed in on which home-relief methods are most effective and safe to combat those seasonal sniffles.

Nasal irrigation

• Is it safe? When done properly, nasal irrigation is safe for both adults and children. Be sure your irrigation tool is clean and sanitized, and avoid tap water. Use boiled or distilled water to create your own solution with iodide-free salt and baking soda, or keep store-bought saline solution on hand.
• Is it effective? Nasal irrigation can clear out mucus and common allergens, like dust and pollen, that cause congestion. Slight irritation might occur immediately after irrigation but should resolve quickly.

Essential oil diffusers

• Is it safe? Essential oils are potent and can cause irritation to the respiratory tract when used improperly. Never ingest essential oils or use them in a sinus rinse/neti pot, and do not apply directly to skin. When used per manufacturer instructions and for limited times, essential oil diffusers are not likely to cause harm.
• Is it effective? Essential oils are primarily effective for helping with stress relief and relaxation, not allergy symptom relief.

Warm showers

• Is it safe? So long as you’re not overheating your body or turning the temperature so high that your skin turns red or hurts, a warm shower is safe. Children can especially be sensitive to warm water, so approach this method with caution.
• Is it effective? Taking a warm shower after you’ve been outside during peak pollen season can be a quick and effective way to remove any lingering allergens from your body. Plus, the steam produced can be a natural way to help clear out nasal passages and reduce congestion.

Keeping your air and space clean

• Is it safe? Generally speaking, there are no downsides to an air purifier in the home, especially during peak allergy season. Look for high-grade air purifiers and vacuum cleaners that include a true high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter and check your local pollen forecast to know when to close windows. Make sure to clean filters regularly to keep them operating properly.
• Is it effective? Yes, but this shouldn’t be your only allergy mitigation method. Keeping the air clean in the spaces you spend the most time can be effective for that moment, but won’t protect you once you leave the house.

Consuming locally sourced honey

• Is it safe? Consuming honey in small amounts, such as a spoonful in a cup of tea, is generally safe. If you have a known allergy to bees or wasps, though, it could be something to look out for — and be prepared to respond to an allergic reaction. It’s also essential to avoid giving honey to children under the age of 1.
• Is it effective? It tastes good but won’t provide allergy relief. There’s no real evidence to prove consuming honey from locally sourced bees alone can alleviate your allergies.

Avoid/limit scented candles, sprays, body washes and soaps

• Is it safe? Reducing interaction with irritating substances is safe for all ages.
• Is it effective? While candles and scented soaps aren’t a histamine themselves, they can trigger an irritant reaction similar to those you experience with allergies. Avoiding “smell good” products like candles, essential oils, smoke, vape, incense, etc., will help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.

When in doubt about your allergies and how to treat and prevent them, always consult your doctor or other health care provider.

Medical review provided Sarah d’Hulst, MD, pediatrician and medical director for MultiCare Rockwood Clinic primary care.

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