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You know it’s allergy season when your eyes start to water, you can't stop sneezing, and you feel your chest tighten in response to common allergens. Whether your allergies are triggered by furry friends, pollen, or plants the symptoms can often be unbearable. Fortunately, there are antihistamines and teas that can help to offer temporary relief from allergy symptoms. Discover the best tea for allergies with this handy guide that will help you feel better fast.

The Best Tea For Allergies: Fight Sneezing, Coughing and Itchy Eyes

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is an herbal tea that is cultivated exclusively in the mountainous Cederberg region of South Africa. The tea does not contain any caffeine so you can drink it all day long without worrying about disrupting your sleep cycle.

Rooibos tea contains large amounts of vitamin C that can help your immune system fend off symptoms of allergic rhinitis like a runny nose and watery eyes. In addition, this tea contains bioflavonoids including Quercetin that have been shown to demonstrate natural antihistamine properties. Research shows that quercetin works to prevent the release of histamine that triggers allergic reactions and it also boasts anti-inflammatory properties that may help to ease symptoms of congestion (1).

Stinging Nettle Tea

Stinging nettle tea is made from the nettle plant that most hikers consider a nuisance. While the prickly plant may be a pain out on the trails, it's a miracle worker when it comes to natural remedies for allergies. The tea works as an anti-inflammatory agent, working to reduce congestion and provide relief for allergy sufferers. A study of forty individuals found that people who consumed nettle root extract had significantly improved allergy symptoms compared to placebo (2). More research is needed to confirm these results, but there is promising evidence that drinking this tea may help fight allergies.

Green Tea

Green tea is known for extensive health benefits that range from improved blood pressure levels to a lower risk of serious disease. The tea also contains antioxidants like polyphenols that may help to treat symptoms of hay fever. This true tea also contains a powerful catechin known as epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG (3). This compound has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that may help to open up nasal passages and offer relief from seasonal allergies. Add a dash of apple cider vinegar for a detox tea that can help your body fight off allergy symptoms.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a delightful tea that offers a refreshing aroma and tingling sensation that may help to open up airways. Animal studies show that peppermint may help to significantly reduce symptoms such as wheezing and congestion (4). Most research points to the presence of anti-inflammatory agents and the invigorating fragrance as the key actors behind these allergy-fighting effects. To make this tea even more effective add a dash of raw honey and turmeric. Turmeric also helps to decrease inflammation, thanks to the presence of curcumin. Local honey may help to establish immunity and alleviate seasonal allergies.

Fight Allergies With Tasty Teas

The best way to treat allergies is to avoid allergens and irritants that cause a reaction in the first place. Minimizing interactions with known allergens can help you keep your sinuses and airways clear. If you happen to develop allergies, taking antihistamines or a decongestant can help to relieve many of your symptoms. These medications work by inhibiting the release of histamine that triggers an allergic response or decreasing inflammation that can cause a stuffy nose. You can also take an antihistamine daily if your allergies are seasonal or unavoidable.

In addition to these over-the-counter medications, drinking certain types of tea may help to alleviate some of your allergy symptoms caused by animals, ragweed, and other plants. Tea also has fewer side effects compared to some medications, making it a great choice for people who are looking for home remedies to treat their spring allergies or dander allergies. If you're suffering from sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and itchy eyes, try one of the teas on this list of the best teas for allergies. They can help to open up your airways and offer temporary allergy relief.