18 Products That Help Relieve Seasonal Allergies
Shop our favorite natural product picks that will help defeat seasonal allergy symptoms.
An estimated one in six Americans suffers from seasonal allergies. You might think those huge lumps of yellow pollen floating around are what’s causing your symptoms. But actually, the teeny pollen you can’t see is what tends to cause allergic reactions. Hardwood deciduous trees like oak, maple, cedar, birch and elm can cause sneezing, while trees with big, bright flowers, like apple, cherry and dogwood, usually have larger pollen that doesn’t blow around as much. The same rule applies to plants: daffodils, daisies, lilies, pansies and zinnias are among the flowering plants with larger pollen, so they may not bother you as much as ragweed and pigweed.
In any case, there are steps you can take to lower your allergy symptoms this time of year. Here are a few:
- In the fall, pollen counts are generally highest in the early mornings. In the spring, it's afternoons you’ll want to avoid.
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Change your clothes and shower — or at least wash your hands and face well — after working in the garden or spending ample time outdoors.
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Look for insect-pollinated plants rather than wind-pollinated plants.
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Compost piles and damp mulch can produce mold, another allergy source. Keep your compost pile away from where you work and play, if possible, and consider using gravel instead of mulch.
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A hat and, if needed, a face mask can help cut down on pollen exposure.
And when all else fails, shop our top product picks for things that can help relieve irritation from stubborn airborne substances like pollen. Below, we've compiled a list of our favorites — from facial treatments to cleaning products — so you can enjoy the great outdoors (and indoors).
Dry air isn't doing your sore nose and throat any favors. Snag this sleek air humidifier and grant your space up to 16 hours of continuous humidification. This model is a major must-have because it boasts a whisper-quiet operation and a sleep mode that mists throughout the night to aid in a restful slumber.
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Check out our top recommendations for humidifiers we've tested at every price point.
Not to be confused with an air humidifier, this air purifier operates to cleanse the air of irritants to stop head colds before they start. This model uses a three-stage filtration system with a HEPA filter to remove 99.97 percent of indoor allergens and pollution, plus an activated carbon filter to provide unmatched odor elimination.
The Best Air Purifiers, Tested by HGTV Editors
Breathe deeper by adding a top-rated air purifier that reduces dust, allergens, pet dander and more to your home.
Another aid against pet dander, dust mites and pollen? This handheld vacuum. that's specifically designed to combat allergens in fabric and clothing. Use it to sweep soft surfaces, like your bedding and sofa, a few times a week to reduce exposure to allergy triggers in your home.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 falls in the "splurge" category, but don’t write it off yet. This vacuum is an invaluable addition to your arsenal against allergy season because it's specifically designed with allergy sufferers in mind and is certified as both asthma- and allergy-friendly. Not to mention, this model comes with features and tools (six!) that dig out dirt, hair and allergens from every nook and cranny imaginable. (The Ball Animal 2 is also our favorite pet hair vacuum!)
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Browse our top list of vacuum cleaners, from handhelds to uprights, that will de-shed your home with ease.
Your home should be your sanctuary, starting with the air you breathe. Filtrete Allergen, Bacteria and Virus Air Filters help capture unwanted particles from your household air, contributing to a cleaner, fresher home. By proactively capturing dust, bacteria, viruses and allergens, these high-performance filters help improve your home's air quality. Plus, you can sign up for a filter change reminder via the Filtrete Smart app.
The Best Air Filters for Allergy Sufferers
What devices work best to help keep our space allergen-free?
An oft-cited NASA Clean Air Study from 1989 found that some indoor plants can reduce indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde. Do we really need another reason to fill our homes with natural beauty? Snake plants are one of our favorite air-purifying picks that aids in the removal of pollutants. Plus, it’s a great houseplant for beginners and can survive in some of the toughest conditions, including a wide variety of temperatures and light conditions.
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Discover the top 20 air purifying plants that aid in the removal of pollutants.
Make these anti-allergen pillow protectors your top takeaway from this shopping list. Your nose, throat and eyes remain in direct contact with your pillowcase and any microscopic irritants for up to eight hours each night. That's a flare-up waiting to happen. Arm yourself against pollen, dust mites and dander with anti-allergen pillows, and change them often to reduce your risk of reaction.
Dust mites are a constant problem for millions of Americans who suffer from daily allergy and asthma triggers. SafeRest mattress protectors prevent dust mites from passing through the surface of the protector. By reducing dust mite exposure to the mattress, you can better control your sleep environment, resulting in a reduction in allergy triggers and better air quality. It’s important to periodically wash the mattress protector with your sheets to remove dust mites and other allergens resting on the surface.
They say if you lay down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. But we know your furbabies are treated for fleas and ticks, so you're far more likely to wake up with itchy eyes and a sore throat than anything else. Especially in the height of allergy season. Enter the hot-water washable protection comforter. Wash it frequently, and rest easy at night knowing you're protected against dust mites, pet dander and pollen.
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Shop our top-rated and tested duvet cover picks, including a luxe hypoallergenic option!
Prevent a flare-up by proactively protecting your home with regular cleaning. Use this probiotic all-purpose cleaner to rid all surfaces of allergens while adding a refreshing citrus blossom scent.
HGTV Editors' Favorite All-Purpose Cleaners
Why buy multiple cleaners when you probably only need one?
Find instant sinus relief with a neti pot. This beautiful, handmade ceramic neti pot flushes out your nasal passage using a saltwater mixture. Make it part of your morning routine so you can breathe easier throughout allergy season.
Many find that using a steam inhaler for sinus relief or other breathing problems, such as allergies and colds, helps them breathe more easily. Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler features a soft, comfortable face mask for targeted delivery of warm mist, offering a temporary relief from coughing and congestion. For added relief, you can add Vicks VapoPads in soothing scents like menthol and lavender.
Breathe easy again with this all-natural vapor rub. The magic mix is comprised of extra virgin olive oil, beeswax and eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary essential oils. Nothing more, nothing less. Apply to your chest, feet or under your nose to open your airways and find relief from cough and congestion.
An ideal soak for when you're feeling under the weather, these bath salts are infused with clove, lemon and frankincense essential oils to help boost your immune system. The mineral-rich pink Himalayan salts act as an antihistamine to help relieve a stuffy nose.
If you’re in the throes of allergy-induced itchy eyes and look like you’ve been stung by a bee on each eyelid, this Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer is a must-buy for you. Throw it in your tote or briefcase, and apply the easy-glide formula to cool, hydrate and minimize under-eye swelling.
Just like in humans, seasonal allergies can be a pain for dogs, too. If you have an itchy pup, Vet's Best Allergy Itch-Relief Shampoo is a great way to mitigate the scratching. This itch-relief shampoo is veterinarian formulated with a key blend of natural ingredients and essential oils including oatmeal, d-limonene and tea tree oil. It’s designed to soothe sensitive skin and alleviate itchiness from allergies by washing away allergens. Plus, it will leave your furry friend smelling spa-day fresh for days.
One way to help relieve allergy symptoms in your dog is to bathe her regularly with a hypoallergenic shampoo. This can help remove possible allergens, like grass and pollen. In-between baths, these hypoallergenic wipes are great for using after walks and when coming inside after using the bathroom.
Heal yourself from the inside out. Use this rave-reviewed recipe book, Jennifer’s Way Kitchen: Allergen-Free, Anti-Inflammatory Recipes for a Delicious Life, to whip up meals that are equals parts comforting and nutritious — without exasperating your allergy symptoms. Author Jennifer Esposito shares more than 100 recipes, but if you're looking for somewhere to start, you can't go wrong with her drool-worthy carrot cake.
