DIY Tea Recipes for Allergy Season

When you’re dealing with the struggle of seasonal allergies, a warm cup of tea can be truly comforting. However, studies show that the type of tea you drink in the midst of seasonal allergies can play a role in reducing your symptoms. Certain teas contain compounds and nutrients that calm the irritated sinuses and histamines that are set off by an allergic reaction whether your struggle with indoor or outdoor allergies.

Keep reading to learn more about which tea recipes and herbal ingredients you should turn to in the midst of the misery of allergy season.

Best Ingredients for Allergy-Effective Tea Recipes

Nettle

Nettle is by far the most relied-upon ingredient in allergy tea recipes and blends as it contains a natural antihistamine. It can also be taken in capsule form as a daily supplement but is delicious in a tea blend. To try nettle tea for yourself, steep 2 tsp of dried nettle with ¼ tsp of dried ginger and ½ tsp of cinnamon.

If you’d rather purchase a nettle tea that’s 100% pure and ready to steep, try this organic, loose-leaf tea from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea seems to be a wonder-remedy for almost any ailment, including digestion, mood stability, and allergies. The refreshing taste of peppermint can act as a natural decongestant and may help reduce the inflammation associated with allergy symptoms. Nettle and peppermint teas work well together and can be steeped side by side for a powerful defense against sneezing and congestion.

Ginger

Available in both dried and fresh forms, ginger holds a wealth of health benefits including natural antihistamine properties. Ginger tea can be steeped on the stovetop using fresh ginger but is also available in dried tea blends. To put ginger to work for you this allergy season, steep a slice of fresh ginger, a fresh lemon wedge, 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar and a drizzle of raw, local honey for 10 minutes before drinking warm.

Yerba Mate

This popular and naturally caffeinated tea comes from South America and can help the body increase corticosteroid production. Corticosteroids are a helpful anti-inflammatory that may also help open airways and reduce the nasal swelling and itching associated with allergies. If you want to try yerba mate tea to ease your allergies, steep 1 tbsp in 6 oz of hot water and then serve with a splash of almond or coconut milk and a bit of local honey.

Rooibos

Rooibos is a red tea that is grown in South Africa and is naturally caffeine-free and full of powerful, health-boosting compounds. Rooibos tea contains the bioflavonoids rutin and quercetin, both of which are natural histamine blockers and may reduce an inflammatory response.

How To Steep Tea For Best Results

These tea recipes can be enjoyed as needed or as a preventative against allergic reactions. Natural, herbal teas are best when steeped covered, to keep all the helpful compounds inside the mug rather than letting them evaporate into the air. For best results, steep herbal teas for at least 10 minutes and enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of local honey, which can dramatically reduce your seasonal allergy struggles.

Which tea recipes do you turn to when allergies get you down? Share your tips and tricks in for surviving allergy season in the comments section below.

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Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash