Spring is usually considered allergy season because new plants are blooming and pollen begins to fill the air after the cool winter months. However, summer can be a pretty excruciating time as well if you suffer from seasonal allergies. In this article, we’re taking a look at what causes summer allergies and how to ease them and find relief the natural way.
What Are Summer Allergies?
Allergies that are caused by environmental factors in the outdoors are typically felt in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Most of the allergies that people suffer from during the winter months are indoor allergies to things like mold and dust. In many parts of the country, the pollen count continues to rise during the summer. Hay-cutting at farms doesn’t help either.
Causes of Summer Allergies
What’s interesting about allergies is that they can strike suddenly, without warning and to individuals of any age. Where flowers and trees cause many spring allergies, grass is one of the most common causes of summer allergies. It is also common to have allergic reactions to mold and insect stings during the summer months. Poison ivy is an outdoor allergen that affects many people who hike and camp in the summer. Some people have skin that is sensitive to chemicals in commercial sunscreens, which cause an allergic reaction.
There is also a condition called food pollen syndrome, in which people feel symptoms because of allergens in fresh produce and nuts. This is considered to be an oral type of allergy that presents itself through itching and swelling of the mouth. Apples, celery, and melons are common triggers of this rare, but uncomfortable syndrome.
Symptoms of Summer Allergies
The most commonly known symptoms of allergies are running nose, stuffy nose, and eyes that are itchy and watery. Other symptoms include a scratchy throat, coughing, trouble breathing, and chest tightness. But according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, summer allergies can also cause prolonged changes to your physical appearance. This includes dark circles under the eyes, nasal creases, and chronic mouth breathing that can lead to dental issues.
Natural Treatments for Summer Allergies
One of the most recommended natural substances for seasonal allergies is honey. Natural medical professionals say that consuming local honey will help build up your immune system so that you don’t feel the effects of pollen as harshly.
Homeopathic remedies to treat specific symptoms may ease the discomfort of summer allergies as well. For example, Olive Leaf Nasal Spray can help with mucous blockage and nasal pressure, while Olive Leaf Throat Spray soothes minor throat irritations. 
Since vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and antihistamine, it is also a smart idea to increase your vitamin C intake with citrus fruits during the summer. You can also get more of this vitamin through summer recipes containing strawberries, cantaloupe, and broccoli.
There are many other healthy foods that you can add more of in your daily diet to give your body the best defense against summer allergies. These include reishi mushrooms, which have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, and flavonoid-rich foods like blueberries, pinto beans, and tomatoes. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties too. Turmeric is also a great spice for relieving the inflammation associated with summer allergies.
If you’re interested in experimenting with essential oils, some of the best ones for summer allergies are peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. But probably the most effective way to keep summer allergies at bay is to avoid potential allergens as much as possible. This means taking a shower to rinse away pollen after spending time outdoors, bathing your pets regularly, replacing old allergen-harboring carpet with wood or laminate floors, and using an air filter in your home. If your summer allergy symptoms can’t be controlled with these methods, it’s probably time to see a doctor to determine exactly what’s causing your allergies so you can prevent them more effectively.