From Herbal Teas to Fruit Juice, 8 Drinks To Help Treat Allergic Rhinitis

From congestion to inflammation, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are wide-ranging and extensive however, so too are the things you can do to ease these kinds of problems. Alongside conventional medicines like decongestants and anti-histamines, drinks can help to improve allergic rhinitis. So, to help you figure out which ones are best, as well as which ones you should stay clear of, I’ve put together a list of drinks that could help allergic rhinitis.

* Nettle tea

You might associate nettles with a nasty sting but, when it comes to allergic rhinitis, they can actually be quite beneficial. That’s because the plant becomes a natural antihistamine when it is dried out so, when you wish to fight off symptoms such as nasal congestion and itching that are caused by the release of histamine, it’s the perfect choice. Plus, not only that, nettles are also rich in minerals and vitamins which means it’s great for overall health too. So, how might you get some of this beneficial plant into your system?

* Green tea

Green tea is a popular choice for tea lovers all over the world which might, in part, be down to its light and refreshing taste. However, it may also be down to the health benefits of the drink which have been discussed extensively over the years.

* Caffeine-free hot drinks

As mentioned, caffeine contains histamine which, when coupled with the immune system’s response to allergens, can exacerbate symptoms like inflammation and congestion. This means it’s best to cut down or avoid caffeine altogether if your allergic rhinitis symptoms feel particularly severe.

* Freshly squeezed orange juice

If you are not a fan of hot drinks then don’t worry, there’s an option for you too! In general, when suffering from allergic rhinitis it’s a good idea to up your vitamin C intake as this is a natural anti-histamine meaning it could help to ease your symptoms.4 You can find vitamin C in a variety of foods including potatoes, broccoli, strawberries and, of course, oranges. Therefore, orange juice is another drink to add the list of those that could help allergic rhinitis.

However, please stay clear of any that state ‘from concentrate’ as these are usually high in sugar. As an alternative, you could purchase some freshly squeezed juice or even make your own. The juice from a few large oranges for example, will make a refreshing drink plus, as you’ve made it yourself, you’ll know it’s completely natural too.

* Smoothies

Instead of opting for these things, allergic rhinitis sufferers should choose foods low in histamine such as fresh fruit and vegetables. You can, of course, incorporate these things into a meal like a stir fry or a vegetable stew. However, a smoothie provides you with a healthy snack for any time of the day should you feel your body would benefit from the low levels of histamine this kind of drink contains.

When making your smoothie though, remember to stay clear of milk and yogurt as, not only are they high in histamine, they may make mucus thicker. As congestion is a common and troublesome symptom of allergic rhinitis, these dairy products would only make the problem worse.

* Peppermint tea

The production of histamine can cause swelling as the body attempts to wash out allergens. This swelling extends to the nasal passages which reduces air flow and causes the recognisable problem of congestion So, to address this issue you may find peppermint tea beneficial as this acts as a decongestant - it thins mucus to allow it to flow more easily from the nose.

Peppermint teas, and all the hot drinks I’ve mentioned so far, produce steam which can also beneficial for allergic rhinitis sufferers. That’s because steam contains heat and moisture which can loosen mucus to ease congestion.

* Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is a relaxing and comforting drink but it can also help allergic rhinitis. That’s because it contains chemical compounds that may help with inflammation – a symptom that comes about due to the immune system’s response to allergens.

* Water

Finally, last but not least, we must not forget about water! It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated, especially if you’re suffering from allergic rhinitis. This is because water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce congestion by thinning mucus.