What Drink Gets Rid of Allergies? Exploring Natural Remedies

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, over 50 million Americans experience allergies each year. While over-the-counter medications are common, many people seek natural alternatives, which leads to the question: what drink gets rid of allergies?

Quick Summary

This article explores several natural drink options that may help soothe and manage allergy symptoms. Key ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and quercetin-rich sources are examined for their anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, along with beverages to avoid during peak allergy season.

Key Points

Ginger Tea: A warm mug of ginger tea can help reduce inflammation and act as a natural antihistamine to ease congestion and sneezing.
Nettle Leaf Tea: When steeped, nettle leaves provide a natural antihistamine effect that is especially useful for reducing itching and nasal congestion.
Turmeric Tonic: The curcumin in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that can help calm the immune system's overactive response to allergens.
Vitamin C-Rich Juices: Freshly squeezed juices from citrus fruits, pineapples, and berries provide a powerful dose of vitamin C, a natural antihistamine that helps lower histamine levels.
Hydrating with Water: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for thinning mucus and soothing sore throats, which can be exacerbated during an allergic reaction.
Probiotic Drinks: Beverages like kefir can promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to a more regulated immune system and reduced allergy sensitivity.
Avoid Inflammatory Drinks: Minimize or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and high-sugar drinks during allergy season, as they can increase histamine levels and inflammation.

Exploring the Power of Anti-Inflammatory Drinks

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, releasing histamines that cause sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. While no single drink can completely cure or permanently "get rid of" allergies, certain beverages contain properties that can help manage symptoms by calming the body's inflammatory response and acting as natural antihistamines.

Herbal Teas: Nature's Soothing Brews

Herbal teas are a popular and effective choice for allergy relief due to their anti-inflammatory compounds and soothing warmth. A hot cup of tea can help thin mucus and soothe an irritated throat, while specific ingredients offer targeted benefits.

Ginger Tea: Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Studies suggest that ginger can inhibit the inflammatory cytokines that trigger histamine production, providing relief from congestion and sneezing.
Nettle Tea: Historically used to treat allergic rhinitis, stinging nettle becomes a natural antihistamine when dried and steeped. It helps reduce inflammation and can be particularly beneficial for symptoms like nasal congestion and itching.
Peppermint Tea: Menthol in peppermint acts as a natural decongestant, helping to open clogged nasal passages. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe a sore throat caused by irritation. Inhaling the steam from the tea can provide additional relief.
Green Tea: This tea contains catechins and quercetin, which can block cellular receptors responsible for triggering allergic responses. Its antioxidant content also helps strengthen the immune system.

Anti-Inflammatory Juices and Tonics

For those who prefer cold beverages, juices and tonics packed with vitamins and antioxidants can be a powerful way to combat allergy symptoms.

Honey Lemon Water: Warm water with lemon and raw, local honey can provide soothing effects. While the efficacy of local honey for allergy desensitization lacks strong scientific evidence, the honey can soothe a sore throat, and the lemon provides vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.
Pineapple Juice with Ginger: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear sinuses. When combined with ginger, this potent drink works to reduce irritation and inflammation.
Turmeric Tonic: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. A warm drink made with turmeric, ginger, and a pinch of black pepper (to enhance curcumin absorption) can help calm an overactive immune response.
Kefir Smoothie: Probiotic-rich drinks like kefir can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for immune system regulation. Some studies in animals have shown kefir to have anti-allergic effects, though human evidence is mixed.

Beverages to Avoid During Allergy Season

Just as some drinks can help, others can make symptoms worse. Avoiding certain beverages can be as important as incorporating beneficial ones.

Alcohol: Alcohol, especially red wine and beer, is high in histamines and sulfites, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms like congestion, itching, and headaches. Alcohol also dehydrates the body, worsening symptoms.
Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee and energy drinks can contain high levels of histamine, potentially increasing inflammation and worsening symptoms. Switching to decaffeinated or herbal options is a better choice during flare-ups.
Sugary Beverages: Sugary drinks and sodas are highly inflammatory and can make allergy symptoms more intense. Excess sugar consumption can hinder the immune system's function, making it harder to manage allergic reactions.
Dairy Products (for some): Some individuals find that milk and other dairy products increase mucus production and inflammation, which can worsen nasal congestion. Plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk might be better options for those sensitive to dairy.

Comparison of Allergy-Relief Beverages


Beverage	Key Ingredient	Benefit	Best For	Potential Drawbacks
Ginger Tea	Ginger	Anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antihistamine	Nasal congestion, sore throat	Taste can be spicy
Nettle Tea	Stinging Nettle	Natural antihistamine	Itching, sneezing, inflammation	Earthy taste; ensure proper preparation to remove stinging properties
Green Tea	Quercetin, Catechins	Natural antihistamine, antioxidant, immune support	General symptom management	Contains caffeine, which can be a histamine trigger for some
Pineapple Juice	Bromelain	Anti-inflammatory, sinus clearer	Nasal and sinus congestion	High in sugar; choose natural, unsweetened versions
Kefir	Probiotics	Supports gut health, may regulate immune response	Strengthening immune system	Contains dairy; may worsen symptoms for those with dairy sensitivities
Warm Broth	Hydration, amino acids	Hydration, thinning mucus, soothing	Sore throat, congestion	Can be high in sodium depending on the type

Conclusion

While no single drink can completely get rid of allergies, incorporating certain anti-inflammatory and antihistamine-rich beverages into your diet can significantly help manage symptoms. Herbal teas like ginger and nettle, along with juices containing ingredients like pineapple and turmeric, offer natural relief by calming the immune system and reducing inflammation. Equally important is avoiding drinks that can exacerbate symptoms, such as alcohol and sugary beverages. By being mindful of your liquid intake, you can provide your body with the hydration and nutritional support it needs to better navigate allergy season and find soothing comfort. Always consult a healthcare provider for severe or persistent symptoms.

Homemade Anti-Allergy Smoothie Recipe

This smoothie combines several key ingredients known for their allergy-fighting properties.

Ingredients

1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (rich in vitamin C and quercetin)
1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks (contains bromelain)
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1/2 cup spinach (packed with vitamin C)
1 tsp local raw honey
1 cup almond milk or water

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

For a thinner consistency, add more almond milk or water. This smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious way to support your body's immune response during allergy season.

Frequently Asked Questions

The theory that local honey can help desensitize your body to pollen lacks strong scientific evidence. While honey contains antioxidants and can soothe a sore throat, it is not a proven cure for allergies and should not replace medical advice.

Yes, green tea can be effective for allergy relief. It contains quercetin and other antioxidants that possess natural antihistamine properties, which can help stabilize cells that release histamines in response to allergens.

Alcohol, especially red wine and beer, is high in histamines and sulfites, both of which can worsen allergy symptoms. Alcohol also causes dehydration, which can thicken mucus and further aggravate congestion.

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and natural antihistamine. Its active compounds, like gingerols, can help relax airways, reduce inflammation in nasal passages, and alleviate congestion.

For some individuals, particularly those sensitive to dairy, milk can increase mucus production and inflammation, making nasal symptoms worse. If this is the case for you, consider switching to plant-based alternatives.

Yes, hot beverages like herbal teas and warm broths can be very helpful for congestion. The warmth and steam help to thin mucus and soothe an irritated throat, making it easier to breathe.

Juices rich in vitamin C, like orange, pineapple, and berry juice, are excellent for allergies. Unsweetened pineapple juice is particularly good because it contains bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties.