The 1 Drink to Sip to Soothe Seasonal Allergies

If you’re allergic to pollen or other blooming plants, you might have to take daily allergy medication.

But for the fatigue and grogginess that come with seasonal allergies? Coffee may help, says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with the Allergy & Asthma Network.

“Caffeine helps with sleepiness, as we all know, but it can also help with congestion,” says Dr. Parikh. Seasonal allergies can cause congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages and airways, causing coughing, a stuffy nose, and, in some cases, wheezing and shortness of breath, especially if you also have asthma.

But studies have found that caffeine can serve as a bronchodilator and is associated with better airway function in people with asthma and breathing issues.

The caffeine in coffee may help relieve the drowsiness caused by certain allergy medication, says Parikh. “Most allergy pills are antihistamines that make you sleepy. They help with symptoms, but a side effect of Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Xyzal, among others, is drowsiness,” says Parikh.

Of course, you can work with your allergist to find nondrowsy options or topical remedies like a nasal spray or eye drops. “Those are a good option if you’re very sensitive and sleepy from the allergy pills,” Parikh says. “But the caffeine definitely helps, too.”

Sipping hot coffee — and hot beverages in general — may also help open up your nasal passageways and relieve the congestion that comes with allergies and the common cold.

Try drinking half-caffeinated or decaf coffee if you’re sensitive but still want some of the benefits of a warm beverage for your allergy symptoms.

If coffee is not your thing, here are some other drinks that can help relieve congestion and soothe seasonal allergy symptoms.

Water

Tea

If you’re more of a savory person and have somewhat lost your appetite with your allergies or cold, try drinking broth or bone broth the same way you would tea, to get in some calories and improve congestion.

Orange Juice

Vitamin C is a natural powerhouse for our immune systems. Although there isn’t enough evidence to show that it can help with allergies specifically, it could help you stay hydrated. Try drinking fresh orange juice or eating other foods high in vitamin C, like strawberries, lemons, papaya, and kiwi.

• Reduce exposure to triggers by staying indoors on high-allergen days.
• Shower daily: Wash away allergens from skin and hair at the end of the day.
• Use an air purifier indoors.
• Rinse your sinuses with saline solution.

• Coffee may help relieve sinus pressure and congestion caused by seasonal allergies, plus drowsiness caused by some allergy medications.
• While some research has found that caffeine may help open your airways if you have asthma, more studies are needed on how caffeine affects your sinuses and allergic response in particular.
• Drinking plenty of water, juice, and decaffeinated herbal tea can help thin mucus, open your sinuses, and keep you hydrated throughout the day.
• Other allergy relief methods, like nasal spray and eye drops, can help relieve your symptoms.