8 Soothing Drinks To Relieve Allergies: Evidence-Based Choices
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Sep 26, 2025
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Sep 26, 2025
Hey!
Has nonstop sneezing, itchy eyes, or a stuffy nose caught you off guard? These symptoms are caused by allergies that can turn even the best days into a struggle. However, the right drink might bring you soothing relief.
Why do allergies cause discomfort?
Allergies occur when your body overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. This immune response can lead to inflammation, increased mucus production, and disruption of your body's immune balance.
Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, congestion, and watery eyes, which can worsen without proper management.
Top Allergy Drinks for Allergy Relief
When allergies flare up, your body releases histamines that can cause inflammation and irritation. Staying hydrated is essential, and choosing the right beverages can:
- Flush out toxins and mucus
- Soothe irritated airways and throat.
- Reduce histamine activity naturally
- Boost immunity against allergens.
1. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is often regarded as a magical remedy for allergies. The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, can help relax airway muscles, reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, soothe a sore throat caused by irritation, and help alleviate congestion.
Additionally, ginger acts as a natural antihistamine, helping to reduce the body's overreaction to allergens. Therefore, drinking ginger tea is always beneficial for alleviating common allergy symptoms.
Best Time to Drink: Mid-morning or early afternoon.
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a natural decongestant, opening clogged nasal passages and improving breath quality. It also acts as an expectorant, thinning mucus and making breathing easier.
Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and mild antihistamine properties of peppermint can soothe sore throats and may reduce the histamine response. Savor a warm cup of peppermint tea to help alleviate allergy-related congestion and feel refreshed.
Best Time to Drink: After meals to support digestion and easy breathing.
3. Honey Lemon Water
Warm honey and lemon water is one of the popular drinks for allergy sufferers. It is valued for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Honey soothes the throat while lemon helps break down mucus, making it easier to expel and easing overall discomfort.
Honey, especially raw honey and locally sourced honey, may help your body adapt to local pollen by exposing it to small traces of allergens in a gentle way. Lemon, on the other hand, contains vitamin C, which helps lower histamine levels in the body and strengthens the immune system.
Best Time to Drink: In the morning on an empty stomach.
4. Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea
Tulsi is a revered herb in traditional medicine, known for its ability to boost immunity and reduce oxidative stress. When you drink tulsi tea for allergies, it helps reduce the body's overactive immune response to allergens, reducing histamine levels that cause itching, congestion, and sneezing.
Drinking tulsi tea daily can strengthen the body's natural defenses, making it easier to manage seasonal allergies and environmental triggers.
Best Time to Drink: In the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening.
5. Turmeric Tea or Turmeric Milk
Turmeric tea or turmeric milk is a comforting beverage that helps fight allergy-related inflammation. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and also boosts immunity. Whether you drink turmeric tea or turmeric milk, it helps calm irritated airways and reduce inflammation in the nose and throat.
Additionally, turmeric's warming effect also supports the breakdown of mucus, making breathing easier during allergy flare-ups.
Best Time to Drink: Evening or before bed.
6. Clear Warm Broth
Hydration from broths is also beneficial for allergy relief. Vegetable broth and plant-based broths can help strengthen the immune system and may support the body's response to allergens.
Consuming warm broths helps soothe irritation and promote comfort during episodes of allergy-induced congestion. This makes them an ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Best Time to Drink: Morning or evening.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Drinking apple cider vinegar for allergies can help balance the body's pH, reduce mucus buildup, and support the immune system in fighting allergens.
The beneficial enzymes and minerals in the drink may improve gut health. A healthy gut may reduce the body's reaction to allergens.
Best Time to Drink: Morning to an empty stomach or before meals.
8. Besan Milk (Chickpea Flour Milk)
Besan milk is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is a nourishing drink when your body is dealing with allergies. From soothing a sore throat to reducing irritation caused by coughing and supporting overall recovery from cold-like symptoms, it does it all.
The warmth of the drink also helps clear nasal passages and keeps you hydrated, which is essential during allergy flare-ups.
Best Time to Drink: evening or before bed.
3 Quick Homemade Recipes for Allergy-Relief Drinks
Mint Tea
- Boil mint leaves in water for 5 minutes
- Steep, Strain
- Enjoy
Tulsi Tea
- Steep fresh leaves in hot water.
- Strain
- Drink
Ginger Shots
- Blend fresh ginger, lemon, and honey.
- Add a pinch of turmeric
- Strain
- Take 1-2 ounce shots.
Tips
- Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages during allergy season to prevent symptom worsening.
- While these drinks can alleviate runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing, always consult a doctor for persistent or severe allergies.
Experiencing Allergy Symptoms? Book Your Allergy Test with Redcliffe Labs Today!
With winter approaching, allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose often become more prevalent. These drinks may provide relief, but to identify your exact triggers and manage them effectively in the long term, consider getting yourself tested.
Booking an allergy test with Redcliffe Labs can help you identify the triggers and take the first step toward relief. Our comprehensive testing, advanced lab facilities, convenient home sample collection, accurate results, and expert guidance make managing allergies easier and more precise.
Our popular allergy tests include:
The total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test checks the overall level of IgE antibodies in your blood. IgE helps cause allergic reactions, and high levels could indicate you're more likely to develop allergies.
This is a comprehensive allergy testing panel that checks for 107 different allergens, encompassing food, inhalants (such as pollen, dust, and pet dander), and skin allergens.
Conclusion
Ginger, peppermint, tulsi, turmeric, honey lemon water, clear broth, apple cider vinegar, and besan milk are some effective drinks that can help with allergies. They taste good and can make you feel better.
Try adding them to your day to see if they help. People have used them for a long time, and doctors believe they may be good for you.
FAQs
- Can these drinks replace medication for allergies?
No. These drinks cannot replace prescribed medications for allergies. They can only help relieve mild symptoms, such as a sore throat or sneezing. Always follow your doctor's advice to prevent worsening symptoms.
- How often should I drink these beverages during allergy season?
You can drink these beverages once or twice a day to help soothe symptoms and support your immune system. Remember, consistency is key, as consuming the drink regularly may help minimize discomfort and improve overall relief.
- Are these drinks safe for children?
Yes. Most of these drinks are safe for children when consumed in moderation. Do not give honey to children under 1 year, and consistently follow a pediatrician's advice to avoid complications.
- Can I drink these if I have other health conditions?
Always consult a doctor before drinking these allergy drinks, especially if you have chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or gastrointestinal issues. Some ingredients, such as ginger, honey, or apple cider vinegar, may interact with certain medications and cause health issues.
- How long does it take to feel relief after drinking these beverages?
It depends. Some effects, such as easing congestion or soothing a sore throat, may be felt instantly after drinking allergy beverages. However, other benefits, such as improved immunity or reduced histamine response, may take days of consistent use.
- Can I mix more than one drink in a day?
Yes, but avoid overconsumption. Too much intake of allergy drinks can cause stomach upset, digestive problems, or mild nausea. Consult your doctor about the total number of allergy-relief beverages you consume, ensuring you get the benefits without any side effects.
- Is raw honey more effective than regular honey for allergies?
Yes. Raw or locally sourced honey may help your body adapt to local pollen more effectively. Eating in moderation may gradually reduce allergy symptoms over time.
- Can these drinks prevent seasonal allergies?
No. These drinks cannot completely prevent allergic reactions. These beverages may support immunity and reduce symptoms, making it easier for your body to cope with allergens.
