3 Natural Ways to Fight Allergies in Southern Utah

Spring in Southern Utah is beautiful… right up until your nose starts running and your eyes feel like you rubbed them with sandpaper.

Between desert dust, juniper pollen, and whatever invisible particles the wind decides to fling across the red rocks, seasonal allergies are a real struggle for a lot of us. While over-the-counter medications can help, I always like to find some natural options to ease symptoms. Here are three natural approaches that people often use for allergy relief, starting with one that actually grows right here in Southern Utah.

If you’ve spent enough time hiking around the desert, you’ve probably walked past Ephedra viridis, better known locally as Brigham Tea or Mormon Tea.

This desert shrub grows naturally throughout the high desert of the Southwest, including Southern Utah’s rocky landscapes. Early settlers and Native American tribes brewed the plant’s stems into tea for respiratory relief and congestion.

The plant contains natural compounds similar to ephedrine that can help open airways and improve breathing. Historically, it has been used to support symptoms related to:

Because it acts as a mild bronchodilator, it may help reduce that tight, stuffy feeling that allergies often bring.

Traditionally, the stems are dried and brewed in hot water for about 10 minutes to make a tea. It tastes awful really. but it does work for me. If I add some local raw honey and a little creamer I can do it.

Important note: Even though it’s a natural plant, moderation is key. Like many herbs in the ephedra family, it can have stimulating effects and isn't recommended for everyone.

Still, it’s one of the most historically interesting local herbal remedies you’ll find in Southern Utah’s landscape.

This one is popular for a reason.

Consuming small amounts of local pollen over time may help your body become less reactive to it. Plus it's delicious!

Local honey also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may soothe irritated throats and sinuses during allergy season.

While research results are mixed, many people swear that taking a spoonful of raw honey daily during allergy season helps reduce symptoms.

Another widely used herbal option is Urtica dioica, commonly called stinging nettle.

Nettle has natural antihistamine properties that may help reduce the body’s allergic response. Many people use it in:

Some small studies suggest nettle may help with symptoms like sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion by helping regulate histamine release. I keep the herbal tea in my drawer at work for easy use.

 Just remember: natural remedies can still affect the body, so it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional before trying something new.

Your sinuses will thank you.