When spring arrives, so does pollen season.

For many families, that means runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and kids who suddenly seem miserable whenever they step outside.

Seasonal allergies are incredibly common, especially during the months when trees, grasses, and flowers begin releasing pollen into the air.

While many people rely on over-the-counter medications, herbal traditions have long used gentle plant remedies to help support the body during allergy season.

Instead of trying to suppress symptoms, many herbs work by helping calm irritated tissues, supporting healthy inflammatory balance, and encouraging the body to respond more comfortably to environmental allergens.

Below are three gentle herbs that many herbalists turn to during spring allergy season.

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Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle is one of the most widely used herbs for seasonal allergies. This nutrient-dense plant contains natural compounds that help support the body’s histamine balance and calm inflammation triggered by environmental allergens like pollen.

Many herbalists like to begin using nettle before allergy season fully peaks to help the body respond more comfortably to pollen exposure.

One of the easiest ways to take nettle regularly is as a tincture.

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Nettle Tincture Recipe

A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract that allows the beneficial compounds of a plant to be taken in very small doses.

Ingredients

1 cup dried nettle leaf
2 cups 80–100 proof vodka or brandy
Glass jar with lid

Instructions

1. Fill a clean glass jar about halfway with dried nettle leaf.

2. Pour alcohol over the herbs until they are fully submerged.

3. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place.

4. Shake the jar gently every few days.

5. Allow the tincture to extract for 4–6 weeks.

6. Strain the herbs out using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.

7. Store the finished tincture in amber dropper bottles.

Tinctures are typically taken in very small amounts and are easy to incorporate into a daily routine during allergy season.

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Where to Find High Quality Nettle

If you'd like to make your own tincture, you can find high-quality dried nettle leaf here:

👉 [Shop Organic Dried Nettle Leaf]

All herbs used in The Natural Mama Co. are carefully sourced and packed in small batches.

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Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is widely known for its calming properties, but it is also a powerful anti-inflammatory herb.

During allergy season, pollen exposure can irritate tissues in the sinuses and respiratory tract. Chamomile helps soothe these tissues while also supporting relaxation.

For kids, chamomile is one of the easiest herbs to use because it has a mild flavor and is naturally gentle.

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Chamomile Tea Recipe

Chamomile tea is simple to make and can be enjoyed warm during allergy flare-ups.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
1 cup hot water

Instructions

1. Place dried chamomile flowers in a tea infuser or directly in a mug.

2. Pour hot water over the flowers.

3. Cover the mug and allow to steep for 10–15 minutes.

4. Strain if needed and enjoy.

Chamomile tea can be served warm and lightly sweetened with honey if desired.

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Where to Find Chamomile

To make chamomile tea at home, you can use high-quality dried chamomile flowers.

👉 [Shop Organic Chamomile Flowers]

Loose leaf chamomile offers a much stronger and more aromatic tea compared to typical tea bags.

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Elderflower (Sambucus nigra

Elderflower has been used in herbal traditions for centuries to support the respiratory system.

Unlike elderberries, which are commonly used during cold and flu season, elderflowers are often used during seasonal allergies and sinus congestion.

Elderflower supports healthy sinus function and helps the body respond to environmental irritants like pollen.

For children, elderflower is often best used in syrups or gummies, which makes herbs easier and more enjoyable to take.

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Elderflower Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup dried elderflowers
3 cups water
1 cup raw honey

Instructions

1. Combine elderflowers and water in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20–30 minutes.

4. Strain the herbs out.

5. Allow the liquid to cool slightly.

6. Stir in raw honey.

7. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

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Elderflower Gummy Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup elderflower syrup
3 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin

Instructions

1. Warm the elderflower syrup gently in a saucepan.

2. Sprinkle gelatin slowly over the liquid while whisking.

3. Stir until completely dissolved.

4. Pour into silicone molds.

5. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm.

Kids love herbal gummies and they are an easy way to incorporate herbs into a daily routine.

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Where to Find Elderflowers

If you'd like to make elderflower syrup or gummies, you can find dried elderflowers here:

👉 [Shop Dried Elderflowers]

These flowers are beautifully aromatic and perfect for syrups, teas, and traditional herbal preparations.

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Supporting Kids Naturally During Allergy Season

Seasonal allergies can make spring uncomfortable for many children, but gentle herbal remedies offer simple ways to support their bodies during this time.

Nettle, chamomile, and elderflower are three herbs that herbal traditions have relied on for generations to help support the body during pollen season.

By incorporating herbs into teas, tinctures, syrups, or gummies, families can build simple routines that help kids feel more comfortable while enjoying the outdoors.

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Raw Honey:

A Traditional Allergy Season Staple

Unlike highly processed honey commonly found in grocery stores, raw honey is unheated and unfiltered, meaning it retains naturally occurring enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, and trace minerals produced by honeybees during the honey-making process.

Elderberries are naturally rich in anthocyanins, the deep purple plant compounds responsible for their color. These powerful antioxidants help support the body during times of seasonal stress and environmental exposure.

When elderberries are slowly infused into raw honey, the berries release these compounds into the honey, creating a preparation that can be enjoyed by the spoonful, stirred into tea, or added to warm drinks.

Because honey naturally preserves herbs, it also makes this preparation shelf-stable, easy to use, and naturally appealing for kids.

[Shop Elderberry Honey]

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Chamomile Herbal Honey Recipe

This simple infused honey pairs beautifully with chamomile and can be used in teas or taken by the spoonful.

Ingredients

½ cup dried chamomile flowers
2 cups raw honey

Instructions

1. Place dried chamomile flowers in a clean glass jar.

2. Gently warm the honey just enough to make it pourable (do not boil).

3. Pour honey over the herbs until fully covered.

4. Stir gently to remove air bubbles.

5. Seal the jar and allow the mixture to infuse for 1–2 weeks.

6. Strain if desired or leave the herbs in for stronger flavor.

This herbal honey is wonderful stirred into chamomile tea during allergy season.

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Where to Find Local Raw Honey

If you're looking for high-quality local honey, I love supporting small beekeepers like Bees in the Burbs.

Their honey is locally harvested, minimally processed, and packed with the rich floral flavor that only small-batch honey provides.

👉 Bees in the Burbs Honey

Supporting local honey producers also helps support healthy pollinator populations and sustainable beekeeping.

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You can also find the dried herbs used in these recipes here:

• [Shop Dried Nettle Leaf]
• [Shop Chamomile Flowers]
• [Shop Elderflowers]

All herbs from The Natural Mama Co. are packed in small batches and carefully sourced for quality.

Final Thoughts

Spring should be a season for exploring nature, running through fields, and enjoying sunshine.

Herbal traditions remind us that many of the plants growing around us have been used for centuries to support health in gentle and meaningful ways.

Sometimes the simplest herbs are the ones that make the biggest difference.