The best cold and allergy remedies for pregnant and nursing mamas

Allergies and colds are tough enough, but when you’re pregnant or nursing, your options for safe remedies and medications to treat them can feel extremely limited.

After five and a half years of treating colds and year-round seasonal allergies (thanks, Texas!) while pregnant and/or breastfeeding, I know how hard it can be to find safe, natural, and effective options. During this time I’ve sought out the expertise and experience of many doctors, midwives, naturopaths, and herbalists to build up an arsenal of safe options. Now I’m sharing them here with you!

And for a quick list of natural remedies, check out my amazon store of natural allergy remedies. Also check out my tips for beating cedar fever allergies and the 10 best natural cold and allergy remedies for kids.

Why choose natural? A note about conventional allergy medications for mamas

A recent study from the CDC determined that while antihistamines don’t appear to be linked to an increase in birth defects, “researchers need to study certain antihistamine medications further to determine if they increase the risk for birth defects.” Well, that’s not super reassuring, is it?

In additional to the many contraindicated cold and allergy medications such as decongestants during pregnancy or nursing, there are others, including more natural ingredients, that are also problematic. For instance, menthol, which is often found in cough drops, decongestant sprays, and even cold sore medicine, can reduce a nursing mother’s milk supply and reduce the effectiveness of homeopathics. With so many ingredients to watch out for, it’s understandable that Mayo Clinic among others often simply recommend saline nasal irrigation, rest, and exercise as the first line of defense for pregnant women to ease allergy symptoms.

I am someone who believes wholeheartedly in the power of natural remedies for preventative care and wellness, and I also believe in using the tools of modern medicine to treat infection and serious illness. However, it’s critical to know that every conventional medication works by taking the place of one of the body’s naturally-occurring regulating chemicals in order to readjust an imbalance. But because the body often uses the same chemical to regulate more than one process, a medication can disrupt another process in the body. This is why all medications have side effects.

When my son was a few months old, my allergies flared up and I was miserable. Despite everything I was trying, my symptoms weren’t improving and it was disturbing my sleep, so I starting taking Zyrtec. After a few days, I realized a correlation between the medication and my son’s sudden shift into frequent fussiness and waking multiple times per night. As soon as I stopped taking it, his behavior returned to normal. I had a similar situation when he was six months old, and the same thing happened. At nine months old, he didn’t show any reaction, so I took it for a couple days until my symptoms improved and switched back to my natural options.

Leaning on natural remedies will serve you the majority of the time so that you can use conventional medications only when necessary and not as your first line of defense. As you try some natural options outside of your comfort zone, their safety and effectiveness will empower you to try more, until one day you’re feeling a little under the weather and your medicine cabinet has an arsenal of safe and effective natural treatments you need to stay healthy and avoid the side effects and risks of medications.

The best natural allergy and cold remedies for mamas

Natural cold and allergy medications support your body’s own ability to fight infection and allergens. Think of them as tools and boosters for what your body already knows what to do. I continue to use each and every one of these tools to help me fight off allergens and colds starting when I feel that first tickle in my throat.

Immune-boosting

• Cold-eeze– These zinc lozenges have knocked out many a “scratchy throat” after just one or two. Zinc is supposed to work my preventing the rhinovirus (the cause of most colds) from multiplying. This is one of the best things to take when you first feel a bit run down.
• Organic elderberry gummies are awesome because they work as a daily immune-boosting herb as well as for intensive immune support and are easy to take.
• Organic elderberry syrup is good to have on hand, too and tends to be less expensive. The syrup is safe for toddlers and most gummies are ok, too.
• Vitamin C– I like the Whole Foods brand Buffered Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids. These are small pills that don’t cause upset stomach issues, and I like that it’s a whole-food vitamin that requires multiple doses with food.
• Fire cider– Fire cider is a spicy tonic often made with apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, onion, and herbs and is used to boost the immune system, prevent and fight off colds and flu, as well as other benefits. I like locally-made fire cider, and I tend to buy one or two jars of this from Priya herbals in the winter and intense allergy seasons.
• Thieves– This Young Living blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils known to neutralize bacterial and viral pathogens. Many people apply it to their wrists, back of neck, or bottom of feet to prevent colds. It’s also effective to diffuse it in the air.

Multi-symptom allergy remedies

• Sublingual immunotherapy allergy blends– These work in a similar way to allergy shots, and the idea is that they gradually help your body build a tolerance to the allergen. One of my favorites is Allergena Allergy Relief Zone 5 (Texas) blend because it can relieve symptoms within an hour! These are usually in dropper form and you place several drops under your tongue for several seconds. I also love the Priya herbals allergy blend because it’s locally made from organic and wild-harvested ingredients.
• Quercenase is a potent blend of quercetin and bromelain, combining the best of these immune boosting and respiratory-supporting herbs. This stuff is solid gold (and is practically as pricey as gold, so I use only when I need extra support, such as in my worst allergy season).
• Gemmotherapy – I use an allergy blend for pregnant/nursing mamas of gemmotherapy, which is essentially extracts made from plant stem cells. This is very popular in Europe and is starting to gain a following here in the states. I buy mine from an expert in gemmotherapy, Lauren Huebele.
• Improve your air quality by using a high-quality air purifier in your bedroom and changing your HVAC filters more frequently.

Sneezing and runny nose

• Saline nasal spray – Do this every morning, night, and as needed as a quick and easy way to flush out pollen, dander, and pathogens from your sinus cavities.
• NeilMed Sinus Rinse– This is hands-down the first line of defense when I’m starting to feel that saline misting isn’t doing the job. Rinse out those allergens and prevent congestion before it happens!
• Crane Adorable humidifier– Using a humidifier on low at night in your room can help keep the nasal passages moist, preventing congestion and infection. These humidifiers are simple, especially cute for little ones, and easier to clean than the drop-shaped ones.

Sore throat

• Ricola HoneyLemon with Echinacea– Echinacea is another safe cold-preventative that works best at the onset of a cold. Only natural herbs in these cough drops, and they actually work! Love love love these!
• Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Tea– Such an excellent fix to a sore throat, especially with some raw honey at the end of the day.
• Traditional Medicinals Echinacea with Elderberry Tea– Excellent tasting sicknesss-fighting tea. This stuff is potent and has definitely knocked out a cold for me before it got started.
• Raw Wildflower Honey– Put this in everything! Even though raw honey is not safe for babies under 1, all honey is safe for pregnant and nursing mamas.

Red and itchy eyes

• Similasan Allergy Eye Relief Drops– I used these daily during my allergy seasons and they are safe enough that you can use multiple times if your symptoms are stubborn.

• Similasan Redness & Itchy Eye Relief Drops– These are another effective option for eyes that have become extremely red or irritated from itching and rubbing.

Congestion

• Sovereign Silver– Colloidal silver is one of the most ancient remedies still used today to treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It’s essentially silver particles (made from mushrooms) suspended in liquid. The Sovereign Silver brand is the gold standard. I’ve purchased the liquid dropper and the spray form, and I prefer the dropper as it’s easier to dispense when the bottle gets low. However, the spray is awesome to spritz in your nose to help with congestion! Sounds weird but it’s magic.

• Sinupret– This is a common herbal sinus support remedy in Europe that my homeopathic practitioner recommender to me while pregnant. While the packaging warns against use in pregnancy and breast feeding for liability reasons, a study was performed that determined no known risk in pregnancy. However, the infant risk hotline did warn of potential fussiness while nursing, and sure enough, that did happen for my baby when nursing so I haven’t tried it recently.

• Sinusalia– Homeopathic sinus remedy recommended by my homeopath that helps temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pain.

Insomnia and restlessness

• Midnite– My midwife approved this low-dose (1.5 mg) melatonin for use for sleep in my third-trimester and for nursing. When I was pregnant, I found it still very effective when I cut it in half (.75 mg) or into fourths (.375 mg).
• Maty’s baby chest rub– Free of menthol and safe for mom and baby.

Pain and inflammation

• Turmeric Supreme– Turmeric is an incredible anti-inflammatory, probably the best natural option I’ve found. The safety of turmeric supplements for pregnancy and nursing is debated by health professionals. My midwife who is an incredible herbalist cleared it but simply had me limit the amount I take daily while pregnant and nursing. With this particular brand, I take one pill 2x day for for sinus pain, too.
• I also recommend the Gaia Herbs turmeric blend for allergies.

Upset stomach

• Papaya enzyme– Papaya is known as the “tree of health” in South American countries, and it’s for good reason given its incredible ability to ease digestive distress and heartburn. I take this even when not ill, simply for mild upset heartburn or indigestion and it works immediately.
• George’s Aloe Juice– Safe for mom and baby. Aloe juice helps with upset tummies, indigestion, and also constipation. This brand is tasteless (tastes like water!) and our whole family loves it.

Cough

• Loquat syrup has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat coughs and it’s safe for the whole family.
• Boiron Chestal Honey Adult Cough Syrup is another one that is soothing for irritating coughs from drainage.

Lower-risk conventional allergy medications

• Flonase– Pregnancy category C. Many doctors consider it safe to use with severe allergies for pregnancy and breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability of the drug in plasma levels.
• Zyrtec– Pregnancy category B. Acceptable for limited use as it is unlikely to cause issues in pregnancy and nursing but limited studies have been done.
• Benydryl– Pregnancy category B. Acceptable for small and infrequent doses for severe allergy reactions for both pregnancy and nursing.

Resources to check the safety of medications

As I am just a wellness writer and mom with experience using and researching medications, you should always consult with a medical professional before beginning any natural or conventional treatment of allergy or cold symptoms.

• Your pediatrician, OB/GYN, midwife or pharmacist.
• Kelly mom – An excellent resource for all things breastfeeding, especially on topics of the safety of foods, remedies, and medications.
• Infant Risk Center: (*During the Covid-19 crisis, their team is available by chat via their website only.) Call their helpline (806) 352-2519 Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm CT and the on-call nurse will check the safety of any medication or natural remedy in their database for pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s an excellent resource I’ve used myself at the recommendation of my lactation consultant who frequently uses this for her clients, too!
• Pub Med– Over 29 million citations of articles and studies done from biomedical literature.

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To get all of these natural remedies and more in one place, check out my amazon store of natural allergy remedies. And for more wellness tips, check out how I beat cedar fever allergies and the 10 best natural cold and allergy remedies for kids that our family uses.

What are your favorite ways to treat allergy symptoms? Is there anything on this list that surprises you or that you might consider trying?

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