It’s that time of year again, when the pollen fills the air and the sunshine brings with it sneezing, sniffing, coughing and red eyes. Allergy season in the spring and summer is uncomfortable for millions of Americans. You experience an allergic reaction when your immune system fights against a substance it believes is dangerous – in this case, pollen or another irritant like pet fur. The reaction produces the symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion.

If you’re looking for a natural way to ease allergy symptoms, try these ideas:

Herbs that Help Ease Allergy Symptoms

If you’re looking to relieve allergy symptoms without paying a visit to the pharmacy, give these herbal remedies a try. Several studies have shown they have the power of antihistamines without the side effects.

• Butterbur. This natural remedy is said to be just as effective as an antihistamine but without the drowsiness you get when you take an anti-allergy medication. Butterbur is available in capsule form and helps to block the release of histamines.
• Quercetin. This flavonoid is present in fruit, wine, and vegetables but it is best if you use a supplement to get the allergy-reducing benefits. Quercetin blocks the release of histamine and can help to prevent a runny nose or irritated sinuses.
• Bromelain. This natural substance may help to lower the impact of nasal swelling and nasal irritation. It can also assist in thinning mucus, which helps to ease congestion associated with allergies.
• Extract of stinging nettle. It may not sound likely, but an extract of the leaf of the stinging nettle can reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Try to take this supplement at the beginning of an allergy attack.
• Other herbs that may help reduce problems associated with allergies include goldenseal, grape seed extract, vitamin C, Echinacea, cat’s claw, and pine bark extract.

Considerations

Be careful when you are taking herbal remedies for allergies because sometimes they may interact with other medications to produce side effects. If in doubt, check with your doctor. It is best if you take some of the remedies before pollen season starts so you can try to prevent the worst of the allergic reaction. Other remedies to try include locally produced honey, and saline irrigation of the nostrils with a specially designed Neti pot.