Allergy Treatment: 10 Ways to Naturally Relieve Allergies (PHOTOS)

Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and coughing are all signs that allergy season has arrived, and it's hitting harder than ever, with experts predicting this will be the worst allergy season in a decade. While many sufferers typically reach for an arsenal of over-the-counter or prescription medications to fend off symptoms, others may be bothered by the potential side effects or unable to take some due to certain medical conditions. The good news is you may be able to treat your worst allergy symptoms without medication.

Supplements and lifestyle strategies may promise relief. But be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they may interact with other medications you're taking, says Roberta Lee, M.D., vice chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center and author of "The Superstress Solution." In addition, read the box for the appropriate dosage and take according to the directions or as instructed by your doctor.

Read on for AOL Health's expert's picks for natural allergy relief.

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To keep pesky pollen, grass and other allergens at bay, keep your windows closed in the morning and at dusk, when allergens are at their peak. Avoid exercising during those times, as well. "If you're running at that time of day, you're basically inoculating yourself," says Lee. Take a shower after being outside to scrub off pollen and other allergens. Same goes for Fido. Give your pets a good washing so they're not dragging pollen into the house. More from AOL Health: Spring Cleaning for Allergy Sufferers Surprising Side Effects of Allergy Medication Worst Allergy Season in 10 Years

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To keep pesky pollen, grass and other allergens at bay, keep your windows closed in the morning and at dusk, when allergens are at their peak. Avoid exercising during those times, as well.

"If you're running at that time of day, you're basically inoculating yourself," says Lee.

Take a shower after being outside to scrub off pollen and other allergens. Same goes for Fido. Give your pets a good washing so they're not dragging pollen into the house.


More from AOL Health:
Spring Cleaning for Allergy Sufferers
Surprising Side Effects of Allergy Medication
Worst Allergy Season in 10 Years

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Comments

[schnauzergirl]

02:12 PM on 12/01/2010

"All natural" does not equal "safe" or "side effect free". Most just ease symptoms, and not actually target the allergic response. Most are not regulated by the FDA so their interactions with other prescription medication (antibiotics, heart meds, blood pressure, etc) are often either unknown or just not really published much. Also since they are unregulated there may be other active chemicals in the plant that if not removed can cause harm. Do your research beofre trying any new regimin.

[Retrofuturistic]

07:53 PM on 11/28/2010

Speaking of allergies, I just went to Starbuck's and ate the lemon pound cake. Now I am having a major respiratory fit, which none of my allergy pills are relieving. I called Starbuck's and asked them to read me the ingredients, and wouldn't you know--- "natural flavors", aka MSG. Grrrrrrrr.

Maybe it's a blessing. The universe is refusing to allow me to eat any processed food whatsoever.... I am being forced to live on organic meat, brown rice, beans, nuts, organic veg and fruit. Apparently, I'm allergic to everything else on the planet, esp. genetically engineered soy and corn, which is in 90% of all processed food. Grrrrrrr.

[onwisconsin]

09:45 PM on 12/01/2010

Welcome to my world. It's a pain living here but the food's healthier for you. At least that's what I tell myself.

[Jdaddy1951]

07:23 AM on 11/28/2010

I was with it until the last suggestion: "Avoid Stress." Impossible.

[Katerbee]

07:27 PM on 11/27/2010

I suffer from sinus headaches frequently and I prefer using peppermint oil...in liquid form to inhale and clear my sinuses or a hard candy to help with the nausea from post nasal drip. Using a saline rinse is very helpful to keep the sinus passages moist.

[Trittydi]

04:20 PM on 11/27/2010

No adult should be taking less than 5,000 iU of vitamin D3 daily.

Water is more Toxic than Vitamin D3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oc2Od7Yytk&feature=related

The Real Story on Vitamin VD3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeg-5NDyJ84&videos=WpOWau4RC_U

Why Governments are selling VD3 short:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/11180df8-beaa-11de-b4ab-00144feab49a.html

Two nonprofit Vitamin D3 advocacy agencies:
www.vitamindcouncil.org
www.grassrootshealth.net
*

[BlueZoo]

01:38 PM on 11/27/2010

Total rubbish! I've tried well over half of these "remedies" and they didn't work! There are some of us who have extreme reactions to seasonal allergies and we are forever thankful for the drugs that are available to help us. I would be bedridden for weeks without them!

[Jdaddy1951]

07:22 AM on 11/28/2010

Kind of an overreaction on your part. Just because it doesn't work for you doesn't mean that they wouldn't work for others with less extreme allergies.

[BlueZoo]

11:08 AM on 11/28/2010

Yes, you are right in that these remedies are not a one-size-fits-all cure; however, I am not overreacting to an article that may not say but directly implies that there's something wrong with those who don't try the suggestions. I believe I am simply fed up with all of these types of articles touting remedies, exercises, meditation, etc., and omit the very fact that there are drugs that are helpful for certain people. I am one of those darned fool people who avoids drugs if at all possible and it puts my doctor in despair; however, when you get to the point of not being able to see because your eyes are swollen shut and you can't breathe because the nasal passages are so swollen, you do tend to listen to your doctor and take the drugs. Just once, it would be helpful if these authors would acknowledge that!

[chaapai]

02:17 AM on 11/27/2010

I like the Neil Med sinus rinse bottles better. More aggressive. It gets a deeper clean. I make my own rinse by adding 1/2- to- 1 tsp of salt and a tiny pinch of baking soda. Shake it up and use it as you would the premade stuff. I use 8 bottles at a time, twice a day. So it was getting very expensive. Then, when its really bad I add some oregano oil to the bottle.

Sinus Busters has been helpful. But its pretty expensive.

[redstateblues69]

01:08 AM on 11/26/2010

They failed to mention adrenal gland. I used to run fevers all summer long until I read a book written by a fellow sufferer. You get it at the health food store. It stimulates your own adrenal glands which fights off the symptoms. Been using it for over 20 years, take it every day. No more suffering.

[Vivian Alicia Evans]

12:57 AM on 11/28/2010

Do remember the name of the book or the author?

[redstateblues69]

11:31 AM on 11/28/2010

Don't remember the author but the book is GOODBYE ALLERGIES.  He talked about adrenal-cortex but I find adrenal works well. It's cow gland so it's not for vegetarians. There are also herbal compounds. Check the health food store. I have to take it every day. I'm allergic to everything.

[Ken Kinstle]

10:27 PM on 11/25/2010

These are great tips to reduce the allergens present. Some of the problems with over the counter and prescription medicines is that they have many side effects and our bodies build a resistance to them.
I have talked with many people who are feeling much better and reducing their symptoms with a all natural product Nopalea. It reduces the inflammation and allows clearer breathing.
It is worth a look and is helping many.

Ken
http://sonoranbloomnopaleanow.com