Ah spring, that time of the year that many of us look forward to for many reasons.  Spring signifies new beginnings, longer days, and no longer having to leave home wearing layers upon layers of clothing.

That’s right, spring is also prime time for allergies!

Allergies are caused by an “overreaction of the immune system to certain substances or environmental triggers, such as pollen and dust mites.” Allergic Rhinitis, of which the seasonal type is called hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air.  Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes.

For many, the path to relief begins with the rattle of a pill bottle — and that’s perfectly OK.

But there are other, more natural options that may be worth a try.

Below are some herbs, foods, and other natural remedies that could help lessen your seasonal allergies.* You don’t have to wait until you start to get symptoms to start taking these; The sooner you take them, the more your body will be prepared.

*If you have an underlying condition, taking other medications or herbal medicines, it is always best to talk to your healthcare provider before.

Stinging Nettle

 Nettle leaf not contains natural antihistamines, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.

Butterbur

Butterbur extract contains petasins. Petasins could help with allergies by inhibiting leukotriene production. Leukotrienes cause inflammation and constricting of the airway muscles. It can also cause the body to produce excess mucus and fluid.

Licorice Root

Licorice Root has the ability to reduce inflammation and improve the mucous membrane health.

Yerba Santa

Yerba Santa is useful in clearing out the mucus caused by allergies and ridding the body of perpetually congested sinuses.

Ginger Root

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it been known to work against allergies. A 2016 animal study showed ginger suppressed production of certain cytokines that cause mast cell activation, thereby leading to prevention and alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Turmeric Root

The active component of turmeric is curcumin, a polyphenolic phytochemical, with anti-inflammatory, antiamyloid, antiseptic, antitumor, and antioxidative properties. Curcumin was reported to have antiallergic properties with inhibitory effect on histamine release from mast cells.

Local Honey

Consuming small amounts of honey from the same area you live in can assist with boosting your body’s capacity to handle allergens present in the atmosphere.

Nasal Rinses

Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose. Studies have shown that Nasal irrigation as an adjunctive treatment in allergic rhinitis.

Foods high in Quercetin

Quercetin calms immune cells, preventing or reducing their release of histamines-the substances that cause allergy symptoms.

Here is a list of 100 Foods high in Quercetin.

Homeopathic Medicines

Homeopathy, also called homeopathic medicine, is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that uses very small amounts of natural substances. Homeopathic products are often made as sugar pellets to be placed under the tongue; they may also be in other forms, such as ointments, gels, drops, creams, and tablets.

Here are a few homeopathic medicines that could help alleviate seasonal allergies:

Allium Cepa

Euphrasia Officinalis

Histaminum Hydrochloricum

Galphimia Glauca

Natrum Muriaticum