Spring is here and so are those pesky allergies.

I love to spend time in the garden watering plants, pruning and planting various new things to enjoy. Unfortunately itchy, watery eyes, painful sinus pressure and headaches have interrupted my gardening hobby. I am very familiar with the available over the counter allergy medicines that can relieve my symptoms but I have always been reluctant to use them because of the annoying side effects.

I figured there must be a better more natural way to relieve my symptoms so I started searching. In my search for natural/ home remedies I was amazed to find out that there are an abundance of ways to relive allergy symptoms Things like drinking herbal tea, taking herbal/ mineral supplements and using aromatherapy are just a few inexpensive, natural ways I found to relieve allergy symptoms.

If you have head or chest congestion eucalyptus, thyme and mint are great for easing congestion. You can simply soak an ounce of either eucalyptus or thyme in a cup of boiling water and inhale the steam to relieve symptoms or you can enjoy a cup of your favorite mint tea to loosen your congestion. The warmth of hot tea is great for chest/ nasal congestion and you can even add a touch of honey or lemon to the tea for extra relive.

Did you know that you have some useful allergy remedies in your kitchen that you probably didn’t even know about? Garlic is used to relieve the congestion of colds and hay fever and Horseradish is used to clear up nasal and chest congestion.

Inflammation is one of the main symptoms of allergy sufferers. Licorice root is commonly used in Japan to relieve allergy related inflammation. Licorice root produces a hormone that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and is often used to restore normal breathing. Nettle is also used to relieve allergy related inflammation. It reduces inflammation of the sinuses and is a powerful antioxidant that aids in preventing allergy attacks and is rich in nutrients like iron, vitamin C, and chlorophyll. Suggested nettle dosages are 250 mg three times daily on an empty stomach.

Other allergy remedies include Echinacea, Yerba mate, and wild angelica. Echinacea possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea also helps relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and is useful for sore throats and even acne. Yerba mate relieves allergic symptoms when taken orally. It is consumed much like tea but is also available in capsule form. To make a Yerba mate tea simply mix 2-3 teaspoons in 16 ounces of hot water. Yerba mate is best when taken on an empty stomach. Wild angelica is known for its ability to balance histamine levels and is used to relieve sinus discomfort. It can be consumed in a tea form by prepared by steeping 1 tsp (2 gm) in 1-cup water. Take 1 cup 2-3 times daily, between meals. Please note- you should not take wild angelica if you are pregnant.

Eyebright used to reduce hay fever symptoms (watery eyes and runny nose). Eyebright can be consumed in tea form or it can be used to rinse the eyes (this relieves itchiness). To make eyebright eye rinse either pick fresh eyebright or buy it in tea form. Make a strong tea then let the water cool. Once the mixture is cool bathe and rinses your eyes in the solution.

Don’t want to take a herb or supplement internally? Patchouli is an essential oil used in aromatherapy to relive allergy symptoms. Simply heat the oil and the aroma will work it’s magic!

Allergy symptoms are annoying and are often impossible to prevent but the good news is that you don’t have to just deal with the suffering. There are a number of natural remedies, supplements and methods that can relieve your symptoms so you can get out there and enjoy life.

For more information on the herbs discussed above visit:
http://www.emedicinal.com
http://www.holisticonline.com
http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/1menu.htm