There are about 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies. Many rely on drugs and sprays for relief.

However, medications have mixed results (for example, only alleviate some of the symptoms), are often expensive, and usually come with side effects, such as drowsiness , fatigue and nasal irritation.

A number of natural alternatives are proven to be effective in controlling allergy. Many prevent allergic reaction before it occurs.

Lifestyle changes

Avoid using window fans to cool rooms so that pollen won’t be pulled indoors. Keep windows closed while driving and limit your time outdoors during allergy season.

Nasal Flushing

A little saltwater can rinse away pollen and alleviate allergy symptoms and other sinus congestion. Do it at least a couple of times a day during allergy season.

You can either use your cupped hands to rinse sinuses, or a Neti pot (see image), which is a small vessel that has been used in India for thousands of years to rinse sinuses.

Immunotherapy

Allergy shots help build immunity gradually, often take 3-5 years.

Sublingual immunotherapy involves putting small dose of allergen under the tongue for 2 minutes and then swallow. It has been widely used in the U.K., but hasn’t been approved in the U.S..

Also see Natural Remedies for Allergy (2). Read more, go here.