We all know the side effects resulting from allergy medicine, but what are those supposed to do who suffer from allergies? Do you take the medicine and suffer the side effects, like restlessness or drowsiness or skip it and live with the allergy symptoms, like runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes?

Here are some alternatives to try that don’t have side effects. Now they may not be as powerful in combatting your symptoms as “medicine” and you may have to take them longer to get results, but to forego the side effects may be worth a try. 

Butterbur: Yes it sounds like something from Harry Potter, but Butterbur is actually a plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Extracts from the roots, leaves, and flowers have been used traditionally to treat headaches, and coughs due to asthma, allergies, and infections. Specific constituents have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies, like those found in antihistamines. Studies have found that an extract from butterbur root can effectively prevent migraines and can reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergies.

Licorice root: Not to be confused with “licorice” candy (which contains anise), this herb contains a natural steroid that reduces cough and inflammation. Be careful though, as it can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) if you take licorice root for more than 2 weeks. Like many herbs for allergies, the licorice root has been used for a long time to for allergy relief.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C in high doses can have a dramatic effect in improving allergy symptoms, particularly hay fever and asthma, due to it’s ability to counteract the inflammation responses that are part of such conditions. You can take this in tablets or load up on natural forms, like citrus.

Quercetin. Found in wine, tea, and some fruits and vegetables, quercetin may work as a mast cell stabilizer. It helps block the release of histamine that causes inflammation.

Remember, these have no FDA approval and certain doses are not specified. If you are interested in trying any of these, I’d suggest speaking with your alternative practitioner or going by your natural health store to get some professional advice. Make sure you can tolerate the herbal supplement before taking any large does as well.