Not only do OTC medicines cost a lot, but there are undeniably side effects you have to contend with. During this annoying and uncomfortable allergy ridden season, it may be a good time to add some alternative choices to your allergy regimen. Here are some natural alternatives you may want to try. Remember, these are not FDA approved so you are taking them without regulations. Ask the health food owners while you are browsing as they can offer good recommendations.

Stinging nettle relieves itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and respiratory symptoms, often within 15 minutes.  In clinical trials, many have reported that stinging nettle helps relieve their symptoms, many saying it was more effective than over-the-counter drugs without the side effects of OTC meds.

Butterbur has been shown in clinical trials to be as effective as Zyrtec, but without the side effects – it won’t make you drowsy.  Butterbur is a natural antihistamine and helps chronic hay fever sufferers as well as those suffering from occasional allergies.

Quercetin  is found in abundance in red wine and other sources, including apples, grapefruit, green vegetables, beans, onions,red grapes and tea, and you can also try supplements. I love rooibois tea, which now can be found almost anywhere, plus you get the added hydration that helps during allergy season and no caffeine. Rooibois tea is loaded with quercetin.
Quercetin is helpful in controlling allergies as it can prevent and modulate inflammation. As any allergy sufferer knows, inflamed nasal passages and eyes are a source of great discomfort, and quercetin inhibits the production of cytokines, substances that cause inflammation. It also has a suppressive effect on two inflammatory enzymes,  which in turn results in a decrease in inflammation. Quercetin also helps prevent the release of histamine, which means it acts like a natural antihistamine.

Again, remember these herbs are not FDA regulated. You can buy them at health or vitamin stores and you can usually get good information from the owners/managers there, including dosage information. I’m not sure I would give the supplements to children without the recommendation from a practitioner, because dosages can vary so much, and again they are not regulated. But with a practitioners recommendation and advice, I’m fine with it. Remember, you can quercetin in a lot of foods, so try to up those in your child’s diet as first defense.