With the return of summer it brings runny noses, water eyes, and sneezing for those of use who suffer from environmental allergies. There are many over-the-counter medications and prescription medications that can be taken to relieve those allergy symptoms. However, many people do not know about the benefits of using natural relief for their environmental allergies. The pros of such treatments include very little to no side affects. The cons are that herbal treatments have not been extensively studied like traditional medications and they may not be compatible with any other medications that you may be taking. Below are just a few of the herbal treatments that have been discovered for the relief of environmental allergies.

Butterbur, (Petasites hybridus), is a European herb that starting to cause a lot of buzz about its allergy relief benefits. It has just started being tested and in preliminary testing it has proven to be just as affective as one popular allergy relief medicine in eliminating the symptoms from hay fever. The downside is that the unnamed popular allergy relief has a once a day tablet while the butterbur was tested using a four tablet a day dosage. Some stores that sell herbs also sell mixed herb supplements that are targeted to the relief of allergies. Those are more convenient and maybe cheaper but you may be taking some herbs that you do not need.

Another recommended treatment is a mix of freeze-dried nettles and a tonic that is derived from the herb goldenseal. Mix this with a simple saline solution and use as a nasal spray. You may also try looking to your food intake for some allergy relief. Eating hot and spicy foods can actually clear your nasal passages and give you some allergy symptom relief. Try upping your intake of items that contain grape seed oil because it has been linked to allergy relief as well. Try having a glass of red wine with dinner since it is traditionally rich with grape seed oil.

Acupuncture has been tested in the relief of allergies as well. One study showed about a quarter of the participants having any improvement. Regardless of what alternative treatments that you decide you should consult your doctor before taking them. Some herbs and medications will have adverse reactions that could result in you getting ill or worse. A great time to start a herbal treatment is about a month before the allergy season starts so you can get a head start on the symptoms. With any luck you may be able to leave that tissue box at home this allergy season and be a little healthier doing it.

- Beth Callahan

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