Many people suffer from seasonal allergies most commonly referred to as hay fever. This term is actually a misnomer as the condition has nothing to do with hay or fever. The correct term is allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is caused by the body’s reaction to pollen entering the mucous membrane resulting in a typical reaction of blocked nasal passages, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, and runny nose.

Typically, sufferers will try over-the-counter medications first. If these are ineffective, the next step is to see an allergist for stronger drugs that require a prescription. There are several things you can do to find relief that are less expensive and won’t leave you with the head fog that many prescribed drugs do.


During allergy season, make sure to vacuum and dust more often in order to remove allergens from your home environment. This goes for your vehicle as well. When you come inside, take your shoes off at the door so as not to track allergens through the home. Change your clothes as well for the same reason.

Consider purchasing an air filter to remove dust and allergens from the air. This will also help you sleep better. If you own pets, keep their area clean and bathe them as often as possible to keep down pet dander.

Once you reduce the allergens in your environment as much as possible, you will still need some relief for your sinuses. One cure that has literally been around for thousands of years is the neti pot. The neti looks like a small teapot. You fill it with warm water and a salt solution, insert it into your nostril, and let the warm water drain out of the other nostril. Then you repeat on the other side. Most people find instant sinus relief using this method. You’ll need to do this every few days.

Herbs are another very effective remedy. Herbal cures have been shown to be just as effective as pharmaceuticals, and there are several options to choose from. You can make your own herbal eyewash from tea, take herbal tinctures internally, or buy herbal remedies from the health food store.

Two popular herbs for allergic rhinitis are quercitin and stinging nettles. Quercitin has been shown to block the release of histamine which, of course, is very helpful in allergic conditions. Technically a bioflavonoid, it is found in fruits, vegetables, and tea. Quercitin inhibits the release of histamine and other inflammatory allergens. It decreases the inflammatory response in the mast cells of the nose, mouth, and mucous membranes. Stinging nettles is a herbaceous plant from Europe. Brushing against the spiny hairs of the plant causes it to release two chemicals–histamine and formic acid. It has been shown to reduce the sneezing and itchy eyes associated with seasonal allergies. You should be able to find it in teas and tinctures.

Seasonal allergies are tough, but they don’t have to be expensive. Keeping your living area mostly free of allergens and using herbal remedies will help you keep a lid on expenses as well.