Hay fever, or any other type of seasonal allergy, sufferers have one thing in common. Their symptoms of sneezing, itching and watery eyes and a stuffy head make them miserable. Often they are not even able to function fully at work or school without some sort of antihistamine or drugs to clear up those symptoms at least temporarily. The side effects: drowsiness or agitation. The results of ignoring the symptoms can even lead to sinus or ear infections. So what should they do?

There is help for these sufferers and their symptoms and it comes from a surprisingly natural source: the culprits themselves! The extracts made from plants, even those containing the allergens that impact allergy symptoms the most, can actually help alleviate the symptoms by the responses they cause on the body. This can be taken as homeopathic remedy, where the actual allergy causing substance is taken orally in minuscule quantities to build up a tolerance to the allergen, or it can be other herbs that cause symptoms to go away.

Some of the most common natural remedies for allergies include a combination of herbs. Here’s a short list of the herb and what it can do. Also, pay attention to the cautions, since some herbs can be harmful, just like any medication.

1. Quercetin. Boosts immunity and reduces reactions to certain foods, pollens and other allergens. Taking bromelain will increase the absorption of quercetin and reduce inflammation.
   
   
2. Ephedra. This is the stuff drug manufacturers copied to make Sudafed. It is not advised that those with heart conditions or high blood pressure take ephedra since it is a stimulant. It will relieve nasal and chest congestions, but should be used cautiously if at all because of its ability to become addictive and the dangers of an overdose.
   
   
3. Boswellia, or Indian Frankincense, doesn’t just work on symptoms, but at a deeper, cellular level to control allergic responses.
   
   
4. Eyebright tea is safe for children as well as adults. It is good at controlling the runny nose and eyes symptoms that result from allergies.
   
   
5. Eucalyptus and thyme leaves are good herbs to add to steaming water and breathe in to relieve nasal and chest congestion, much like a medicated humidifier.
   
   

Another natural alternative to drug treatment is supplementing with Vitamin C, which may help reduce some of the inflammation associated with chronic allergies, according to other studies. One small study conducted at the Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, found significant reductions in blood levels of histamine after people took 1,000 milligrams of Vitamin C for three consecutive days. An Italian study found that people with hay fever, who had taken 2,000 milligrams of Vitamin C daily, were better able to maintain the volume of air they could exhale.

Not all seasonal allergies can be prevented, but you can avoid situations where the symptoms are strongest. For example, on days where the news reports high pollen counts, stay indoors, or limit outside time to later in the day when pollen is lower. Keep windows closed, and use air conditioning with filters to remove pollen from your indoor environment.

There has been some research to indicate that Coenzyme Q10, known for its ability to boost the immune system, can also be used to neutralize the histamines that affect those with hay fever. CoQ10 can be found in combination with other herbs, vitamins and minerals, or as a single supplement.

The goal with treating any condition naturally is to address the source and cause of the condition and not just cover up the symptoms. Taking precautions to avoid allergens, allergy suffers can then treat symptoms without prescription medications and get the relief without the side effects.