Best Alternative Remedies for Fall Allergies

Almost all of us have experienced seasonal allergies, made known by the watery, itchy eyes, constant sneezing and runny nose, or congestion, sinus pressure and achy head. Whether you only have one symptom or all of them, allergies are a grievance we could all do without. And with spring allergies being left far behind, the fall season is now creeping in and will bring along a whole new set of discomforts for many of us.

That said, there are many different types of medicine and remedies available for allergies. However, conventional medicine does not provide proper treatment for them. Antihistamines do not exactly do what their name says they do - it only blocks the signal of them, which keeps physical symptoms from forming. The histamines your body produces in an allergic reaction, however, are still there. Conventional medicine does not treat the underlying cause. Along with this, many medications can also cause unfavorable side effects.

But there are also many alternative remedies for allergies.

- Nasal irrigation is a process that is becoming increasingly popular, and is many times recommended by doctors for sinus infections and post nasal drip. It also works great for clearing a congested nose and sinuses, and cleansing the passages from allergens. On top of everything, it's also really easy to come by and use. Kits are sold in many health stores, but if you want or can't find one, it's easy to make yourself, as well. All you need is a nasal bulb syringe, 1/2 a tsp of non-iodized salt (such as kosher or sea salt), 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and a pint of purified lukewarm water. Just mix the ingredients together and, while standing over a sink, tilt your head forward and gently squeeze the bulb syringe full of the cleanser into a nostril. Then repeat in the other nostril. This also works as a great preventive method.

- Decongestant sprays, such as Zicam, are very effective when it comes to getting rid of allergens. As a homeopathic remedy, it uses the "like cures like" method in subjecting the nasal passages to a similar allergen, so the system becomes more used to it, thus reducing any allergic reaction. In many people it works immediately or within the first few days, and with most people it will work within the first few weeks of using it. Of course, the good thing about such sprays is that you only really need to use them when you start feeling symptoms.

- Like homeopathic remedies, immunotherapy is a similar alternative. Allergy drops use the same method as homeopathy, in that it has a very small form of the allergen in the liquid in which you use orally. Also available are allergy shots, which use the same method as well.

- Certain herbal treatments may also help with allergies. The thyme and eucalyptus herbs are especially good for this, and are widely available in tea form. It's especially helpful to sit over the cup while it's steaming so you can breathe it in - it will be helpful to any nasal or congestion problems you may be having due to allergies.

- Some kinds of antioxidants have also proven to be helpful - studies have shown that 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day can greatly reduce your body's histamine production. It's a great preventive even when you don't feel allergies at the moment. The antioxidant known as quercetin has also been known to be pretty effective.

- Another easy thing to try that is helpful for an itchy nose and congestion, is to breathe in mist, especially that accompanied by salt. Just add some salt to a pot of water and bring it to a boil, then sit so your face is over it with a towel on your head, so the steam flows directly to you.