Survive Allergy Season With These Natural Remedies

Get relief without a prescription.

Polar Vortex Brings in “Pollen Vortex” This Allergy Season - Health experts are predicting that the extreme winter we experienced this year is going to make allergy season one of the worst ever. Why? Because the winter pushed back pollen season and now all of the plants are dumping pollen right now instead of in phases, Mother Jones writes. Are you ready for the Pollen Vortex?(Photo: Fuse/Getty Images)

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Natural Defenses - Spring has sprung, and with it comes itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and other uncomfortable side effects of seasonal allergies caused by pollen from trees, flowers, grass and other plants. If you're one of the nearly 35 million Americans affected, you may be able to find relief for mild symptoms without traditional medication. — Britt Middleton (Photo: Fuse/ Getty Images)

Organic Fruits and Veggies Ain't All That - For years, we’ve heard that organic foods are “better” and safer for us, but a new study indicated that more expensive organic meats, fruits, vegetables and milk may not contain more nutrients than conventional food. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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Natural Supplements - The European herb butterbur and quecetin (a flavonoid compound found in food including apples and onions) are popular remedies for controlling hay fever. However, experts warn that combining natural supplements with antihistamine-type properties with traditional allergy medications can potentially cause a toxic reaction, which is why you should not do so without your doctor's approval. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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Changing Up Your Diet - Dairy, wheat and starchy vegetables are among the foods linked to exacerbating sinus congestion because they increase mucus production in the body. If you suffer from weed allergies, experts suggest steering clear of foods like melons, bananas, chamomile, sunflowers seeds and foods containing echinacea. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Acupuncture - This ancient Chinese medicinal practice is not only good for your mind, but also your allergy symptoms. Acupuncture is said to strengthen the immune system by stimulating points outside the body and can be especially beneficial if you suffer from multiple allergies. (Photo: Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

Neti Pot Power! - While meds are a good way to help reduce allergy symptoms, neti pots may offer some relief, too. By pouring a saline solution through your nostrils, it flushes your nasal cavities of allergens. While some swear by this, the science is mixed on whether or not it actually works. Learn more about neti pots and their effectiveness here.   (Photo: Jessica Boone/Getty Images)

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Neti Pots - Using a neti pot or saline-based nasal rinse will help wash out pollen and other irritants from your nasal passages so you can breathe easier. (Photo: Jessica Boone/Getty Images)

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About Face - It’s a new year and you’re a new person. Or so you claim via a long list of resolutions. One of those changes should definitely reflect in your skin regimen. Let 2012 be the year of flawless, perfect skin. BET.com has the top five skin enhancers you should immediately add to your daily cleanse. (Photo: Photo Disc/ Getty Images)

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Wash It Off - One of the easiest and most cost effective remedies comes by way of your shower! Medical experts suggest taking a shower, washing your hair and face before bed. This will prevent irritants from contaminating your pillow and possibly making your symptoms worse the next morning. (Photo: Jutta Klee/ Getty Images)

Drink Up - Nettle is a natural antihistamine. You may find relief from itchy eyes and nose by drinking a cup of nettle herbal tea or taking a nettle supplement during allergy season. (Photo: Wiki Commons)

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Drink Up - Nettle is a natural antihistamine. You may find relief from itchy eyes and nose by drinking a cup of nettle herbal tea or taking a nettle supplement during allergy season. (Photo: Wiki Commons)

Photo By Photo: Wiki Commons

Oats for Itchy Skin - For sufferers of hives from rag weed, a mask made from colloidal oatmeal has been reported as a soothing solution. Click here for some at-home recipes to try.(Photo: Wiki Commons)

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Oats for Itchy Skin - For sufferers of hives from rag weed, a mask made from colloidal oatmeal has been reported as a soothing solution. Click here for some at-home recipes to try.(Photo: Wiki Commons)

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Cool Out - A compress of sliced and chilled raw potatoes or sliced cucumbers is known to de-puff eyes by constricting blood vessels and tightening the skin. (Photo illustration: Joern Pollex/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo illustration: Joern Pollex/Getty Images

Turn Up the Heat - Some like it hot! Try eating spices like cayenne pepper and wasabi to clear your nasal passages, breathing deeply as you chew. (Photo: Wiki Commons)

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Turn Up the Heat - Some like it hot! Try eating spices like cayenne pepper and wasabi to clear your nasal passages, breathing deeply as you chew. (Photo: Wiki Commons)

Iran Shuts Schools, Offices Over Pollution - Iranian officials announced that schools, universities and government offices will be closed in the capital of Tehran Tuesday and Wednesday because of severe air pollution.(Photo: Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz/LANDOV)

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Keep Covered Up - You may also consider wearing a filter mask if doing yard work or if you plan to be outdoors for a longer period of time. Keep track of daily pollen count with resources like the American Institute of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and consider staying indoors if you anticipate a flare up. (Photo: Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz/Landov)