Allergy season

Allergy season is among us; Sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery,
red eyes--these are just some of the symptoms that more than 35 million
Americans face each year as the pollen from trees, grass, flowers, and plants
makes its way into the air. Using nature-based products can be a very useful way
to handle mild allergies. There are many types of treatments you can safely try.
Among those generating the loudest buzz right now is the European herb
butterbur. A group of Swiss researchers showed how just one tablet of butterbur
four times daily was as effective as a popular antihistamine drug in controlling
symptoms of hay fever -- without the traditional symptom of drowsiness that
sometimes occurs. Other herbal supplements proving helpful include freeze-dried
nettles and a tonic made from the herb goldenseal, adding to still one more
natural treatment -- a saline (salt water) nasal spray.

The
saline works to wash out pollen and reduce or thin mucous -- the goldenseal has
astringent and local antibacterial properties which can aid in this process.