Spring is in the air and so too are the Allergens. It's a time for renewal, rebirth and for some of us - a time to reach for the Kleenex box. However, we don't have to spend our days in sniffling misery. There are many things we can do naturally and easily to help alleviate allergies.

The goal of lowering allergy symptoms naturally is essentially all about irrigation. Help you body naturally get rid of the allergens quicker and easier, and you will start to feel much better. There are many things we can do to help move this process along.

The 1st thing we can do is keep the sinus and nasal passages as clear as possible. We need to flush away those allergies, which helps prevent deeper inflammation. There are 2 essential natural tools that every allergy suffer should have.

1. A Saline (salt) nasal spray. Safe, effective and no side-effects. So natural that you can use as many times as needed without any adverse effect. A great way to upkeep and help irrigate your nasal passages in the early stages of congestion.

2. Neti-pot. For times when you need a stronger irrigation. You use the same type of natural salt solution; however you apply the solution with the use of a small teapot that you pour into your nose on an angle.

Steam.

Heat from steam dilates air passageways of the lung and facilitates breathing. It helps thin mucus, and lower congestion. Not only does steam help alleviate allergy symptoms, but it's also a great excuse to eat some good food or get some much needed relaxation. So grab yourself a soothing big cup of herbal tea or a delicious steaming bowl of chicken soup - freshly made. You can also try a relaxing hot shower or bath.

Don't forget that a sauna is also a great way to alleviate allergy symptoms. Both traditional steam and the new infrared saunas are effective. The traditional saunas have the benefit of steam, anti-inflammation and detoxification. The infrared saunas usually give a stronger, deeper detoxification, but without the direct benefit of the steam itself. It usually comes down to a personal preference.

Eat anti-inflammatory foods.

The next thing you can do is make sure to eat foods and supplements that have anti-inflammatory properties. Start by choosing fresh foods over heavily processed foods. Eat plenty of fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, walnuts and various seeds are a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Berries contain anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and anti-oxidants.

Drink plenty of water.

Sounds simple enough, but it's possibly the most important of all. Water is the life-force that helps irrigate, detoxify and lower inflammation. It thins mucous secretions which in turn directly lowers allergy symptoms.

As you can see, there are many things we can do to naturally alleviate allergy symptoms through this season. There is much to enjoy out there if we are prepared to help lower our body's reaction to allergens. A little effort and some knowledge and perhaps we, too, can go outside and share a song with the birds.

Learn more about this author, Alex Parker.
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