Spring allergies can be brutal, and many, especially for those with asthma — but by no means all — sufferers reach for synthetic medications to combat their symptoms.
Many others want something more natural, however.
“These allergies cause unpleasant symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion,” says Dr. Jo Reed, an expert in allergy, asthma and immunology from Ochsner Health in Louisiana.
“Of course, you can take various synthetic medications for allergies, but many sufferers prefer to use natural remedies,” Reed said in an Ochsner news release.
Here, Reed offers some options:
1. Butterbur
An herb known as butterbur is one option, according to several scientific studies. In one, Swiss researchers found butterbur is a strong antihistamine that can control hay fever.
“It also does not cause drowsiness, unlike some over-the-counter allergy medications,” Reed shares.
RELATED: Spring’s Double Trouble: Asthma Plus Seasonal Allergies
2. Green tea
Green tea contains a substance that can block certain allergic responses in the body, according to studies by Japanese scientists. It may reduce sneezing and itchy eyes.
3. Spicy food
Spicy food, including cayenne pepper, could help. It contains capsaicin, known to reduce nasal congestion. Also, allicin, found in garlic, is