Allergies bring discomfort to many people. They have different sources: it can be pollen, dust, animals, food, plants and many other things, but the symptoms are mostly the same for all kinds of allergens. A person that is unlucky to have allergy usually has itchiness, running nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

The majority of people prefer to take away the symptoms by the use of special drugs or sprays, but there are two drawbacks to this. First of all they have mixed results and some of them absolutely cannot be relied on. Secondly, the price of these medications is relatively high and not every person can afford buying anti-allergy drugs any time they start sneezing too often.

There are several ways to reduce allergy symptoms without medications. In the beginning it is important to some everyday rules such as:

• Do not use window fans, because they might draw allergens from the outside.
• Keep car windows closed if there is a chance to come across something that causes allergy.
• Stay away from houses and buildings that have animals which you might be allergic to.
• Limit outdoor time when the plants have excessive pollen production if this is the reason for your allergy.

Following these rules will relieve the symptoms and a few natural remedies can be additional help to draw away the allergy. It can be as simple as washing the allergens away with salt water. The amount of salt might vary, but for a start try half a teaspoon of non-iodized salt to one cup of lukewarm water.

The best way to do so is to use Neti pots, small vessels that look like Aladdin lamps. They have been used by Indian people for thousands of year to flush the sinuses. The International Archives of Allergy and Immunology journal has published a study that proved nasal flushing was a great way to treat seasonal allergies in children. It might take couple tries to get adjusted to the procedure, but after a while it will feel normal and not out of ordinary.

Quercetin is a plant-derived compound that has a lot of positive influence on human health. It reduces the amount of free radical molecules which are known to cause cancer. It also stabilizes cells and lowers the production of histamine, the hormone that launches allergy symptoms. Products high in quercetin are citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine. A person can also purchase quercetin supplements and build up its amount before the allergy hits. It is recommended to start taking the supplement 6 weeks before allergy season.

Food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids reduces symptoms of allergy as well. Studies prove that people who eat a lot of cold-water fish, walnuts, meat, eggs and flaxseed oil (products with high amount of Omega-3) regularly, suffer allergy less than those who do not eat them.

It is also recommended to add horseradish, chili peppers and hot mustard to the food in order to clear the airways from pollen and other allergy triggers. All of them act as decongestants, the substances that reduce sinuses.