Banish Allergies—Naturally

Serve Up Some CitrusJust three weeks of munching on that juicy fruit can slash levels of the allergy-inducing compound histamine by nearly 40 percent, significantly reducing congestion and wheezing, say experts at the University of Arizona in Tucson. To get the full benefit, eat half a grapefruit or one medium orange daily, suggests Allan Magaziner, author of

Take a Tea Break

Green tea's powerful antioxidants hinder the body's production of symptom-triggering free radicals, say USDA researchers. The study-backed prescription: "Sip two cups daily — and, for maximum antioxidant concentration, steep tea for at least three minutes," suggests Daniel Nadeau, M.D., co-author of The Color Code: A Revolutionary Eating Plan for Optimum Health.

Fill Up on Fish

Eating three ounces of fatty fish like tuna or salmon daily can reduce the risk of severe allergy flare-ups by 43 percent and, if folks are already suffering, can minimize itching and other annoying symptoms within two weeks, say experts at Greece's University of Crete. "Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids," explains Fred Pescatore, M.D., author of The Allergy and Asthma Cure: A Complete 8-Step Nutritional Program. "These healthy fats keep your immune system in good working order, so it mounts a defense against viruses and unhealthy bacteria, but doesn't overreact and produce symptom-causing histamine when plain old dander, dust, or pollen are in the air."

Make Your Own Medicine

Eighty-four percent of folks who flushed their sinuses twice daily with a saline solution reported dramatic reductions in symptoms like congestion and sneezing within 72 hours, say researchers at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. To make your own symptom-soothing mix, try this "recipe" from scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: Combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 tsp. kosher or canning salt (table salt, which contains sinus-irritating additives, isn't recommended). Pour into a squirt bottle and shake, squeeze liberally into each nostril, then gently blow out residue into a soft tissue.

Stabilize Static

Not unlike a TV screen, your hair attracts pollen particles because it carries an electric charge, report Japanese researchers. And while shampooing in the evening can minimize the problem, a.m. latherers needn't despair, notes Fort Worth, Tex., allergist Bob Lanier, M.D.: Lightly spritzing with hairspray before turning in ensures pollen sticks to your locks, so you don't breathe it in while you sleep. "You can wash and style in the morning."

Get Herbal

Take 40mg of gingko extract three times a day, or sip three cups of gingko tea. Gingko contains antihistamines and anti-inflammatories that can counteract allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itching.

Elder flower tea can ease symptoms of hay fever.

The herb butterbur has anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve the stuffiness of hay fever. You can find it in Enzymatic Therapy Petadolex capsules.