Allergies can make you feel awful. Your nose will be running, your eyes may be watery and red, you may have a sore throat, and you will feel congested. However, despite all of this, you may prefer to avoid medications when possible. If this is the case, you may be looking for a natural way to treat your allergies. Here are a few of the best natural remedies for allergies.

Apple Cider Vinegar

If you are suffering from allergies, one of the easiest ways to help clear them up is to use apple cider vinegar. If you are allergic to something, such as pollen, dust or plant particles, your body releases histamine to fight off these particles that are irritating your immune system. The abundance of histamine in your body is what stimulates the mucus membranes, and then you are left with all the symptoms of allergies. Apple cider vinegar prevents the release of histamines, stopping this cycle. It is recommend that you start by taking 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar three times a day. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother still in the jar works best when treating allergies. If you can't drink the vinegar by itself, mix it with water. If that is still too strong, you can add some honey, tea or apple juice to the mix. If needed, slowly increase the dose. The maximum you should take is two tablespoons three times a day.

Local Honey

If you are suffering from allergies that are caused by pollen, eating a spoonful of locally harvested honey can help reduce or eliminate the symptoms you are experiencing. Bees that produce honey in your area have been exposed to the allergies you are suffering from. As they produce honey, they release enzymes into the honey that help block their histamine production against the specific types of pollen in your area. As you eat the honey, these enzymes are released to you, helping you to fight your allergies. However, in order for this method to work, there are a few key factors you need to keep in mind. As was mentioned, the honey needs to come from local bees. Bees outside of the area you live in are exposed to different types of pollen and therefore have enzymes to fight different types of pollen. The honey needs to be raw. If it is filtered, the enzymes will be weakened or removed. Lastly, the honey has to be harvested during the time of year that you are suffering with allergies. Different types of pollen float through the air in fall and spring. If you need allergy relief in the fall, the honey needs to have been harvested in the fall. A local farmer can help you with this request.

Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf is a plant that has antihistamine properties. When taken, it has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of allergies or eliminate them completely. There are a couple of ways you can use nettle leaf to treat your allergies. Many herbal and vitamin stores carry nettle leaf capsules. You can simply take these like pills. Follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions, as they vary based on the strength of the nettle leaf. The other option is to make a nettle leaf tincture that you can drink. Purchase dried nettle leaf from a health food store or supplement store. Add equal parts water and nettle leaf to a pan. Turn the stove on and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the stove off, put a lid on the mixture and allow it to sit for eight to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger and more effective it will be. Strain out the liquid. This is your infusion or tincture. Discard the remaining nettle leaf from the pot. Drink a cup or two of this mixture a day. If desired, you can add flavors, sweeteners or honey to try to mask the grassy flavor of this drink.

Natural remedies are a great first step when attempting to treat allergies. However, not every remedy can clear up allergies in every person. You may have strong allergies or need more relief than you are getting from the home remedies. If this is the case, there are many over-the-counter medications that can help to clear up your allergies, including allergy pills, fluticasone nasal sprays and eye drops. If none of these over-the-counter remedies work, you will want to see your doctor for a stronger prescription medication or allergy shot.