For the more than 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, the days of spring and fall can be filled with itchy, watery eyes and a stuffed up or runny nose that no amount of over-the-counter medication can alleviate. Instead of enjoying the new growth of spring or the changing colors of fall, these individuals resign themselves to staying indoors or suffering the ravages of seasonal allergies.

While there are certainly cases in which medical intervention is called for, most cases can be avoided through maintaining powerful health and encouraging natural healing with organic herbs, proper hydration, and a diet that prevents and counteracts seasonal allergies.

Water, The Building Block of Life

Without adequate supplies of fresh, clean water, no one is healthy. Water is the single most important component of powerful health. No amount of coffee, soda, or beer can provide your body with the fluids it needs for powerful health. According to the Mayo Clinic, the safest way to judge hydration is to measure urine output.

If you produce 6.3 cups (1.5 liters) or more of slightly yellow or colorless urine, then your fluid intake is adequate. Many people use the basic rule of drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Unless you exercise heavily, are pregnant or nursing, or live in a hot environment, this is probably enough fluid to counteract the effects of seasonal allergies.

Food For Thought

Red wine contains grade seed extract and the flavonoid quercetin, both proven to reduce allergy symptoms. Spicy foods help to thin mucous secretions, providing relief. Cayenne pepper, ginger, fenugreek, onion, and garlic all work to help you feel better. At the same time, recent research is leaning toward food allergies as a contributing factor in seasonal allergies.

According to Mary Hardy, MD, director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Integrative Medicine, food intolerances can create a heavy burden on the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to heal itself. New York University's Clifford Bassett, MD, warns ragweed and other weed pollen sufferers to avoid eating melon, cucumber, chamomile, sunflower seeds, or banana, as these foods can cause symptoms to worsen.

Organic Herbs To The Rescue

Vitamin C and zinc have long been identified as useful in the battle against respiratory problems of many kinds. Organic herbs such as butterbur, nettles, goldenseal, licorice root, sarsaparilla root, bladderwrack, and Irish moss have proven useful in the battle against seasonal allergies. Acupuncture is another option. At the same time, there are times when natural healing should not be combined with traditional over-the-counter or prescription medications. A natural healing antihistamine combined with an over-the-counter antihistamine can be too much.

Few of us have the time or knowledge to create a natural healing regime, which is what makes supplements such a convenient method of combating and eliminating seasonal allergy symptoms. Alternative healing methods should be started 3-4 weeks prior to pollen season for maximum benefits. Instead of suffering through spring and fall, take charge of your own powerful health with proper hydration, organic herbs, and the right food for your body.