Try these natural remedies during spring allergy season

It seems like the long dark of winter is over and that spring is finally here.

Although that may be good news, for many spring is the season when allergies really kick in. It is during this time that nasal congestion, runny eyes, cough and generally feeling tired is a daily event until summer arrives.

There are a number of very effective medications for the treatment of seasonal allergies. However, many of these medications have uncomfortable side effects and as a result people may be looking for alternatives.

There are a number of safe and effective alternatives that are worth trying before having to use over-the-counter or prescription medications.

One of the oldest and simplest ways of keeping your sinuses free and clear of allergens is to wash them out on a regular basis with saline (saltwater).

Historically this is a therapy used for thousands of years in Aryuvedic medicine (India) using a device called a neti pot.

A neti pot looks like a small tea pot. A person flushes their sinuses by pouring water in one nostril and it runs out the other. It is usually done once per day.

In my experience I found this to be inadequate for people with seasonal allergies. In addition, the water that is used in a neti pot is rarely sterile and there have been instances of serious infections using tap water.

A better recommendation would be to use sterile saline nasal sprays that can be found at any drugstore, grocery store and even the large discount stores. Using the saline nasal spray numerous times during the day can be quite effective at keeping the sinuses clear of the offending allergens.

This process is simple and can be done throughout the allergy season.

Although there are many supplements, herbs and herbal combinations that are used for seasonal allergies, the research for most of these products is less than robust. That does not mean that they don't work, it simply means that there's just not a lot of research on how well they work.

I do have some favorites that I think can be beneficial. One of them is butterbur. Several small medical studies have suggested that butterbur contains a number of anti-inflammatory compounds and may be as effective as some over-the-counter allergy medications.

However, in the raw state, it does contain compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can damage the liver. Make sure the label says "free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids."

Butterbur should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Caution is warranted if seriously allergic to plants of the Asteraceae/Compositae family like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.

Astragalus root is another one of my favorite herbs for seasonal allergies. I believe it works well for most people. Astragalus is most often used in those conditions where the system needs to be strengthened or balanced and it can be taken throughout the year.

Like Butterbur, Astragalus should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It is relatively contraindicated in patients with autoimmune disease since it potentially may make the condition worse.

• Patrick B. Massey, MD, PH.D., is medical director for complementary and alternative medicine at Alexian Brothers Hospital Network and president of ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy, 1544 Nerge Road, Elk Grove Village. His website is www.alt-med.org.