With spring in full swing, many people are spending lots of time outdoors to enjoy the weather. For another group of people, though, hanging out outside is less than ideal due to the endless stream of sneezes, stuffy noses, watery eyes and other seasonal allergy symptoms.

Being allergic to pollens and grasses can be extremely frustrating, especially when you aren’t able to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends for fear of more symptoms. A lot of people suffering from allergies choose to use Benadryl or other medications to alleviate their symptoms. But, as you might already be aware, these often leave you drowsy or foggy, which is less than ideal.

Medications aren’t your only option, though. In addition to being expensive, most medications aren’t natural, meaning you’re exposing your body to more chemicals and compounds. Instead of heading to the drug store this spring, try out a few natural remedies to fight back against seasonal allergies.

1. Eat a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet

Allergies and their symptoms start in the immune system, meaning you’ll need to keep yourself healthy to allow your body to repair itself and solve the imbalances caused by allergic responses. To do this, you should be eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

Try foods like garlic, lemons, leafy greens, almond butter and probiotic-rich foods. Many of these foods are great for balancing your body’s pH levels, reducing your risk for infection and boosting your immune system’s health. The result can be mitigated allergery problems.

2. Eat raw, local honey

This one might sound a little strange, but think about it: bees gather pollen from the very plants you might be having an allergic reaction to, then generate honey. This means that this honey will be filled with pollen your immune system is not handling well.

Studies have shown that people taking raw honey filled with the pollen that triggers their allergies reported fewer allergy symptoms and required less medication to help with symptoms. To let bee pollen boost your immune system and reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms, purchase some honey from a local business and add a spoonful to your foods, stir it in your tea or eat it raw once a day.

3. Take probiotics

Most of your immune function comes directly from your intestines, so it is crucial to have a healthy gut into order to have a healthy immune system. To maintain proper intestinal and immune system balance, you’ll want to take probiotics.

Probiotics are good bacteria that help protect you from viruses and infections. They can also help stop allergy symptoms from developing. You can get probiotics from a number of foods including yogurt, raw cheese, kombucha and sauerkraut. Or, you can take a probiotic supplement pill.

4. Clear your system with a neti pot

If seasonal allergies have you suffering from major sinus issues this season, including a stuffed or runny nose, consider purchasing and using a neti pot. The small pot-shaped device helps you clear out your sinuses using only warm water. By rinsing your nasal cavities, you can help clear out any pollen.

To use a neti pot, first make sure your water is distilled and sterile, then insert the spout into one nostril. Tilt your head to the side and pour the water into your nostril. It will run through one nostril and out the other into a bowl or sink, flushing out the irritants and clearing the nasal passages. After, you can gently blow your nose to clear it further and should experience relief from nasal allergy symptoms.

5. Take immune support supplements

Allergies are essentially caused by having an overly-sensitive immune system that reacts to an allergen through a bodily response. To fight against allergies, you can take supplements to bolster your immune system and make it ready to fight the right bacteria, while being balanced enough to avoid harmful responses to allergens like seasonal pollens.

Immune-boosting supplements contain natural ingredients that are found in many nutrient-rich foods as well as supportive herbs such as Astragalus, Echinacea and Isatis.

Enjoy your healthy immune system

This spring, don’t rush to the medicine cabinet if you start feeling stuffy, have watery eyes or are hit with an intense headache. By taking steps to boost your immune system by eating nutritious food, eating raw honey and taking probiotics and supplements, your system should become balanced and you may experience fewer symptoms.

Even if you still get the occasional stuffy nose, using a neti-pot while continuing to eat healthily will help alleviate your symptoms while still allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors.