While springtime brings good weather to uplift everyone’s spirits, it also brings the dreaded allergy season.

Although medications are offered to help those in dire need deal with allergy symptoms, the side effects are usually negative and the relief is short-lived. With drastic advances in the medical field, the first course of action is to run to the medicine cabinet, but there are other, more natural allergy remedies that can also do the trick.

Nasal sprays are a good alternate medication for temporary allergy relief. While they’re not good to use all the time, when it comes to decongestion these sprays can do the trick.

Beside nasal sprays, small lifestyle changes such as avoiding using window fans to cool rooms and keeping the windows closed when driving can also offer short-term relief.

One remedy that is often overlooked is the neti pot.

A neti pot is a small bowl shaped like a teapot that has been used in India to flush sinuses and keep them clear. While the act of using a neti pot seems intimidating in the beginning, it is somewhat like using a nasal spray.

Medical doctor James Li on his MayoClinic.com question forum explains the use of neti pots step by step. First, you must fill the neti pot with warm salt water or a saline solution. Then, you tilt your head while placing the neti pot spout in the upper nostril of your nose to gently pour the water, which flows through the nasal cavity and outside the lower nostril. Li says this remedy, though difficult at first, seems more effective in the long-term.

“Some neti pot enthusiasts say that regular use of neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications,” Li explained.

In an Italian study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, it was found that the use of a neti pot for nasal flushing was effective in children and reduced the use of antihistamines.

Beside using nasal flushings and medications, one remedy for allergies is changing your diet.

A Germany study published in the journal Allergy found that those who ate foods with high omega-3 fatty acid content did not suffer from allergy symptoms as much as those who didn’t eat these foods. Food with high levels of omega-3 include fish, walnuts and eggs — all readily available foods. Also, apples and onions are said to have a natural antidote to help block the release of histamines that lead to common allergy symptoms.

Along with changing around your diet, taking multi-vitamins can help strengthen your immune system to help you fight off that runny nose and those itchy eyes.

Other than the allergy remedies generally used, there are always those “home remedies.” For instance, Ashley Edelsberg, a sophomore majoring in psychology, explains that she suffers from severe allergies and has done just about everything for relief.

“I’ve even tried putting peppermint tea bags on my eyes, hearing that it could take away the itch,” Edelsberg said.

Stinging nettle and the common weed Butterbur are also remedies said to be alternatives to the medical antihistamines.

Whether it’s home remedies or trying out a neti pot, getting rid of allergies can take some trial and error. When fighting off allergies in the springtime, it may be time to put down the medication and find a more natural way to keep yourself comfortable.