When spring and early summer are upon us, the air is filled with good vibes, the smell of jasmine blossoms, feelings of rebirth - and tons of airborne pollen. So, for some, the earth feels more like a child endlessly sweeping a feather under their noses, causing sneezy, tickly, irritation. Yup, you've probably experienced allergies, if you're like most people.

An astounding 25 million Americans suffer from spring allergies. Most victims of allergies desperately snag antihistamines, nasal sprays, and other over-the-counter medications from the shelves of pharmacies, slapping the proverbial band-aid on top of their discomfort. Ahhh, relief.

But this relief is short-lived, can have nasty side effects, and most importantly, it doesn't tackle the core causes of allergies.

Here are some alternative approaches that can nip your spring suffering in the bud, so that you can enjoy flourishing with the seasons.

1. Between morning and late afternoon, pollen is in full force, having a hay day with your allergies. If you have an outdoor exercise regimen, we recommend working it before dawn or in the evening.
2. Wear natural fibers! Synthetic fabrics have much more static cling, and pollen actually sticks to these fibers, causing you to breathe it in all day long. Blech! Stick to cotton and linen when possible.
3. Optimize your diet! Experiencing allergies points to an immune system in overdrive. Since about 80% of your immune system is located in your intestinal tract, it's important to cultivate gut health. Cutting down on grains is one of the best ways to do this, as well as making sure you're not eating GMOs. Consuming lots of fermented foods can be an excellent path toward a healthy gut.
4. Up your Vitamin D levels! Vitamin D deficiency might be the primary cause of asthma, according to research. The best way to get Vitamin D is through sun exposure, but make sure you're getting it in the early evening so as to reduce UV damage.
5. Take the appropriate herbs and supplements. Breathing in eucalyptus oil is probably one of the best ways to clear the nasal passages, either through a diffuser or an immune candle. You could also try a natural nasal spray containing capsicum - the component of peppers that makes them spicy.
6. Water water everywhere! Stay hydrated! Also, use a neti pot to pour water through your nasal cavity, clearing the space of pollens.

Spring does not need to be for suffering, and we want you to be able to enjoy the fruits of the season's beauty. Try these tips, and let us know what you think!