<p>Allergies are a type of hypersensitivity to the environment. People may develop allergies to any number of things, from pollen and peanuts to plastics. Although there is much to be said about allergies in general, I'd like to talk with you today specifically about seasonal allergies, allergies that may be causing your body to be uncomfortable right now.</p>
<h3>Causes</h3>
<p>Your body may be naturally predisposed to suffer from allergies. Some people are simply genetically more resistant to common allergens than other people. Location can also play a critical role. In dry, desert areas such as Arizona seasonal allergies are not as prevalent due to the low airborne pollen levels. In a state such as Michigan allergies in selected individuals can become quite severe. Some sources suggest that milk and dairy products lead to more developing more allergies and increases the symptoms that lead to irritation.</p>
<p>One of the most common plants to cause allergies is common ragweed, pictured at right. It's particularly potent in the fall time.</p>
<h3>Relief</h3>
<p>Since allergies are simply your body releasing natural histamines to fight off potential enemies an obvious remedy to allergies would involve an anti-histamine to calm things down. Butterburr can also prove to be an effective anti-allergy medication and has fewer side-effects than over the counter pharmaceutical anti-histamines. Goldenseal, red grape seed extract, and quercitin have also proved to be an effective relief.</p>
<p>To directly battle the runny nose you may try a saline nasal irrigation technique. Just use simple salt water at the appropriate proportions (it should taste very 'neutral') and splash, dump, or spray it into your nose. This helps to wash away the allergens lodged there and is even more effective when combined with the remedies listed above.</p>