There is an episode of The Simpsons in which the family moves to a new town, each finding something to love about it before it backfires. For young Lisa, the beautiful, lush forest is a welcome change from Springfield’s nuclear power and tire fire environment. Unfortunately, she’s allergic to everything in it, eventually collapsing on nature’s path.

Those gorgeous summer months that so many of us anticipate, for some, are filled with allergies to pollen and other natural allergens that make them difficult to navigate. And while antihystemines and allergy pills can be a blessing, some don’t appreciate loading themselves up with medicine to control their sinuses.

It’s first important to know your triggers, usually doing a scratch text at a local clinic. From there, you can decide how you want to treat your allergies. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural cures that help control even the worst reactions. After all, why not fight nature with nature? Here are nine natural remedies for allergies that may work for you:

1. Simply Close the Window

While it may look gorgeous outside, if the pollen count is high, those with sensitivity to it will be suffering through fits of sneezing. At this point, the best way to control your environment is simple: keep your window closed. This may deprive you of the fresh air, but it’s worth it. One can also get a HEPA filter on your air conditioning system to regulate the air coming into your home.

2. Have a Shower/Bath

Much like you leave microscopic bits of yourself in every room you’re in, you also bring home a bit of the outside environment with you. So to lower chances of nasty allergy attacks, bathe thoroughly everytime you come home. Running your clothes through the washer is also helpful. Keeping your shoes near the door, as far away from your rooms as possible, is also a must.

3. Wear a Mask

You’ve seen people wearing surgical masks in airports and on the crowded, polluted streets of China, but if you don’t mind looking a little paranoid, it’s also helpful to wear one around your own town. A normal mask will block up to 95 percent of allergens and small particles.

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the best natural remedies for allergies. The ancient practice of acupuncture, most common in Eastern religions, is used to relieve a number of medical issues – from migraines to arthritis. How it affects the nasal cavity is unknown, but some studies have shown that it actually does relieve congestion.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been a catch-all to cure or relieve a number of medical conditions. Theoretically, it helps to reduce mucous production. One of the benefits of using the vinegar is that, while helping with allergies, it also is known to help digestion and weight loss. Simply mix a teaspoon of it with water – preferably warm – and drink it three times a day.

6. Wash Your Nostrils

While there are numerous nasal sprays out there to help ease congestion, the natural way is still one of the most successful. Using a homemade saline wash – salt water – and letting it run through your nasal cavities will open up the airways.

7. Quercitin

You’ve probably never heard of quercitin, but you’ve had plenty of it if you commonly eat and drink citrus and broccoli. The amount in the foods alone, however, isn’t enough to help your allergies. The natural bioflavin is said to prevent cells from releasing histamine, while also serving as a strong antioxidant. One can easily find a supplemental dose and begin using it 4-6 weeks prior to allergy season. Consult your doctor prior to use, however, especially if you have liver issues or are pregnant.

8. Nettle Leaf

Another natural antihistamine, Nettle Leaf is known to grow in many places. While it can be made in to a tea or tincture, ground dry nettle in a capsule is the most effective way to use the leaf for allergy relief. If you prefer it in a tea, however, it can be easily mixed with other herbs known to aid in fighting congestion. Most commonly, to ensure flavour, the leaf is mixed with peppermint or raspberry.

9. Local Honey

While there’s little scientific evidence proving that locally produced honey helps fight allergies, there’s plenty of anecdotal. It’s possible that, when used in tea, the inhaling the steaming water does more for your nasal cavities, the taste of honey merely being a fringe benefit.

Theoretically, however, the importance of the honey being locally sourced is key; using something naturally made from the area helps your body adjust to the allergens in the air. Tea is the most pleasant way to consume the product, but a teaspoon of raw, local honey a few times a day appears to do the job.