GOLDENSEAL
What? Okay, goldenseal is a perennial herb from the buttercup family. The purplish stemmed herb is native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. The herbal properties include alternative, anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial, laxative and emmenagogues, which is a herb that stimulates bloodflow. Little evidence supports this herb, however research has shown that it is best taken at the sign of a cold. Unless allergic to it, you can benefit from it's medicinal properties.

Native American tribes also used goldenseal for colouring material. It has also been used to treat swelling of the breasts and cancer, although for cancer treatment it was not sufficient alone. Not only a topical antimicrobial, but it can be taken internally too as a digestive aid. You can purchase it in ointment, tablet, tincture or as a bulk powder.

Often used to boost medicinal effects of other herbs, you can hold goldenseal in your mouth and feel the effects on the mucous membrances in your nose. Many results are gathered from traditional uses and not science. Although helpful, use with caution only when sick with certain illnesses.

NASAL RINSING
A little less common, it's an age-old treatment. Nasal rinsing is very popular with the holistic crowd. "Annie Lent, an allergy and immunology specialist at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, says patients are interested in saline rinsing because it's homeopathic." (www.usatoday.com)

Also called nasal irrigation, this saline solution is said to improve sinus pressure, hoarseness, sneezing, itching and other upper-respiratory symptoms when used routinely. The major downfall of nasal rinsing is the pressure at which it cleanses, and that it will not cure your allergies. In order to treat allergies you must see a board-certified allergist if you have on-going sinus problems.

There are also mixed studies on nasal rinsing, but some studies have found that if practised regularly it can decrease symptoms and medication use, decrease inflammation of the nose better than any other treatments, with the benefit lasting several hours, as well as overall improved health.

THAT'S NOT IT
There are many other natural herbal remedies like vitamin C, pelargonium sidoides, which has been proven to reduce symptoms quicker like pain during cough and fever, and zinc lozenges. Checking with your physician to see which choice is best for you is always the first step. In general, most of these compounds won't hurt you, and many are used in conjunction with other remedies to maximize your results.