Allergies are never any fun, particularly during “peak” seasons. They can ruin a good hayride, make you feel sick—or even as if you’re drowning in your sleep—and generally make life miserable for days, weeks or longer. While a doctor visit is warranted for anyone with allergies, and many medications can provide relief, there are plenty of natural ways to combat your allergies that you might want to try as well.

The next time your allergies plague you (which, for many of us, is now), try some of the following tips and techniques.

Drink hot tea. Is hot tea not the best remedy for nearly everything on the planet? Hot teas help ease many allergy symptoms, as well as provide a soothing effect. Lighter teas usually have better health properties. Coffee and other hot drinks may help as well.

Get rid of dust-prone stuff. This could include rugs, carpets, stuffed animals, cloth wall hangings, thick curtains, etc. Bamboo curtains and flooring is an attractive substitute, as are other wood blinds. If you absolutely must have something soft on the floor, use an easy-to-clean area rug and wash it often.

Stay clean. Don’t allow the pollen and other allergens you’ve picked up all day to keep riding on your clothing if they make your body react to them. Wash your clothes as soon as you are able, and take a shower to rinse any off your body.

Eliminate allergen foods from your diet. With the aid of a nutritionist or doctor, you can identify things that you eat to get rid of. Maybe milk is making you have a bad reaction, or processed foods could be to blame. Whatever your allergy, a healthy diet can often either solve it or dramatically reduce its effects.

Take vitamins. They’re not a substitute for the healthy diet listed above, but they can help keep you healthy. There’s a reason why my brilliant choir instructor always had us take vitamins during the fall and winter seasons!

Freeze soft items. Stuffed animals are laden with dust, and while washing them in hot water helps (and should be done monthly if your child has severe allergies or asthma), you can freeze them to kill dust mites. Place them in a plastic bag freeze them for 24 hours.

Use an air purifier. You can get an inexpensive one to use in your bedroom—or a larger one for the whole house. Many plants, such as English ivy and spider plants, can also be used to help naturally purify your air.

Any other natural remedies to share? Post them below.