A: Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis or seasonal pollen allergy, affects many people during this time of year. Shots can be expensive and painful, sometimes cause allergic shock reactions, and often fail to provide satisfactory relief of symptoms. Antihistamines reduce symptoms but cause drowsiness. Steroid treatments can be very effective in relieving symptoms but these hormones weaken the immune system.

Safe and natural alternatives for managing hay fever include stinging nettles and quercetin. Stinging nettles are common plants throughout the world. A non-toxic, freeze-dried extract of stinging nettles leaves is available in capsule form for treating hay fever. The capsules relieve hay fever symptoms quickly in most people. Take one or two capsules every two to four hours as needed to control symptoms. Quercetin is derived from buckwheat and citrus fruits. It appears to stabilize cell membranes that release histamine. It is available as a coated tablet and the recommended dose is 400 milligrams twice a day between meals, starting a week or two before the onset of the pollen season and continuing until the season ends. Other general measures for quieting allergies -- such as reducing protein, milk and milk products in your diet -- also can be helpful.

Tracy W. Gaudet, M.D., medical director, Program in Integrative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson

Q: What alternative treatments are available for the common cold?

A: Echinacea is a medicinal herb that is a safe and effective immune system booster. Echinacea has been found to increase the number and activity of key white blood cells involved in immunity, as evidenced by a great deal of research from Germany. Tinctures made from the root of the plant are the most potent. As soon as you feel a cold coming on, take a dropper-full of the tincture in warm water or tea four times a day. To be effective the echinacea must be fresh. To test it, put a drop on your tongue; it should produce a noticeable numbing sensation in a few minutes if it is good.

Zinc gluconate lozenges also may help reduce the duration of cold symptoms for some people, but research results have been mixed. Anyone taking zinc lozenges should be aware that doses of zinc greater than 100 milligrams may depress immunity. Also, zinc lozenges should only be taken after eating, otherwise they can cause stomach upset.

Tracy W. Gaudet, M.D., medical director, Program in Integrative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson