If you are like me, suffering from seasonal allergies to pretty much everything that blooms this time of year, you've probably tried several brands and types of allergy medication on the market. The problem with most medication out there is they cause dizziness, drowsiness, and that "disconnected" feeling. Not only is it irritating to walk around tired all day from the medication, it is harmful to your system. It's not normal to feel that way all day long.

So that is why I turned to some herbal remedies to help ease allergy attacks. They work just as well, and they don't make you drowsy. In some instances, you can even feel more energetic because you don't have drugs flowing through your body, and they are natural.

Eczema is a disruptive skin condition that either itches or causes pain. Finding the cause is the key to preventing outbreaks, while herbal remedies can relieve the symptoms.

Eczema is a skin condition that can be painful and embarrassing. It can be caused by stress or by allergies to substances such as diary products and is often linked to asthma. There are two forms of eczema: dry eczema manifests as itchy, red, flaky skin, while wet eczema, as the name suggests, is painful and weepy. Both are distressing and uncomfortable, but herbal remedies can help to treat the cause as well as the conditions itself.

The first step to treating eczema is to determine what is causing it. Allergy testing, for example, can tell you which foods or chemicals you should avoid and identifying and dealing with stressors in your life can help you eliminate this cause. Use your herbal remedies to supplement your changes.

As you continue to clean out your garden beds for the end of the season, consider using some of the yarrow that you are cutting back for not only your compost pile but also for your skin. [For more about the advantages of growing yarrow in your garden, see Yarrow, the plant doctor.] (It so happens that the yarrow in my own gardens is still doing quite well. In fact, the 'Oretal Petals' even has some blooms, and it is now October.) Yarrow has excellent astringent qualities that makes it a good choice for cosmetic purposes. These astringent qualities make its use very effective for those individuals with oily skin. When yarrow is combined with nettle - an herb that cleanses and improves circulation - a cleanser for oily or problem skin can easily be created.

If you have an ailment, like cramps or stress, don't turn to your medicine cabinet just yet. Try drinking an herbal tea first. Some ailments can be relieved with a simple cup of herbal tea.

For cramps and crankiness, something women can definitely identify with, try a tea made with spearmint, lemon balm, raspberry leaf and nettle. This type of tea can actually relieve the irritability and cramps that often accompany menstruation. One to two cups daily in the week before and the week during your period should help.

To relieve bloating, try ginger or peppermint tea. One to two cups can relieve the puffiness you're feeling and even help settle a stomach.

Women may be interested in taking motherwort tea. This tea helps with anxiety and relieves premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Motherwort also promotes the health of the uterus after childbirth.