This time of year always brings along headaches, runny noses, itchy eyes and popping ears. As the season here in Chicago is officially starting to change and the trees start to grow pollen, everyone feels like they're getting sick, but no worries it's probably just allergies. Here are five natural tips to ease those irritating symptoms.

1. Eucalyptus or peppermint oil

Essential oils are seriously the remedy for everything. Eucalyptus and Peppermint oils help to clear the airways and ease inflammation, helping you breathe easier so that you're actually able to smell things this time around.

2. Raw honey

Not the Smuckers stuff. I'm talking real, raw and if possible, local honey. Toss is in an acai bowl or in some tea. Some organic lovers take a tablespoon of raw honey every day during allergy season because it acts like an allergy shot. The science behind raw honey helping to combat allergies is that it contains bee pollen - when bees move from flower to flower and pick up pollen, it triggers allergies, but when you eat raw honey you're developing an immunity to the allergens.

3. Sunglasses

What is this doing here? Wearing sunglasses can actually help prevent pollen from blowing in your eyes!

See also: 6 Things To Look Forward To In Chicago In Springtime

4. Nose balm

Use this if the inside of your nose tends to get dry or put some on the tip of your nose and it will help stop pollen from going inside your nose.

5. Anti-inflammatory foods

Avoid processed foods because they increase inflammation. Eat more fruits like berries and oranges this season to help with inflammation.