marygarvey - it might be folklore but if it works...

I suffer from allergies but have figured out how to fight pollen.

I buy a sterile saline solution and irrigate my nasal passages at the first hint of an allergic reaction. I also gargle with salt water.

It doesn't cure you, but if you get to it right away, it seems to wash away the majority of the pollen and keep the whole problem at a more manageable level. The trick is to do it right away and irrigate your system as often as possible.

And yes, wash your hair and change your pillow cases.