Allergy treatment through conventional medical methods utilizes two main approaches: allergic symptom suppression and gradual desensitization to various allergic triggers. With the symptom suppression approach, various medications may be utilized in order to decrease the release of, or block the effects of, inflammatory immune chemicals like histamine. The decreased effects of the immune chemicals reduces allergy signs and symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, and skin reactions like hives. In more severe allergic situations, corticosteroids such as cortisone may be employed to drastically suppress the body's inflammatory allergic response.