I have learned that in Houston, there are a lot of lovely things that I'm allergic to out in nature.  I hate to have to take drugs all the time, and have been discovering the healing and preventative side of herbs.  (That's not to say that I don't go to the Dr. when I need to!)  I found a lovely recipe at another website for an allergy tea, (actually a tisane, but I will call it "tea") which I like very much.  However, I was out of one of the ingredients and found a suitable substitute for it, which I like much better.  Therefore, I will share it with you.  Beware, it has a kick to it!

Allergy Tea

3 tsp. whole cloves

1 tsp cinnamon stick (broken up)

2-3 star anise pods

1 pinch ground cayenne

Grind in mortar and pestle for a few minutes until the pieces of clove and star anise have been split up a bit.  It doesn't have to be a powdered substance.  Use 1 teaspoon for 1 cup of boiling water (I would suggest using a tea-strainer), and sweeten with honey or the sweetener of your choice (or not).  It has a lovely, spicy flavor and really loosens up the yuck in the sinuses!