HAY FEVER REMEDIES

Finally, Summer has arrived here in the UK. The smell of BBQ’s are wafting through the air. As are the sounds of children laughing and splashing about in their paddling pools. The birds tweeting in the trees and the bees buzzing in the flowers. It’s a wonderful time of the year after the long, wet and cold Winter we’ve had. The once brown and uninspiring landscapes have made way for colour and beauty. However, for those of you who suffer with hay fever, this time of year means it’s time to get the tissues out and to feel totally bunged up for the next few months. To give you a helping hand, here are some natural remedies for fighting hay fever.

What Is Hay Fever? Hay fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by the grasses, trees and flowers around us. You might find only one triggers your allergic reaction. However for some, they can experience each and every one! You can have an allergy to tree, flower, weed or grass pollen, all of which have different times of release throughout the year. However, grass pollen is the most common.

There are particles in the pollen that contain a protein which causes inflammation, irritation and swelling of the nasal passages, eyes and throat. The pollen releases of a substance called histamine. It’s the histamine that gives us the symptoms of hay fever. Sneezing, itchy watery eyes, swelling & inflammation of the nasal passages. General Hay Fever Symptoms can include Sinus congestion, Watery eye, Excess mucus, Itchy nose & eyes, Red eyes, Inflamed nose, Headaches and Head feeling full, or foggy Those who are more prone to mucus accumulations will tend to suffer more from having a runny nose and eyes. Whereas, those who are more prone to inflammation will suffer more from itchy eyes, ears and throat.

Nature’s Finest Remedies Mushrooms – Renowned for their effect on the immune system and inflammation. Medicinal mushrooms are known for their immune-balancing properties, which help to retrain the immune system.

Turmeric & Ginger – These herbs will stimulate the immune system and warm your digestion. The combination of these herbs is a specific remedy for allergic rhinitis, hay fever and colds. Histamine is naturally inflammatory, so add plenty of anti-inflammatory foods and spices in to your diet. Nettle – Nettles are thought to have the ability to block histamine activity. Not always the best tasting, but try having a mug of hot nettle tea on particularly pollen high days. Peppermint & Liquorice – The perfect combination for releasing congestion and mucus around the nose. Aloe Vera – A naturally cooling anti-inflammatory plant. You can use aloe vera on your skin if it’s feeling hot and irritated, as well as internally to help reduce internal inflammation.

Chamomile – A chamomile steam bath for your face could help those suffering with hay fever in a high pollen season. It works by clearing excess mucus from the lungs as well as reducing internal inflammation. Vitamin C – Known for supporting the immune system. Vitamin C may help to reduce histamine levels as well. Consider taking a vitamin C supplement with added bioflavonoids to help reduce the severity of your hay fever symptoms.

Honey – Some people swear by eating honey local to their area to reduce their symptoms of hay fever. It’s meant to provide your body with some of the pollen from your area early on so you can build up a level of protection on high pollen days.

Every Day Tips To Ease Hay Fever Symptoms ● Drink plenty of hot water, mixed with fresh ginger and honey ● Choose easy to digest foods such as soups, grains and leafy vegetables ● Minimise the time you spend outside ● Keep windows closed at night ● Avoid anything containing dairy products, wheat and sugar, as these are mucus producing foods ● Wash your face and hands after being outside ● Dry your clothes inside your home ● Use a saline nasal spray to rinse out your sinuses