Support your body when expressing hayfever

Hay fever is probably responsible for more misery during the summer months than anything else.

Known also as allergic rhinitis, it is a common allergic condition that occurs when high concentrations of grass and flower pollens are released into the atmosphere during late spring and summer.

As the weather gets warmer, the pollen concentration in the air we breathe increases.

Hay fever causes hypersensitivity of the eyes, nose, throat and sometimes the skin. Symptoms tend to be at their worst first thing in the morning as the sun begins to warm the air, and then again in the evening as the warm air starts to descend again. House dust, moulds and animal hair can produce similar reactions. These ‘allergens’ stimulate the body into producing an excess of histamine, and this manifests itself as catarrh and nasal congestion. Sufferers can experience any of the following symptoms: an itchy, running nose, red, streaming, irritated eyes, a blocked nose, tickly throat, sensitive palate or itchy skin.

GARLIC

These powerful little bulbs are also great allergy fighters, as they work as decongestants, helping to ease sneezes and sniffles. If you’re brave enough, crush them, leave them to sit for 10 to 15 minutes to release the active ingredients, before eating raw. Rather you than us…!

TURMERIC

It’s the super food du jour, and turmeric helps prevent the release of histamine, one of the main causes of hay fever. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, so this spectacular spice can ease the symptoms as well as fight them from the onset.

HERBAL TEA

When making a herbal tea or infusion you should allow a rounded teaspoonful of dried herbs or double the quantity of fresh herbs per mug or large cup (unless otherwise stated). This is the adult dose and may be taken up to three times a day. Pour boiling water onto the herbs then cover and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. You may also sweeten it with a little honey or add a slice of lemon or warming ginger. Strain and drink.

Even better – drink with local honey to really boost and support your body!

LOCAL HONEY

How does local honey help allergies?

The idea behind honey treating allergies is similar to that of a person getting allergy shots. … When a person eats local honey, they are thought to be ingesting local pollen. Over time, a person may become less sensitive to this pollen. As a result, they may experience fewer seasonal allergy symptoms.  Creates Immunity to Allergens.

LIQUORICE

Liquorice root is traditionally used to treat allergy and asthma. It also has a strengthening effect on the adrenal gland, which is weakened during the hay fever reaction. Liquorice root extract may be taken during the hay fever season to treat, as well as lessen, the symptoms of allergy.

AVOID DAIRY

Dairy increases mucus production in the respiratory tract and causes congestion. Try coconut or nut milk instead.

CHIROPRACTIC

Remove interference on your nervous system.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture has had mixed results in clinical trials, but research published in 2007 in the Medical Journal of Australia, has shown that it can help relieve the symptoms of chronic hay fever. “Consecutive acupuncture treatment prolongs the desirable effects or, in other words, acupuncture has an accumulative effect.

HOMEOPATHY

Hay fever is a sign of imbalance in the immune system and often causes a significant disruption in the life of a sufferer. Allergic conditions generally respond quite well to homeopathy and treatment during an allergy attack can show amazing results, often bringing relief for the rest of the current season. Hay fever can be quite persistent, returning year after year, and we can only stop this cycle with constitutional treatment from a professional homeopath when the sufferer is not in the throws of fighting off the acute attack. Certain remedies have been shown to work well when hay fever is at a peak and are completely safe to use as they are free from side effects.