5 Natural Remedies for Hay Fever
5 Natural Remedies for Hay Fever
Are itchy eyes, runny nose & sneezing making you miserable?
Spring for many people can bring familiar symptoms of itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing and can make life extremely miserable.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction which may begin early in Spring with tree pollens, later in early summer with grass pollens, right through to Autumn. For some people it is the damp Autumn leaf mould which triggers symptoms. All year round symptoms may be triggered by pet dander or house dust mite especially when the heating is switched on.
Naturopathy offers many natural remedies for hay fever, as an alternative to over the counter anti – histamines, inhaled nasal steroids, eye drops or prescribed medication.
Prepare to get ready for your hay fever season early – don’t wait until the season starts
1. NUTRITION – Natural Remedies for Hay Fever
Reduce toxic load on the body by eliminating all processed foods, mucus producing foods and intolerant foods.
Many people will be helped by eliminating foods such as cheese, milk, ice cream, and chocolate.
Wheat and alcohol should also be considered.
Are you confused about foods?
A simple finger prick blood sample could find out which foods might be contributing to hay fever symptoms
Anti -oxidant rich foods should be eaten in abundance to reduce inflammation and increase immunity. Ensure plenty of coloured fruit and vegetable such as citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes and seeds which are rich in selenium and zinc.
Enjoy fresh fruits & berries for breakfast – oranges, kiwis blueberries for vitamin C
And enjoy all the local seasonal greens & berries as we go through the season
Enjoy a colourful bowl of salad & vegetables with lunch & dinner
Stinging nettles which contain a natural anti – histamine called quercetin, either as an infusion or as freshly picked leaves made in to a soup.
Natural honey – take 2 tea spoons daily of natural honey from a local hive for a desensitizing effect.
Bee pollen – 1 tsp daily in yogurt or on cereal – its full a complete food full of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and will promote general health as well as helping relieve hay fever symptoms
2.SUPPLEMENTS – Natural Remedies for Hay Fever
Multi- vitamin & mineral ( providing B6 100mg & zinc 15mg)
Anti Oxidant Complex
Vitamin C 3 x 1000mgs
3.HERBS – Natural Remedies for Hay Fever
Petasites hybridus ( Butterbur ) has been shown to reduce histamine reaction.
Euphrasia (Eyebright) as eyedrops or as a tincture in water has been shown to relieve inflammation and irritation of eyes.
Soak cotton pads in a cooled infusion of Chamomile , place on the closed eyes & rest for 10 minutes.
Cucumber – cool & refreshing rest with slices of fresh cucumber over eyes to relieve itching & redness,
New Era biochemical tissue salts combination for hay fever containing Magnesium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride and Silica Dioxide work homeopathically to eliminate runny nose and sneezing.
4.AROMATHERAPY -Natural Remedies for Hay Fever
A steam inhalation of essential oil such as chamomile or eucalyptus can be used to relieve a blocked nose.
If oils become in effective – try to vary the oils throughout the season with Melissa, Tea Tree or Pine
A salt solution inhaled through the nose using a Neti Bath or sniffed from the hand through the nose will de-congest the sinuses.
5.ACUPUNCTURE – Natural Remedies for Hay Fever
The insertion of fine needles can be used to treat the underlying cause of your hay fever.
This is effective in reducing watery eyes sneezing & nasal discharge.
When to consult your Naturopath:
Persistent nasal congestion may be a symptom of food intolerance, or digestive imbalances.
Frequent upper respiratory tract infections may be a symptom of low immunity
Caution:
Hay fever symptoms in asthmatic patients is a sign of inflammatory lower airways and should be taken seriously – consult your medical practitioner.
If taking any prescribed medicines please consult professional practitioner before taking herbs or supplements