Natural ways to tackle hay fever
HAY Fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and is associated with the high pollen count in the summer months. For some of you the symptoms can last until October. It’s even possible to have symptoms all year round if you’re allergic to pollen from grass, weeds, flowers, trees, or shrubs which flower all year. You may have Allergic or Perennial Rhinitis which means that you react to allergens such as dust, animal hair, and perfume, as well as pollen.
The allergic reaction that you experience affects the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose. It’s caused by an overreaction by the immune system to the pollens or allergen that it has come in contact with. This immune response triggers inflammation and the release of histamine, which causes the symptoms. Symptoms can include a runny or itchy nose, itchy roof of the mouth, watery itchy eyes and sneezing, all of which can be extremely uncomfortable and annoying.
In order to deal with hay fever you need to support your immune system so that the reaction to pollen is reduced. Omega oils, vitamin C and Echinacea can help do this.
You need to reduce your allergic tendency to react to the pollen in the first place so that you can start to inhibit the release of histamine, and reduce your symptoms.
Natural anti-histamines include Quercetin, Vitamin C, B5, and Nettle. The herb Eyebright is commonly used to relieve itchy eyes, nose and throat. There are many remedies available that include combinations of these.
A Vogel Pollinosan is a supplement that I regularly recommended with great success. If you use it throughout the season it can reduce the sensitivity to pollen and other airborne allergens, and also reduce the symptoms; next year start again before the season starts and over time you will see a reduction in overall reaction to airborne allergens. For children age 2 onwards choose A.Vogel Luffa Complex.
Drink herbal teas like Echinacea, Elderberry, Rosehip, and eat local honey.
Aim to avoid any food that you know you are sensitive too, and use only natural body care and household products. This will take pressure off an over loaded immune system.