How To Combat Hay Fever Naturally

Summer is just around the corner, the sun is starting to shine and flowers are blossoming… what we all look forward to each year, right? Unfortunately, some of us suffer from itchy eyes and a nose that will run further than you will this summer, the dreaded symptoms of hay fever. If that’s you, don’t worry you’re not alone, one in every five people are affected by this common allergic reaction at some point in their life.

What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder created through the plant’s reproductive cycle. The proteins that are found in pollen can cause the reaction in the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses. As plants blossom at different times throughout the year, we can have reactions to different types of pollen which can affect us at different times respectively.

reproductive cycle. The proteins that are found in pollen can cause the reaction in the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses. As plants blossom at different times throughout the year, we can have reactions to different types of pollen which can affect us at different times respectively.

Grass pollen – released at the end of Spring and the start of Summer (mid-May to July). 9 out of 10 people with hay fever are allergic to Timothy and Rye grass pollen.
Tree pollen – released during the Spring (late March to mid-May). 1 in 4 people in the UK are allergic to tree pollen.
Weed polled – released towards the end of autumn (end of June to September).

Hay fever affects over 10 million people in England alone, and although it usually begins in childhood it can affect people of any age. In most people, symptoms improve after several years, and in 10-20% people, symptoms completely disappear.

Treating Hay Fever

Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for hay fever. However, there are a few things you can do to either relieve or delay the onset of symptoms. The most effective way to combat hay fever is to avoid any exposure to pollen, but this is pretty difficult, unless you become a bedroom hermit. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce hay fever exposure saving you of the dreaded itchy eyes.

The most common treatment is the use of over-the-counter antihistamines which help prevent the allergic reaction, and corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation and swelling. However, medication can often leave you feeling drowsy, not what you need throughout the working week.

Honey

Most people relate honey to a remedy for coughs, colds and sore throats, but it appears its medicinal properties don’t stop there. Manuka Honey has unique, antibacterial properties which help to desensitise the body from the effects of pollen. The pollen content of the honey helps to acclimatise the body to being able to cope with small doses of the allergen, a mechanism similar to having vaccinations. Try adding a tbsp of honey to your morning green tea, in your porridge or eaten by itself to keep those snuffles at bay.

Omega 369

Research shows that Omega 3 helps reduce inflammation; the most common symptom of hay fever. Omega 369 contains a balanced blend of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, Linoleic Acid, Gamma Linoleic Acids and Oleic Acids. It’s this unique combination of fatty acids which all work together to help reduce that nasty inflammation of the sinuses which is caused when the body tries to fight off the allergens. Take one softgel 2x a day to see full benefit.

Algae Oil

Working in the same way as omega 369, Algae oil is simply a vegan-friendly alternative to fish oils. Alike to omega 369, it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory which can help reduce sinus inflammation.

Ginger

Image result for ginger

Turmeric

Turmeric is also a great addition to the diet. It contains curcumin, a phytochemical which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance, which helps reduce the release of histamine. Turmeric Tea contains an infusion of ginger and turmeric both known to combat the effects of hay fever.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by helping the immune system fight the inflammation. Bioflavonoids and rosehip work together to enhance the action of vitamin C to help protect the body against oxidative stress and decongest the sinuses.

Hayfever hacks

Here’s a few little take home hacks to introduce to your everyday schedule and help reduce your symptoms;

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen, yes this can be an excuse to be all celebrity and wear sunglasses indoors.
Shower and change your clothes often. Pollen will stick to your clothes and hair, wash all the pollen particles off to keep the symptoms away.
Keeping an eye on the weather report. The weather general will give you a pollen count. If the pollen count is high (50+) stay inside more.
Use a small amount of petroleum gel to the nasal opening to help trap pollen and stop it getting into your body.
The pollen count is usually at a peak in the late-afternoon and early-evening, a good time to take a break from the sun and sneak inside for a siesta?

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