Do You Suffer From Hay-fever And Want a Natural Remedy?

I  love spring, don’t you? The trees and plants are all coming to life, the grass is growing and the temperatures are beginning to climb.

But spare a thought for airborne allergy sufferers. Sneezing, running nose, and itchy eyes, nose and throat can be a miserable and relentless problem for those suffering from hay-fever (allergic rhinitis). And the figures are rising.

And did you know?

• 20% of the population are affected by allergic rhinitis (Allergy The Unmet Need)
• The number of sufferers from allergic rhinitis has tripled in the last 20 years (Allergy The Unmet Need)

The chief culprits for  seasonal change allergies are airborne dander, dust-mites, feathers, moulds, and pollen.

Histamine reaction

The immune system of sufferers overreacts to the normally harmless particles in the air. The airborne pollens cause the body to produce antibodies, and it releases a natural substance called histamine. Histamine irritates the upper respiratory passages (nose, throat, eyes and sinus), resulting in swelling and other hay-fever symptoms.

The usual remedy for symptoms is antihistamine medication, which helps to relieve symptoms by blocking the histamine’s effect on nasal and eye tissues.

Thankfully, home-made, natural remedies including homeopathic and herbal treatment, and natural ingredients can provide some relief from hay-fever symptoms and help prevent their return.

1. Garlic: 

Garlic is highly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It boosts the immune system and is useful for blocking the causes of hay-fever, simply because it provides strength for your body.

2. Horseradish:

Horseradish is a peppery and pungent root vegetable which acts as a decongestant. It helps in clearing the nasal passages, and therefore great for treating the symptoms of hay fever. When the root is cut or broken down, the enzymes begin to break down the chemical compound sinigrin into a pungent compound (allyl isothiocyanate) that aids the body in draining the nasal mucous membranes and sinuses. Prepared horseradish must be use immediately or it will become discoloured and lose its strength.

3. Honey:

This remedy takes some time to reap the rewards but honey, and I mean local honey, when ingested creates  immunity to the allergens. Your local bees frequent local plants to gather local pollen, the same pollen you are reacting to. Try to eat local honey throughout the year to get the most benefits.

4. Teas:

Ginger tea (with raw honey) breaks up congestion in the chest congestion and loosens phlegm. It acts as a natural antihistamine and also strengthens the immune system.

Green tea blocks the production of histamine and builds the immune system.

Peppermint tea relieves both nasal and sinus congestion.

Nettle tea helps relieve respiratory tract inflammation, and eases nasal congestion, itching and sneezing.

Licorice tea can help to reduce irritation of the respiratory system.

Chamomile tea is also reputed to relieve hay fever symptoms, and smearing chamomile and lemon oil on a cloth and inhaling is believed to prevent hay fever symptoms.

5. Antioxidants:

Flavonoids found in most fresh vegetables, prevent the release of histamine from immune cells. While carotenoids, found in orange foods (like carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin etc)  promotes unblocked and open airways. Antioxidants also boost the immune system.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be drunk it a diluted (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) form throughout the day. It is a known to  aid in reducing most allergies like pollen, dander, dust, animals food, etc.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary is known to suppress immunoglobulin responses and inflammation, due to its concentrated source of rosmarinic acid, a natural polyphenol that can suppress allergic reactions.

8. HayMax:

Don’t forget Haymax! It is the award winning organic drug free balm which you apply lightly to your nostrils to trap the pollen before it gets into your respiratory system causing hay-fever. Less pollen means less sneezing and less tears.

Tip! Avoid dairy

Consider limiting or avoiding cow’s milk and other dairy products since these can increase mucus production in the respiratory tract and therefore exacerbate nasal congestion from hay-fever. Try dairy alternatives like coconut, rice and nut milks instead.

Article Source - Rosie Gittens,  Goodness Direct