Hay fever Helpers

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is formally known as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and can present with many and varied symptoms. It occurs as a response to allergens such as pollen, which get into and affect the eyes nose and throat.

Hay fever is a common allergic condition, with up to 20 per cent of the population suffering each season. If you notice a pattern of symptoms returning each year at the same time of year, you most likely suffer from Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis popularly known as hay fever.

Symptoms may include;

• Frequent Sneezing
• Runny and blocked nose
• Itchy red sore eyes
• Itching around the face and mouth
• Tiredness
• Blocked sensation in ears
• Headache
• Wheezing and excess catarrh
• Burning in the throat

As we will see with a little help from our herbal allies we may hopefully ditch the discomfort and enjoy a happy and stress free summer!

It makes sense to avoid the pollen whenever possible. Most pollen is released in the morning and evening so, if at all possible, try to avoid high pollen areas at these times. Do use the herbal eyebaths mentioned below and also nasal sprays such as A.Vogel Pollinosan to keep your nose and eyes free from pollen. If your throat is also irritated try gargling with 2 teaspoons of Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol. A few drops of Silver hydrosol may also be added to a soothing eyebath.

Herbs for Hay fever

Here are some herbal helpers to support us through the summer season.

The stinging in nettle comes from the presence on the bristles of histamine that delivers a stinging burn when the hairs on the leaves and stems are touched. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercetin) that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages, helping to ease hay fever

Regardless of your choice of herbs for your symptoms do include nettle in your mixture. Allergic reactions are a result of the actions of histamine, causing the tissues in the affected areas to inflame. Nettle contains histamine in a weak form. This attaches to the histamine receptors in the tissue and blocks the body’s own histamine uptake, and in that way reduces its effects.

Elderflower contains organic substances known as tannins, these tannins are astringent and may help to dry up dripping noses and weeping eyes. Drink one or two cups of Elderflower tea each day.

A. Vogel Luffa complex drops contains extracts of several different plant products, including the sponge cucumber. The 7 Herbs in Luffa Complex drops may help to relieve itchy eyes and sneezing.

Formulated by Alfred Vogel renowned Swiss naturopath, herbalist and author of The Nature Doctor, the seven herbs present in Luffa Complex drops were chosen based on their ability to alleviate the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. They include:

• Sponge Cucumber (Luffa operculata) helps to relieve symptoms, including sneezing, nasal discharge and a blocked nose.

• Khella (Ammi visnaga) has an antispasmodic effect on the bronchial muscles, which eases the symptoms of breathlessness that sometimes occurs in those with environmental allergies.

• American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) targets irritations of the larynx and trachea (windpipe) and helps reduce inflammation in the nose and bronchi.

• Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) works to relieve allergies, particularly itchy skin reactions.

• Heartseed (Larrea mexicana) is an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce allergy symptoms such as itching and sneezing.

• Thryallis (Galphimia glauca) has desensitising properties that reduce the body’s reaction to allergens (allergy-producing substances). It is useful in the treatment of hayfever, allergies and bronchial asthma.

• Okoubaka (Okoubaka aubrevillei) is a detoxifying herb. It was added to the formula to gently cleanse and strengthen the body, and to enhance the action of the other six herbs.

We currently have the new A. Vogel Pollinosan Homeopathic Hayfever tablets on special offer. Currently priced at £7.15 (£2 off the r.r.p.).

Glorious Ginkgo is a natural antihistamine and contains a dozen different anti-inflammatory chemicals and seven natural antihistamines which help to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Echinacea has reported immune system supporting properties and is included in Potter’s Allerclear hayfever aid tablets.

Echinacea may also be taken with Goldenseal in tincture form, Goldenseal is astringent and may help to reduce mucous secretions. Goldenseal is particularly important when there is the possibility of sinus infection.

We like Natures Answer Echinacea & Goldenseal Alcohol Free Fluid Extract 30ml 1ml x3 daily.

There are some interactions and possible side effects with Goldenseal. Check it out using our Healthnotes system here

Drinking chamomile tea throughout the day may help to calm nasal congestion and is supremely soothing to the nervous system.

Quercetin is found in red wine, apples, onions, and other foods. It is a plant pigment which is also an antioxidant and protects cells from damage by free radicals. Quercetin has been shown to help alleviate hay fever symptoms. In laboratory tests, quercetin has demonstrated an ability to prevent histamine from being released by the body’s cells, which therefore interrupts the allergic response.

Do take G. Baldwin & Co. Quercetin Complex, Take between 1 to 6 capsules between meals daily.

Aloe Vera juice has mild anti-histamine properties. Start drinking a high quality Aloe Vera juice (we like Pukka Aloe Vera juice) at least one month before your hay fever usually appears. Take 3 to 6 tablespoons daily.

Used externally (as a gel) it alleviates allergic rashes. A tube of Lily of the Valley Aloe Gelly is a handy first aid item for summer holidays and outings.

Garlic is a renowned and respected traditional remedy. Garlic contains allicin, an impressive antimicrobial, as well as over thirty other phyto-compounds. Garlic and onions have long been used to treat bronchitis, allergies and asthma by helping to open the lungs and ease breathing. The ingredients responsible include mustard oils and quercetin. Use garlic and onions liberally in all your culinary creations!

Potters Allerclear hayfever aid tablets contain garlic as a primary ingredient.

For Irritated eyes

Eyebright tea may be used as an eyebath.

An eyebright eyebath can be made by brewing an infusion of eyebright herb with purified water. The infusion must be strained through a muslin cloth to remove any bits of leaf.

Once cool pour into a sterile bottle or jar and use when needed.

An easier option is to use Potter’s Refreshing Herbal eye drops which contain chamomile, eyebright, cornflower and witch hazel and may even be used with contact lenses.

These come in ready to use sterile phials and are ideal for travelling.

Aloe Vera gel may be patted gently around sore eyelids

Pure rosewater may also be used to comfort sore eyes.

Pour some authentic rosewater onto organic cotton wool balls and dab around the eyes following the brow bone and eye socket

If the eyes are overly irritated add a few drops of bio-active silver hydrosol.

For Nasal congestion

Mix Eucalyptus and Peppermint essential oils in equal parts and use 6 drops of the mixture in a diffuser as an inhalant.

Rosemary essential oil may ease the airway constriction induced by histamine, the chemical cause of asthma and allergies. Use 6 drops in a diffuser.

If your nose becomes too sore after lots of blowing, clearing and wiping gently massage Calendula macerated oil around your nostrils.

For Sore Throats

Sore throats, sneezing and runny noses may be soothed by drinking a glass of warm almond mylk to which a pinch of turmeric has been added.

Bio active silver hydrosol may also be swished around the mouth to bring relief from irritation and soreness.

Peppermint tea soothes the airways and eases congestion.

Sage tea will nurture an unhappy throat, gargle daily with an infusion of sage.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids

An allergic response causes excessive inflammation due to an abnormal response of the immune system.

Research suggests that omega 3 essential fatty acids may reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body which makes it very effective in alleviating the symptoms of hay fever.

We suggest Viridian 100% Golden Flax Seed oil, Take 1 teaspoon three times a day with food or in juice.

Bee Pollen

It is believed that ingesting pollens will help the body to build resistance to these potential allergens and hence reduce allergy symptoms. Many of our regular customers report success using products such as HayfeGUARD.

HayfeGUARD is made by honey bees feeding on local pure English flower nectar. This is enriched with collected honey bee pollen and fresh royal jelly.

Take two 5g teaspoons a day; one in the morning on cereal, dairy free yoghurt or straight from the pot! And once again last thing at night. HayfeGUARD should not be put in hot drinks as high temperatures can compromise the pollen within.

These are just a few of our very favourite hay fever helpers, there are many other herbs and remedies which are also useful when treating hay fever.

Please leave comments and share a few of your own tried and tested home remedies

Happy holidays!

Bright Sunny Blessings

Hedgerow

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