14 Home Remedies For Hay Fever
According to the NHS, hay fever is at its worst between late March and September, and can be exasperated by warm, humid and windy weather, as this is when the pollen count is at its highest. There are lots of home remedies for hay fever, to help ease the cold-like signs and symptoms associated with the condition, officially known as allergic rhinitis. If you’re struggling with a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion and sneezing, check out this round-up of 14 great home remedies worth trying.
Salt inhalation
It is anti-inflammatory. It removes pathogen agents (airborne pollen). It reduces IgE levels (which cause oversensitivity of the immune system)
Local honey
Honey is said to be a natural remedy for hay fever because the bee pollen in honey can desensitise your body to other pollens. Increasing honey in your daily dietary intake should reduce hay fever symptoms significantly. Make sure you use local honey to your area to see the best results.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a natural cooling anti-inflammatory, soothing mucus membranes throughout the body. It’s a natural way of cleansing your liver and helping to reduce allergic response from the immune system. Organic Aloe Vera does not contain sodium benzoate, that’s so often a causative factor in allergies.
Turmeric and ginger
Naturally stimulates, these herbs either in combination or separately will stimulate the system, warm the digestion and improve nutrient assimilation. The combination of these two herbs is a specific remedy for allergic rhinitis, hay fever and colds. Histamine is by nature inflammatory, so adding plenty of anti-inflammatory spices into your diet could be helpful in alleviating nasal swelling. Both of these herbs can be found in our Turmeric Active tea and Three Ginger tea.
Nettle
Nettles are thought to have the ability to block histamine activity and other pro-inflammatory molecules involved in hay fever. Pukka Herb’s Cleanse tea contains nettles and aloe vera which has a natural cooling effect, helping to calm any irritation. Histamine, a key player in allergic response, is broken down by the liver, so supporting liver function with cooling and cleansing herbs can be helpful for managing hay fever symptoms. Pukka’s Clean Greens Superblend is a combination of 11 nutrient-dense plant superfoods including nettles, chlorella and spirulina, which can be taken in the lead-up to Spring to ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Mushroom gold
All medicinal mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, powerful polysaccharides renowned for their profound effect on the immune system and on inflammation. The symptoms of hay fever are often caused by an over-response of the immune system within local tissues. Medicinal mushrooms are known for their immune-balancing properties, which help to retrain the immune system to have a more appropriate response to potential allergens.
Reishi mushrooms, known as the ‘King of Mushrooms’, display strong anti-histaminic and anti-inflammatory actions. It can be taken daily to support allergic conditions and reduce the symptoms of hay fever. In addition to their immune-modulating properties, mushrooms contain significant levels of vitamin D2. Low vitamin D status is linked to development of allergies, so mushrooms can provide a helpful boost of vitamin D throughout the year. Pukka Herb’s Mushroom Gold formula contains reishi, maitake and shiitake for maximum benefit.
Vitamin C
Well known for supporting the immune system, it is thought that vitamin C may help to reduce histamine levels. In order to support the balanced functioning of your immune system, consider taking a vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids to help reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms. Pukka Herbs Natural Vitamin C and Power Immune capsules contain organic plant-source Vitamin C rich in bioflavonoids and polyphenols which optimise absorption and bioavailability of this important nutrient.
Wash
Wash your face and hands after being outside.
Nasal spray
Use a saline nasal spray to rinse out your sinuses, at least twice a day
Barrier ointment
Use barrier ointment around your nostrils to trap pollen
Wraparound sunglasses
Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen from getting into your eyes.
Raw apple cider vinegar
Raw apple cider vinegar is really helpful in the battle against hay fever symptoms. It helps alleviate inflammation and congestion, is highly nutritious, has anti-histamine properties and supports a healthy immune system
Chamomile tea
An antioxidant and antihistamine, chamomile tea contains flavonoids that act as an anti-inflammatory agent. While best taken as a cuppa during the day, chamomile tea can also be used as an eye compress to cool swollen, red eyes.
Making and using a compress:
1. Submerge an instant chamomile tea bag in water. Leave it there for at least 3 mins.
2. Dump out the water and gently squeeze the excess water from the teabag.
3. Refrigerate the chamomile tea bag for 15 to 30 mins and remove it from the fridge once cool.
4. Hold the cool tea bag against the swollen eye for up to 5 mins at a time.
5. Allow your inflamed eye to breathe for an hour before attempting to re-apply a new compress.
