Want to get rid of the stuffy nose and other allergy symptoms that come with hay fever? There are many natural remedies that can help alleviate them, which we will be discussing in detail in this article. Hay fever is a common condition that can last for weeks or months, depending on the nature and source of the allergy. While there are conventional treatments available, many of these come with nasty side effects that could even worsen the symptoms. Natural products are worth considering in the treatment of hay fever and can be used alone or as an adjunct therapy. Please read on to find out more about which remedies may suit you.
What is Hay Fever?
Otherwise known as allergic rhinitis or pollinosis, hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen, house dust mites, grass, mould spores, animal fur or hair, and air pollution. The condition tends to occur seasonally for people who are sensitive to outdoor allergens, or at any time of the year for those whose allergies are triggered by indoor allergens.
Hay fever occurs when allergens become trapped in the fine hairs and mucous membranes of the nasal passages, mouth, throat and lungs. The immune system reacts by stimulating the release of the antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is designed to fight and eliminate the allergens. Histamine is then released from the IgE to flush the allergens out of the airways, which produces a list of symptoms described below.
Symptoms of Hay Fever
People who have a medical history of asthma or other allergic conditions have an increased risk of developing hay fever. The symptoms of the condition depend on the allergy triggers and the level of sensitivity of the body's immune system. However, the most common symptoms of hay fever include:
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, ear and skin
- Impaired smell
- Wheezing
- Red and watery eyes
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Fatigue
- Sleeping problems
7 Ways to Relieve Hay Fever Naturally
While using corticosteroid nasal sprays may provide temporary relief from seasonal allergies, there's no better way to control the symptoms of hay fever than by avoiding what triggers them altogether, say allergy specialists. What that means is, don't cut grass or do gardening if your body has a negative reaction to pollen. If your allergy stems from mould spores, clean the air ducts of your air conditioning system regularly and use air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air filters. Set boundaries for your furry friend if animal dander makes you sick. Wear a face mask every time you need to leave the house if you're sensitive to tree pollen or air pollution, particularly from motor vehicle emissions.
Apart from avoiding your allergy triggers, consuming citrus fruits and herbal remedies, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly will strengthen your immune system and make you less sensitive to allergens.
We list below the top 7 natural remedies, including some herbal medicine options, to ease hay fever symptoms the natural way.
1. Balanced Diet
Eating a clean and balanced diet, rich in good quality protein, fruits and vegetables, may reduce hay fever symptoms and strengthen the immune system. Foods that are packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids are the best as they help ease congestion and boost immunity.
Drink filtered water only and two cups of chamomile tea or nettle tea every day, as these contain natural antihistamines, which can help relieve sneezing, itchy throat, eyes and nose, and the feeling of heaviness. Avoid inflammatory foods at all costs, such as white flour, dairy products, salt, sugar, alcohol and anything else highly processed.
Other foods that may benefit hay fever sufferers include:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Ginger
- Honey
- Chilli peppers
- Sweet potato
- Watercress
2. Vitamin Supplements
Specific vitamins and dietary supplements not only reduce hay fever symptoms but support the immune system as well. They help shift your body's negative reaction to different allergens to protect it from potential cell damage. The following are highly recommended during allergy season:
- Vitamin C
- A good quality multivitamin
- Flavonoids
- L-Methionine
- Magnesium Pantothenate
- Quercetin with Bromelain
- Omega 3 fatty acids
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been demonstrated by science to effectively relieve symptoms of hay fever. It does so by correcting and balancing energy flow through the use of needles on the skin, specifically on facial points. This helps to stimulate the immune system, clear congestion, any associated pain and reduce inflammation.
4. Aromatherapy & Essential Oils
The therapeutic aromas of essential oils may relieve hay fever attacks. They are best heated in an oil burner, inhaled on a hanky or over a steaming bucket of hot water. Popular aromatherapy essential oils for hay fever include:
- Eucalyptus
- Niaouli
- Tea Tree oil
- Roman chamomile
- Lemon
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
5. Herbal Medicine
Several herbal remedies may be used to alleviate sneezing, coughing, itching and congestion symptoms associated with hay fever. They mainly work by strengthening and supporting the allergen-fighting immune system.
Some of these herbs include:
- Butterbur's medicinal effects are similar to those of traditional allergy medications, as the chemical constituents of the plant's roots and leaves are used in the production of allergic rhinitis medicines. This is precisely why it is considered to be an effective medicine for allergic rhinitis.
- Stinging nettle is popular among those who have come into contact with its leaves. It is among the most effective herbal remedies for allergic rhinitis because it reduces allergy-related inflammation as an antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial and analgesic without producing any of the side effects associated with antihistamine tablets.
- Sea buckthorn contains over a hundred phytonutrients, as well as essential vitamins and nutrients, making it ideal for people who suffer from severe hay fever, asthma, and other respiratory disorders. Its therapeutic properties benefit the eyes, mouth and mucous membranes.
- Ginkgo biloba is a powerful herbal remedy for seasonal hay fever. It contains ginkgolides, which are medicinal substances that can inhibit the activity of certain allergy-triggering chemicals in the body.
- Quercetin is a flavonoid that is high in antioxidants and helps to strengthen the immune system. It is a natural antihistamine that effectively relieves hay fever symptoms. Garlic is an excellent source of quercetin.
- Perilla frutescens can help you fight your allergic rhinitis symptoms. Many studies have shown that the herb can help with nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma attacks, eye irritation, and a variety of skin conditions.
- Reishi mushrooms have potent natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory compounds. It can help to relieve hay fever symptoms and other allergic conditions. Apart from boosting the immune system, these mushrooms contain high levels of vitamin D2, which the body needs in large quantities to avoid allergies.
6. Indian Head Massage
Used for thousands of years by the Ayurvedic tradition, Indian head massage may assist in clearing hay fever-associated congestion, headaches and sinus pain.
7. Hypnotherapy
Researchers have repeatedly demonstrated that the state of your body mirrors the state of your mind. According to their research, allergy sufferers who were taught to use self-hypnosis saw a significant reduction in their hay fever symptoms. Self-hypnosis involves relaxation techniques that gradually alleviate hay fever symptoms as soon as they appear.
Other Tips for Relieving Hay Fever
- Stay indoors if the news reports a high pollen count.
- Avoid the outdoors when possible during spring, on windy days or immediately after thunderstorms.
- Replace your lawn with paved or bricked areas.
- Using your finger, line the inside of your nose with petroleum jelly (eg: Vaseline) to inhibit pollen from touching the lining of your nasal passages.
- Wash your eyes out with cold water as often as possible to flush out any pollen.
Anyone who was born with a highly sensitive immune system can acquire hay fever. If that sounds like you, don't fret as you don't have to live with the condition forever — nor do you have to rely on conventional treatments and their side effects. You can train your body to adapt to different environmental allergens and change your immune response by maintaining a healthy diet, lifestyle and outlook in life.
To explore more natural treatments to relieve hay fever, get in touch with a certified allergy specialist in your area. Check out the comprehensive listing of natural health professionals on the Natural Therapy Pages to find one nearest to you.
Originally published on Aug 26, 2010
