Natural Hay Fever

Natural ways to reduce symptoms of ‘Hay fever’

Allergic rhinitis, also known as ‘Hay fever’, occurs when your body reacts to allergens such as pollen, mould, grass or dust. There are many natural ways to reduce the symptoms of hay fever, here are a few my clients tell me work for them.

As each of us are unique, we present with different symptoms, though the most common symptoms include:

• congestions
• itching
• tickle inside the nose
• coughing
• sneezing
• runny nose
• red eyes
• swollen eyes
• sort throat
• rash

As you can imagine, to suffer from just one symptom can interfere with your daily activity, but to suffer with the majority of them all at the same time can be debilitating. It is important to understand that ‘Hay fever‘ is not a disease, it is a reaction to a trigger, so reducing the triggers reduces the reaction, resulting in less symptoms.

The psychological effects can result in mood changes, lethargy, irritability, anxiety and even depression. Thankfully there are home remedies that can reduce the symptoms and make life more bearable. 

As with all my blog articles, please consult a registered practitioner before making any changes to your diet or medication. Some natural products can react negatively with prescription medication.

Honey – A remedy that has been used for centuries. Either taken directly from the jar on a teaspoon, or mixed into some warm water, honey soothes and naturally calms the oesophagus. Honey that is from the area you live is far better, as the local bee pollen reduce the effect of the air-borne pollens on the body.

Vitamin C – High in bioflavonoids and vitamin C fruits such as oranges and lemons reduce congestion and provide a natural anti-alley effect.

Lemon water – My healthy tip I offer all my clients is to start every day with 250mls of freshly boiled water (cooled) with a squeeze of lemon. On those days where pollen count is high, or you start to feel ‘Hay fever‘ symptoms setting in add the honey to the water.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – I love this and have personally used it by the bottle full for several years. I use it both topically and internally and feel amazing. Again dilute 1 tsp of ACV in 150 mls of water, sip or drink. It is a taste you get used to. Add lemon and honey if you wish.

You can click here to purchase your Braggs ACV –   Braggs Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, 946ml

Hot Peppers –  Bring on the spice, heat it up… red chilli peppers can be used raw or cooked in salads, salsa dishes, curries, stews, you name it the versatile chilli will always blend into most dishes. I know a client who loves a scrambled egg with a chopped up chilli in it served on a bed of fiery rocket every morning, needless to say she has a spring in her step, a glowing complexion and I have never known her to suffer with a cold or ‘Hay fever‘.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – These powerful fatty acid reduce inflammation and not only reduce ‘Hay fever‘ symptoms, but are necessary for overall health and wellbeing. Find them in salmon, mackerel, Brussel sprouts, walnuts, flaxseed.

Sea Salt – Gargle throughout that day with a sea salt mixture. 2 tsp of salt in 200 mls of warm water. 

Garlic – If I was to earn a pound for all the people who have said, “thank you for telling me about garlics natural healing power”, I would be super rich…. Garlic contains natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties as well as natural antibiotic powers. Not everyone can stomach the taste, so there are amazing supplements available such as this one

However, simply crush a clove and swallow with your lemon water. Add it to as many of your meals possible. Don’t be afraid of garlic it should be your best friend as it is a powerful healer.

Ginger – like the garlic, it too contains the same natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties, and can relive congestion. Eat it raw in salad, or brew some fresh ginger in a cup of freshly boiled water and sip. 

Did you know ginger settles the stomach too, so when you become tense and feel fed up with the symptoms of ‘Hay fever‘ the ginger can help relax those tense muscles and settle your stomach.
Alternatively purchase Ginger Tea and drink regular through the day.

Here are some amazing tips to reduce your ‘Hay fever’:

• Drink warm soups and eat rich antioxidant stews – Here is a super simple recipe of mine
• Try to keep doors and windows closed during the pollen season
• Try to stay indoors in dry, windy, and dusty days
• Wear a mask when dusting or cleaning the house 
• If possible, bathe your pets twice a week
• Do not hang your clothes outside in the open as pollens may stick to them
• Don’t go out in the morning, as the number of pollens outside in the morning is the highest
• Avoid gardening for a while till you’re not perfectly free from the allergy