Natural Hay Fever Remedies

Natural Hay Fever Remedies

Hay fever affects 1 in 4 people within the UK and it has been proven than 75% of people in the UK would prefer a natural hay fever treatment over those from over the counter. Well, you’re in luck as Easy2Name have created a helpful list of just that.   Whether it’s you or a loved one suffering, be sure to be on hand with some helpful suggestions this summer. You don’t want to stay stuck, cooped up this summer with streaming eyes, blocked nose, an itchy throat and endless sneezing. There are plenty of hay fever solutions that you can purchase over the counter at pharmacies, however you may want to use natural alternatives that can not only improve your hay fever but also your overall heath instead of being left to feel lousy, drowsy and rubbish! Preparation is key when it comes to hay fever; the earlier you implement these solutions and barriers for hay fever, the more effective you will find them. Best of all you’ll have most of them already ready and waiting for action in your cupboards.

Vitamin C

This natural antihistamine acts as a decongestant – which specifically helps if your symptoms involve a blocked or runny nose! You can find high levels of Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables like oranges, kiwi, strawberries, both green and red pepper, broccoli and kale.

Garlic

Garlic boosts your immune system, and just like Vitamin C, it acts as a powerful decongestant. Additionally, it has been proven to reduce other symptoms like sore throats and headaches. Garlic contains quercetin – this is also a natural antihistamine, also found in onions! Most effective when eaten raw or crushed, however eaten in cooked meals also helps too.

Carotenoids

Carrots, apricots, pumpkin, sweet potato and spinach all contain carotenoids. These are naturally occurring pigments in plants that act as antioxidants which help reduce any inflammation you may experience in your airways, not to mention the boost to your immune system.

Honey

Bees both aggravate hay fever and yet also provide an antidote. Bees help the process of pollination which cause lots of us to suffer from hay fever symptoms but they also create the sweet nectar that can improve those symptoms. The reason that honey can help to reduce symptom is actually because it contains pollen from flowers and plants, by ingesting honey into your body before hay fever season and your body develops protection to these allergies, in turn reducing symptoms what hay fever season kicks in. The more local the honey, the more effective!

Ginger

Ginger is a strong anti-inflammatory which can reduce swelling within your nasal passage, along with other symptoms. You can eat fresh stem ginger in juices, curries or even teas! There are many healthy meals that you can pack full of ginger, discover Fitness Magazine’s healthy filled ginger recipes for some creative ideas.

Herbal Teas

For those of you that can’t start your day without your morning cup of tea, you’re in luck. However, you might have to explore some other varieties. Teas like chamomile, liquorice and nettles are amongst the best for hay fever, as these contain antioxidants and antihistamines which reduce symptoms. The flavonoids within more specifically chamomile tea acts as an anti-inflammatory. Different herbal teas have different helpful benefits:

• Ginger Tea – Breaks up check congestion, acts as antihistamine and strengthen your immune system.
• Green Tea – Blocks production of histamine and strengthens your immune system.
• Peppermint Tea – reducing nasal and sinus congestions.
• Nettle Tea – Easing inflammation, congestion, itching and sneezing.
• Liquorice Tea – calms irritation of your respiratory system.
• Chamomile Tea – inhaling can prevent symptoms coming into play

Tea doesn’t have to just be ingested, for swollen and itchy eyes chamomile tea bags can be just as an eye compress to reduce inflammation.

Spicy foods

Can you handle the heat? Foods with a kick, like chili peppers, wasabi, Dijon mustard and horseradish all contain the chemical capsaicin – this helps to open up your nasal passages and also has been proven to reduce inflammation. Even the slightest amount of heat can help, so whatever your spice threshold, anything helps!

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can specifically pinpoint areas of your body, and therefore reduce any symptoms you are experiencing there. It is recommended that you should partake in 6 session prior to the hay fever season begins.

Reflexology

Reflexology helps to stimulate various parts of your body by using different massaging techniques to your hands and your feet. It has been discovered that there are certain pressure points on your hands and feet, that when you apply pressure multiple time too, can stimulate your body’s natural anti-histamine.

Vaseline

Your trusty Vaseline in the bottom of you handbag now has another use, by spreading a small amount inside your lower nostrils can help reduce common symptoms. This is because the Vaseline prevents the pollen entering your nostrils and therefore your nasal passage where majority of symptoms come from.

Products to avoid:

Unfortunately, there are many products have been proven to worsen hay fever symptoms. For example, dairy products increase the production of mucus in your throat and nose – worsening your already difficult symptoms. You should try to introduce alternatives into your diet such like coconut, rice and nut milks. Other products to avoid can include apples, alcohol, chlorine and even contact lenses. We would love to hear about your findings and any other helpful remedies that have discovered. Stay safe this summer, where pollen levels are high. Remember, always consult a medical professional if you are unsure or any of your symptoms worsen. Hay fever is a nuisance, but not the only allergy people suffer with! If you do have allergies, make sure you label food items with our quick notifying allergy name labels or a longer more personalised allergy label.