ALTERNATIVE
Health Information
Natural Remedies for Hayfever
Millions of people in the UK suffer with hayfever every year. Hayfever or allergic rhinitis is usually seasonal as it is related to plant pollens such as tree or grass pollens. However some people suffer hayfever type symptoms at any time of year as they are susceptible to multiple allergens. The typical symptoms of hayfever include frequent sneezing, runny nose, red, itchy, puffy, watery eyes, irritated throat and fatigue.
The causes of hayfever are complex. It often runs in families, along with childhood onset asthma and eczema. It arises due to an immunological reaction to an external allergenic substance. The immune system becomes primed and ready to act as soon as the pollen is detected by the body and produces an immune response by releasing histamine, which encourages local inflammation, giving rise to swelling, redness and itchiness in the nasal passages. Because the sinuses are linked to the nasal passages and the sensitive lining of the eyelid, the eyes are also affected, becoming red, itchy, puffy and watery.
Treatment should begin about 1 month before the individual’s hayfever season usually begins, in order to boost the immune system and ultimately prevent hayfever. At this point it is recommended that potential sufferers take echinacea tincture combined with the following diet plan as a diet low in mucus-forming foods may help hayfever sufferers:
- Reduce the following in the diet up to 1 month before symptoms usually begin: wheat, dairy, sugar, processed foods, cakes & pastries
- At the same timed increase the following in the diet: fruit, vegetables, salad, oily fish, pulses, brown rice, water
If preventative measures are not completely effective, then naturopathic treatment will often include a mixture of herbal remedies, steam inhalations, eye soothers, supplements and ongoing dietary advice.
Herbal Remedies:
A number of herbal tinctures (preferably organic) are commonly used by herbalists in the treatment of hayfever symptoms. The precise combination of herbs will depend on the individual being treated but will usually contain some of the following:
This is an immune-modulating and immune-enhancing herb, as well as being anti-inflammatory. It boosts the immune system helping to prevent colds and flu’s and may help reduce sensitivity to allergens. It also helps to reduce inflammation and is effective in the treatment of nasal catarrh.
The elderflower tree comes into flower around May, producing heavy, white clusters of flowers, and bringing misery to many hayfever sufferers. However, elderflower is widely used in the treatment of hayfever as it is cooling and anti-catarrhal, helping to dry up the copious mucus from the inflamed nasal passages.
- Organic Plantain or Ribwort Tincture
Plantain is a common plant growing in lawns and meadows. It soothes inflamed and irritated mucous membranes and dries up mucus.
This herb is traditionally used for upper respiratory tract infections, where there is yellow catarrh and heat symptoms, such as fever. It is a fantastic mucous membrane restorative and also enhances the immune system. (Do not use in pregnancy)
Another common weed found in the garden, nettle leaf is anti-allergic when used in herbal form. It must be the fresh nettle tincture that is taken, as this preserves the key ingredient – formic acid. Nettles are very nutritious plants, high in many minerals, such as silica and potassium, as well as Vitamins A & C.
Chamomile is a wonder herb and is especially useful
in the treatment of children. It is
anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-microbial. Chamomile is an excellent relaxant, calming
anxiety and insomnia often brought about by hayfever. It enhances the immune system, helping to
reduce allergies.
This hot and spicy herb warms the body to its extremities and is useful for drying up profuse, runny mucus.
Sage relieves inflammation of the throat and soothes the mucous membranes and can be useful in the treatment of hayfever. (Do not use in pregnancy).
Steam inhalations
Chamomile can also be bought as a dried herb and used in steam inhalations to clear the nasal passages and relieve itchy, red eyes.
Eye soothers
Cold chamomile tea bags can also be very soothing to red, itchy and inflamed eyes. Or cold chamomile tea used as an eye bath.
Supplements
A good quality multi-vitamin will ensure that the body is receiving the correct balance of vitamins and minerals required for a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin C is the main antioxidant in the cells of the respiratory passages, and it supports the immune system.
- Quercetin is a potent antioxidant and has an anti-inflammatory action that may help relieve allergic respiratory reactions such as hayfever.
- A good quality fish or hemp seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, and may help to reduce inflammation.
- Garlic boosts the immune system and is antioxidant, as well as having many other health benefits.
As mentioned already it is important to treat the individual and I recommend that you always consult a practitioner to work out the best and safest treatment plan for you as an individual
About Ana Durning
Ana Durning trained in herbalism and naturopathy at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a member of the Association of Master Herbalists. Her approach combines western herbalism, ayurvedic herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine
Ana combines a scientific approach to herbalism with a holistic, naturopathic approach to well-being. She treats the person not the disease and a typical first session will take more than an hour as she investigates all aspects of your lifestyle in order to get a detailed understanding of your problems and the causes behind your ailments.
Click Here to Book A Consultation
