Q: Ever since I can first remember, I have always suffered from hayfever; are there any natural remedies that you could suggest?
A: You are not alone. For between 10-20% of the population, spring and summer are not just about warmer weather, but also the unpleasant symptoms of hayfever, an allergy to pollen released by grasses, flowers and trees in spring and summer.
Known as Allergic Rhinitis, pollen causes cells to release histamine and other chemicals which results in a runny, itchy nose, blocked sinuses, sneezing, redness and watering of the eyes, or a sore and itchy throat, it is also common to have a feeling of being “wiped out” for weeks on end.
Preventative measures should help to keep these symptoms at bay.
Try not to be an early bird. Pollen counts tend to peak between 5am – 10am, so limiting outdoor activity during the morning hours can help to keep your allergies to a minimum.
Also, checking prevailing winds and pollen counts can be very helpful – and keep your clothes inside. Wind dried clothes can become very effective pollen catchers, as can ladies long hair.
Taking Homeopathic Mixed Pollen daily will help to improve your resistance to pollens.
As far as diet is concerned, vitamin c supplements and Quercetin (found in onions, black tea and apples) can help as they have been found to promote antihistamine activity – likewise, vitamin b can help to relieve blocked sinuses (as well as helping with the stress of your symptoms). Taking local honey has been known for centuries to be very effective in helping hayfever suffers.
Try to avoid dairy foods, as these have been found to increase mucous production in many, as have wheat products.
There are some very effective treatments available including New Era’s combination H for hayfever & allergic rhinitis. Herbal remedies can be very effective. Devils claw and Euphrasia are commonly used, but the most popular is Luffa Complex and Luffa Spray from Bioforce/A.Vogel. This is a combination of seven tropical plants known to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of hayfever and similar allergies.
Luffa is used to combat sneezing and both blocked and runny noses, whereas Galphimia glauca is especially useful for reducing irritation of the eyes. Together, these and the other plants in this popular complex work to reduce inflammation of the eyes, nose, throat and airways with a 60% response rate.
Authors: Tricia Stephenson & Georgina Fisher
Tricia Stephenson is the owner & proprietor of The Natural Food Store found opposite Jarrolds in Norwich City Centre. She also runs her busy Homeopathic practice from The Complementary Health Care Clinic, which is managed by Georgina Fisher. Together they combine over 40 years of experience in the Health Food trade.
