Effective Natural medicine for HAYFEVER
The hay-fever season seems to be arriving earlier and lasting longer each year. There are products, dietary and lifestyle changes that can help you with this common allergy. Allergic reactions occur in anyone particularly sensitive to pollen or spores which are released into the air by trees, grasses or moulds. The medical name is rhinitis or seasonal rhinitis and it is one of the most common allergies.
Pollen is a primary cause of Hayfever but rhinitis not caused by pollen can often be attributed to house or dust mites, animal fur and hair. This type of Rhinitis may occur throughout the whole year (Perennial Rhinitis).
Symptoms:
* Tickling sensation in the roof of the mouth, ears, nose & throat *Runny or itchy eyes * Drowsiness & fatigue
* Runny or blocked nose * Headaches * Sneezing
The symptoms experienced are not due to the pollen or dust mites themselves but are a result of the body's reaction to them. The eyes water in an effort to wash away the allergen and the running nose and sneezing help to eject the 'invader'. Hay fever symptoms are likely to be worse if the pollen count is high and this count is defined as the number of grains of pollen within one cubic metre of air.
Relief:
Vitamin C - This is reported to possess anti-histamine properties that may help reduce the symptoms of hayfever and other allergies. Histamine is a substance that is released by the immune system when it encounters harmful organisms. It creates an inflammatory response to help prevent the spread but in Hayfever and other allergies this response is triggered by everyday substances such as pollen and animal fur. Anti-histamine helps lessen the severity of allergy symptoms.
Instead of loading up on oranges or tablets use a Vitamin C blend of Acerola Berry Powder. A bright red cherry-like fruit with 65 times more vitamin C than oranges, easily absorbed by the body or Goji Berry Powder or Camu Camu Powder. These powders can be added to your juices or smoothies to make an immune blasting blend.
Vitamin B5 - also known as Calcium Pantothenate or Pantothenic Acid works well alongside Vitamin C and this can be found in Sunflower seeds which can be also added to your immune blend.
Quercetin - A bioflavonoid which lessens the allergic reactions and is found in apples and berries. It will reduce the inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Teas and herbs such as Eyebright and Stinging Nettle can ease the watery symptoms. These tea bags can be used directly on the eye to soothe the intense itching which can come on like an attack. Keep a cup of cold herb tea in the fridge with the bag in, then just squeeze and apply on the eye as needed.
The homeopathic remedy Euphrasia is the other name for Eyebright. This also helps with the itchiness and watering of the eyes as well as the congestion of the nose and chest.
Another great help to prevent or lessen hayfever attacks would be to supplement the body with Bee pollen before the season starts. It may help to build a resistance to pollen itself which will benefit you if your allergy is seasonal.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Avoid or reduce all mucus forming foods such as dairy products, rice, sugars and processed products.
Eat or juice plenty of fruits and vegetables
Increase water consumption. Keeping it very warm with added ginger and honey.
Change clothes and shower after being outdoors to remove any pollen trapped on the body.
Use a balm within the nostril and under the nose to reduce any pollen from entering the respiratory system.
Use a damp handkerchief or flannel instead of tissue. Tissue fibers of tissues exaggerate sneezing symptoms as they produce fibers too.
Breath through a damp flannel or hanky when you feel an attack or going through an area of high pollen.