Natural Home Remedies for Hayfever
Hay fever is an allergy caused by pollen or dust in which the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose are inflamed.
Allergic rhinitis is another term to describe this immune response. An allergic reaction might be to the pollen from grass, weeds, or trees. Some suffer from exposure to dust mites, fungus spores or animal dander.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Some or all of these may be present:
- Coughing
- Ear pressure
- Fatigue
- Impaired sense of smell
- Itchy throat, mouse, nose and ears
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watering, itchy eyes
PREVALENCE
Allergy statistics from AAAAI estimate that between 10 and 30% of the world’s population suffer from hay fever.
RISK FACTORS
ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT
- Diagnosis may include blood and skin tests. Your doctor may recommend some of the treatments below, medications, or immunotherapy.
SELF TREATMENT
Some of these home treatments may offer some relief.
DIET
A healthy immune system is always the first line of defense against disease and inflammation. To promote a healthy immune system, it is important to eat a balanced diet, with as much variety as you can manage, with lots of whole, fresh vegetables and fruits, quality protein and healthy sources of monounsaturated fat. The Zone is an excellent starting point.
FOODS THAT MAY PROMOTE HEALING
- Berries
- Bone broth
- Broccoli
- Cranberries
- Garlic
- Onions for quercetin
- Peppers
- Pineapple
- Seeds
- Vitamin C-rich fruits
- Wild fish from cold waters
FOODS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES TO AVOID
- Alcohol (because of the histamine)
- Chicken liver
- Coffee
- Corn
- Dairy
- Egg white
- Excessive meat
- Gluten—reduce consumption
- Honey (though some say that local honey may help with natural immunization)
- Marmite
- Nuts
- Omega 6 fatty acids should be reduced
- Smoke
- Wheat
TEAS AND OTHER LIQUIDS
- Apple Cider Vinegar in water
- Black currant
- Butterbur
- Chamomile
- Citrus teas
- Ginger
- Green
- Nettle
- Peppermint
- Punarnava (Ayurveda)
- Rosemary
HERBS AND SPICES
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Licorice
- Nettle
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Timothy grass
- Tinospora Cordifolia (Ayurveda)
- Turmeric
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils can be administered via a diffuser for inhalation, administered topically in a carrier oil, or undiluted drops can be added to a hot bath or compress. Create your own blends. Add to your favorite skin lotions.
- Basil
- Cajeput
- Chamomile
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Myrtle
- Peppermint
- Petitgrain
- Pine
- Rosemary
- Tea tree
- Thyme
OTHER SUBSTANCES AND SUPPLEMENTS
The cost of having a blood test to determine if you have nutritional deficiencies is likely to be negligible compared to over-consuming expensive supplements that you do not need.
- Bromelain
- Butterbur extract
- Edible Clay
- Probiotics
- Quercetin
- Vitamin C
HYDRATION
Water is essential and a main nutrient for the human body. Without it, you cannot survive for many days. Staying hydrated is fundamental for a healthy body, so how much is enough? There are so many differences in people (i.e., how much we sweat), as well as the diets we consume (a lot of water comes from healthy, whole foods), but a general rule is to consume enough water that your urine is clear, but not so much that you dilute your nutrients. If you are taking certain supplements that make your urine yellow, then you can start out with the formula of drinking ½-1 ounce of water for each pound you weigh. If you weigh 130 pounds, drink 65 to 130 ounces of water a day. Definitely drink when you are thirsty.
EXERCISE
That exercise is beneficial for overall health is undisputed. Activity is an important component of a healthy immune system. If you are ill, you will want to take it easy, of course, but there is always something you can do to support your body. Do what you can do without making yourself feel worse. Exercise in fresh air whenever possible, but avoid being outdoors during times of high pollen count.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Emotional distress will aggravate your symptoms. Stay calm. Anxiety undermines health. Practice relaxation exercises, talk to a friend. Do what works for you to keep mellow.
OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO
- Chew on a piece of honeycomb.
- Limit outdoor activities during the seasons in which you suffer.
- Nasal irrigation (Neti pot)
- Saline sprays
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture
- Ayurveda (many different herbs not listed above)
- Biofeedback
- Chinese Medicine (many herbs not listed above)
- Chiropractic
- Earthing
- EFT
- Homeopathy
- Massage
- Meditation for de-stressing
- SCIO
PREVENTION
- A wholesome, balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Low stress levels
- Quality sleep. Sleep at least 7 hours a night. An NPARU study showed that those who do suffer less than those who sleep less each night.
- Avoid chemicals, especially any product with triclosan.
- Don’t dry clothing outside.
- Keep the house as free from dust as possible.
- Stay indoors when pollen count is high.
- Use filters in your car’s air vents.
- Use filters in your vacuum cleaner.
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses to keep pollen away from your eyes.
