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.

Image of bales of hay in a large field below blue sky

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

Asthma
Eczema
Heredity

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.