Hay Fever affects 15 – 20% of the population in the United Kingdom and is the most common of allergic conditions. If you are a hay fever sufferer, you’ll know that the symptoms of sneezing, wheezing, itchy streaming eyes, a blocked or runny nose, headaches and drowsiness can range from mild to debilitating.

Hay fever is medically known as ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis.’ It causes an inflammation and irritation in the delicate linings of the nasal passage, throat and eyes. We tend to think of the hay fever season as the sunshine months from May to July, but for those who suffer from it the pollen season just seems to run and run. It begins when tree pollens are released at the end of January and rounds off in October with weed pollens and fungal spores. For most people however, the period between May and August is worst as this is when grass pollen is released, which affects 90 per cent of hay fever sufferers.

 

Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to the allergen pollen. When pollen particles are breathed in the body’s immune system overreacts, as it believes it to be a harmful substance. The body then produces an antibody, immunoglobulin E (IgE) to fight it off. The IgE antibody stimulates the release of certain chemicals, in particular histamine, to flush the pollen out of the airways. It is this process, which causes the many symptoms associated with hay fever.

 

For reasons that aren’t completely understood, allergic conditions such as hay fever have become increasingly common in Western countries. Under normal circumstances, the immune system produces antibodies to defend your body against harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. In fact, some exposure to these organisms may be necessary to stimulate the immune system’s proper development. But in an environment where disinfectants and antibiotics are commonly used, such organisms may be in short supply. Your immune system may instead produce antibodies against usually harmless substances such as pollen and other allergy causing substances such as mould, dust mites and pet dander, resulting in the development of allergies.

 

Although there are ways to control the symptoms and minimise your exposure to pollen, taking early preventive steps in March and April can greatly reduce your symptoms in peak season. For some people conventional medications and treatments simply are not effective, or their system just cannot tolerate the side effects, natural remedies may be an alternative option.

 

A spoonful of honey

 

A dessertspoon of local honey every day for up to eight weeks before your symptoms usually start can build a resistance to trace pollens. The honey should be unfiltered and cold-pressed as heat processing destroys the pollen. Alternatively, if you are not allergic to bee stings try a bee pollen product. Bee pollen contains 96 essential nutrients as well as minerals and amino acids. It is reputed to enhance immune function and reduce the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.

 

Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture, is a drug free alternative for allergy relief. It has been shown to be effective, even for people with allergies that are difficult to cure. Inserting the simulating needles in the sinus areas of the face seems to help improve the immune system’s response to allergens. It is not a quick fix; it can take up to 10 sessions before you notice improvement.

 

Herbs for prevention

 

Echinacea reduces your allergic response and is renowned for strengthening body defences against allergies. Take every day for six weeks before you expect symptoms to start. Continue to take as required.  (See Echinacea Complex on the Resources Page.

 

Nettle tea nourishes the whole body, helps to clear mucus, and is thought to have antihistamine properties. Use 1tsp of chopped fresh leaves to a cup of boiling water or try packaged nettle tea bags and drink a cup three times a day

 

Elderflower or eyebright tea can help clear catarrh. Add 1tsp of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water and infuse for ten minutes. Drink one cup three times a day. Use cold eyebright tea to bathe irritated eyes.

 

Other supplements

 

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids may bolster the immune system and act as a natural antihistamine. A study at Arizona State University showed allergy sufferers who starting taking 500mg of vitamin C a day and increased the dose to 2,000mg a day over a six-week period reduced their histamine levels by 40 per cent (see Vitamin C Plus on the Resources Page, which is an alkaline vitamin C rather than acid). 

 

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in onions, red wine and the supplement ginkgo biloba. It appears to help hay fever by inhibiting the histamine release that causes allergy symptoms. Look for an anti-allergy supplement complex containing quercetin, vitamin C and other herbal antihistamines such as nettle (see Quercetin Plus on the Resources page which contains quercetin, bromelain, nettle and vitamin C).

 

OPC extract (oligomeric procyanidins) is a powerful antioxidant compound derived from pine bark and grape seeds. Among its many talents this nutritional superstar appears to strengthen the immune system and prevent histamine release.

 

Essential oils: If the worst happens and you do experience some allergy symptoms, essential oils can help to relieve the misery. Try six drops of chamomile, frankincense or Scots pine essential oil in your morning or evening bath to ease breathing. During the day sprinkle three drops of eucalyptus or lavender on to a tissue and inhale as required.

 

Indian Head Massage

 

Indian Head Massage, based on Ayurvedic healing system has been practiced in India for over 4000 years and may help with sinus problems, allergies and hay fever, with the added benefit of calming the emotions. You can give yourself a very soothing Ayurvedic massage at home in just a few minutes. To help clear clogged sinuses, warm up a small amount of organic sesame oil, using your fingers, massage along the top of your cheekbones, and across your forehead. The massage should last a few minuets or until you fill relief. Also with your fingers, use long strokes from your temporal mandibular joint (located just in front of your ear) on down your neck. You can use the sesame oil, to swab your nostrils daily, it is extremely soothing to inflamed nasal lining.

 

Reduce exposure to allergens

 

It’s not possible to completely avoid allergens, but you can reduce your signs and symptoms by minimising your exposure to them.

 

To prevent hay fever, try the following tips:

 

• Keep doors and windows shut at home and in your car on high pollen count days.
• Don’t hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Wear sunglasses or glasses when outdoors.
• Avoid mowing or weeding the lawn in the summer and avoid lying on freshly cut grass.
• Apply a thin layer of Vaseline just inside nostrils to trap pollen.
• Wash your clothes after going out, as pollen can stick to your garments.
• Keep your bedding clean.
• Shower or bathe before going to bed to wash off pollen in your hair and on your skin.
• Avoid going outdoors in the early evening and early morning when the pollen count is usually at its highest.

 

To prevent allergic reactions to mould and dust mites try the following:

 

• Dust and vacuum your house regularly to minimise the presence of dust and therefore the dust mite.
• Use special allergy free bed and pillow coverings.
• Hot wash all bedding at least once a week.
• Keep your bedroom cool during the night and well aired during the day.
• Avoid having pets but if you do, bathe them regularly, keep them outside and never allow them in the bedroom. Close doors and windows during pollen season.
• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce indoor humidity.
• Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you’re highly sensitive to dust mites.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 1st, 2008 at 3:00 am and is filed under General Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.