Treat Hay Fever Naturally
If ‘yay, we’re going into summer’, followed by ‘urgh, it’s that time of the year, again sniff sniff’ resonates, you may, like me experience hay fever. I’m lucky, it’s mild and I only get it for one week of the year (clearly linked to a specific pollen), but I used to get it badly and know how frustrating it can be when all you want to do is be outside, on the grass in the sun, but your eyes are itching, nose is streaming / feels stuffy and it’s all you can focus on.
I’ve therefore included some natural remedies to help those who experience these symptoms during hay fever season, and to hopefully reduce / avoid the use of shop bought antihistamine tablets, which can make you feel drowsy (and in my case, didn’t make much difference to my symptoms anyway).
So here are some things to try instead:
Local raw honey
By having small amounts of local raw honey (a tsp a day) in the lead up to hay fever season, you gradually introduce your body to the local pollen. Overtime, this helps you slowly build up your tolerance to it, so that the immune system does not respond so strongly to it - a great excuse to get to your local farmers’ market and support a nearby apiary.
Although raw honey is more expensive than the standard ones sold in many supermarkets, it really is an incredible food, and in my opinion, a vital store cupboard essential - packed with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, plus high levels of amino acids, B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium and many other antioxidants. Just make sure to buy it raw and also never heat it, so that all its amazing properties are retained!
Nettle Tea*
Nettles are a natural antihistamine and commonly cited as a remedy for symptoms of hay fever. This is further supported by research which shows how nettles can reduce allergic and inflammatory responses.
See how you can make your own (for free) here or buy as a tea from your local health food store.
*Please note to avoid this if you’re pregnant or have been diagnosed with diabetes. Also for any other health conditions or if you’re on medication, please consult with your GP first.
HayMax
An organic and 100% natural balm, which acts as a pollen barrier (essentially ‘trapping’ pollen to stop it entering the body). Simply rub around the entrance to the nostril and around the outer eye area if these are normally affected too.
Find out more about this here. Widely available in health and beauty stores.
Reduce high histamine foods
For those who experience hay fever, the pollen creates a histamine (chemical released by the immune system) response in the body, leading to sneezing, itching, stuffy nose etc.
To reduce the level of histamine in the body during the allergy season, it’s best to reduce (and perhaps avoid if symptoms are severe), foods high in histamine such as:
Alcohol
Any fermented foods (i.e. sauerkraut, vinegar)
Tinned foods
Aged cheese and meats
Smoked foods
Bananas
Avocados
Leftover foods
Let me know if you try any of these remedies and how you find them. Everyone is different, but I’ve definitely found that local raw honey and nettle tea works for me.