Do you suffer from hay fever? If so, you know how miserable it can be. Sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes – not to mention the fatigue that often accompanies this seasonal allergy. While there are medications available to treat hay fever, they can sometimes have unpleasant side effects. With this in mind, we want to discuss some natural ways to treat hay fever. These remedies are safe and effective, and best of all, they won’t cause any unwanted side effects.
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. The condition is usually caused by allergies to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Seasonal hay fever can occur during the spring and summer months when plants are pollinating and releasing their pollen into the air. Symptoms of hay fever can include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and headaches.
Natural Ways to Treat Hay Fever
As mentioned in the introduction, there are several natural remedies you can use to treat hay fever. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Avoid Allergens: The best way to reduce the symptoms of hay fever is by avoiding the allergens that trigger them in the first place. This may mean staying inside on days when the pollen count is high, wearing a face mask when outdoors, and washing your clothes after going outside. Of course, this isn’t always practical, so we have many other tips.
Neti Pot: Using a neti pot is an ancient remedy that helps clear out the excess mucus and allergens in your nasal passages. It’s easy to use and all you need is a mixture of warm, clean water and salt.
Herbal Remedies: Herbs like butterbur, gingko, and stinging nettle all have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms. These herbs come in many forms, including teas, tinctures and capsules.
Honey: Raw, unfiltered honey can help reduce allergy symptoms by using pollen from your local area. Simply eat a spoonful of honey every day and it may help reduce inflammation and build immunity to allergens in the air.
Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine treatment can reduce inflammation and improve the overall functioning of your immune system. Studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce many allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
Hydrotherapy: Taking hot and cold showers is a great way to reduce the impact of hay fever symptoms. Start with hot water for 1-2 minutes, then switch to cold water for 30 seconds. Finish off with a cool shower to help reduce inflammation and soothe your skin.
Naturopathy: Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to treating hay fever. Naturopaths may use herbs, vitamins, homeopathy and other natural remedies to reduce symptoms. They may also suggest lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods, increasing physical activity and reducing stress. Why not visit a naturopath in Coffs Harbour to try this approach?
Things to Avoid
As well as things to try, there are some things that you should avoid when trying to treat hay fever. These include:
- Pollen-rich environments like grassy fields and flower-filled gardens
- Smoking and second-hand smoke
- Dust mites, pet dander, and air pollutants (like car exhaust)
- Strong scents like perfume or scented products
- Some foods and food additives (like MSG)
This year, don’t suffer from your hay fever symptoms, try some natural remedies and lifestyle changes!
