Hay fever affects around 20 percent of people in the UK according to research, but for many people who have this condition this means summers filled with sinus problems and sneezing. Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is the allergic reaction by the body to pollens which are breathed in or which get into the eyes. It’s most commonly birch pollen which causes hay fever in people, which is released in March, and grass pollen which develops in late May. However, depending on which type of pollen you’re allergic to you can have symptoms at any time of the year. It’s important to remember with any complementary therapy, there are limited studies to prove the effectiveness of the treatment – you should always consult your GP before starting any new treatment to ensure that it is safe.
Homeopathy is a form of treatment which is based on the theory of ‘like for like’. In the form of allergies, this means using anti-allergy herbs and ingredients which can ease the sneezing and itching symptoms attached to hay fever. Homeopathic nasal sprays often include ingredients such as traces of red onion which relieves runny noses, nasal irritation and sneezing. Pollenna is another treatment which provides tablets to be sucked or chewed every two hours, six times a day, until your symptoms begin to wane. Infrared light has limited scientific proof attached to it, but there have been trials carried out which reveal that 72 percent of hay fever patients claimed to have a reduced level of symptoms and felt better overall. This is because infrared light consists of wavelengths which have been proven to trigger the healing of nasal membranes, helping to soothe hay fever in sufferers. Membranes can become damaged during this time, so membrane protectors are a great idea. Cellulose powder is applied to the nasal passages which forms a coating on the nose and traps allergens before they can get into the respiratory passages which can be irritating.
Nasal sprays are often considered by most to be the top product to use during bouts of hay fever, with 77 percent of people claiming that they’re successful in reducing hay fever symptoms. Used in the long-term, it can even help to prevent hay fever from developing or getting worse. If you want to get the same effect, a little Vaseline rubbed just inside the nose can protect the membranes and trap pollen before it is inhaled.
There are ways to treat your hay fever with your lifestyle changes and diet as well. The air you breathe plays a big part in how bad your symptoms are, so an air purifier could be beneficial in cleaning this and helping to reduce the amount of pollen in it. If you’re venturing outdoors, it may be worthwhile to check the pollen count before you leave the house and stay away from parks and nature-rich areas where the pollen will be worse. Garlic is a great addition to your diet if you have hay fever, as it is a natural antihistamine, as is local honey which can desensitise the immune system so it doesn’t react quite so strongly to pollens. Green tea is also a great choice, as this can bolster the immune system and soothe the throat. As with any condition, a healthy diet in general will keep your body working on top form and will strengthen your immune system. If you are worried about your condition, seek advice from your GP who can advise of any other treatment options.
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