What Are The Symptoms Of Hayfever and Hay Fever cure
Hayfever Remedies
Allergic rhinitis triggered by the pollens of specific seasonal plants is commonly known as hay fever because it is most prevalent during haying season. Hay fever is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways. It occurs when an allergen, such as pollen, dust, ragweed, animal dander, is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system. Hay fever usually occurs during spring and autumn, when wind-blown pollen is in the air. However, it is possible to suffer from hay fever throughout the year. Allergic rhinitis may be seasonal or perennial. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly seen in younger children. It does not usually develop until after 6 years of age.
Hayfever Symptoms
Hay fever usually causes sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages, and an increase in mucus production, coughing, postnasal drip, fatigue, facial pressure or pain, etc. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes. The characteristic symptoms of allergic rhinitis are: rhinorrhea (excess nasal secretion), itching, nasal congestion and obstruction.
Herbal Remedies for Hay Fever
If you seek medical attention for Hay fever, the doctor will generally prescribe an antihistamine, possible saline nasal spray or an antihistamine nasal spray, and encourage lots of fluids. However, we live in a time where many people are looking to holistic and herbal remedies for the treatment of common illnesses. There are numerous herbal remedies that can be effective in treating hay fever allergies. They are attractive for many reasons: cost, simplicity, and risk, to name a few. Not to mention, many of them have additional benefits and are healthy alternatives.
Echinacea is a natural immunity enhancer. It stabilizes the cells that produce histamine. The main ingredients that gives Echinacea its natural antibiotic powers are flavonoids, oils, polysaccharides, phenols, and alkylamides. It also contains copper, iron, iodine, vitamins A, C, and E, and potassium. A cup of Echinacea per day will boost your immune system just in time for hay fever season.
Butterbur is used for mucus reduction and for treating bronchitis, asthma and hay fever. Butterbur is unsuitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. It is not clear if it is safe to take butterbur for longer than 16 weeks. Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. People with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur.
Elderflower tree comes into flower around May, producing heavy, white clusters of flowers, and bringing misery to many hay fever sufferers. However, elderflower is widely used in the treatment of hay fever as it is cooling and anti-catarrhal, helping to dry up the copious mucus from the inflamed nasal passages.
Eyebright helps treat hay fever, irritated eyes and nasal discharge. It tightens and soothes the mucous membranes and helps dry up the secretions. Eyebright has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for inflammation of the eyes and sinuses.
Eucalyptus is known for its aromatic scent, which is able to soothe and relieve the constricted stuffy feeling that sets into the nasal passages when a person has hay fever, cold, or Flu. Eucalyptus has a natural antiseptic quality, and is a good source of help when you have a sore throat, which is commonly seen in cases of hay fever, colds, and the Flu. It can also be used as an expectorant to loosen mucus and make a cough associated with bronchitis more productive.
Garlic is one of the best immunity builders against any type of allergens. Garlic has proven its efficacy as decongestant and hence also used in various types of coughs and colds. Garlic can help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. It’s best taken when it’s eaten crushed and raw. It’s good to take it before hay fever season. This is one of the best home remedies for hay fever.
Ginger root is a hot and spicy herb that warms the body to its extremities and is useful for drying up profuse, runny mucus. The ginger is sufficient enough to cover up all the causative factors to hay fever. This not only builds immunity but also reduces the over secretion of histamine from the body which is the most troublesome factor during hay fever.
Chamomile: It has gentle relaxant properties and is also good for digestive problems. Make sure you’re not allergic to chamomile as it may worsen symptoms. Another way to use chamomile is by using a chamomile eye compress. You can also add fresh or dried chamomile or chamomile oil into a bowl of boiling water and inhale the fumes from the water to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms.
Stinging Nettle, another common weed found in the garden, is anti-allergic when used in herbal form. It is high in vitamin C, chlorophyll and formic acid as well as many minerals such as silica and potassium. Nettle strengthens the immune system. It is also a very effective antihistamine and an astringent that helps with itchy eyes and sneezing. It may be helpful to take freeze-dried stinging nettle before the hay fever season begins, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Stinging nettle’s side effects may include an upset stomach, fluid retention and hives. Stinging nettle is not suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers or young children. People having diabetes or are taking anticoagulants, blood pressure medication or diuretics should consult their doctor before taking stinging nettle.
Honey: Eat or drink honey regularly to help desensitize yourself to pollens in the air. Honey derived from bees in your area can help with your hay fever symptoms naturally and without chemical side effects of medication. Exposure to pollen that triggers allergies can be reduced by the consumption of the pollen in honey. The pollen that is causing the allergies are delivered in small doses in the honey and over time is similar to receiving a series of allergy shots. The honey acts like an immune booster, building up a tolerance, desensitizing you to the allergens and reducing immune symptoms.
Goldenseal has been at times called “The King of the Mucous Membranes) and not only improves the quality of the membrane itself as well as regulating the quantity of mucus allowed into the respiratory system. Its root is traditionally used for upper respiratory tract infections, where there is yellow catarrh and heat symptoms, such as fever. It is a fantastic mucus membrane restorative and also enhances the immune system. It had been used as an herbal remedy for hay fever. It is however not suitable during pregnancy.
Sage relieves inflammation of the throat and soothes the mucous membranes and can be useful in the treatment of hay fever. Do not use in pregnancy.
Licorice root is traditionally used to treat allergy and asthma. It also has a strengthening effect on the adrenal gland, which is weakened during the hay fever reaction. Licorice root extract may be taken during the hay fever season to treat, as well as lessen, the symptoms of allergy. If you have high blood pressure or tend to retain water, this herb is not a good idea for you.
Astragalus strengthens the body’s defensive or protective energy. It supports the body’s ability to resist infections and other diseases, and is used for its deep toning properties. Although Astragalus does not directly treat hay fever and allergy symptoms, it may be taken one to two weeks per month during the hay fever and allergy seasons.
Apple cider vinegar: Put 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water. You can sip it throughout the day or drink it all at once. The mixture can be taken up to three times a day, and if you take it at the first onset of allergy symptoms, they should disappear within 1-3 hours after the first dose. If the symptoms have been present for a day or more, the symptoms should disappear within 24 hours. Be sure to continue taking the mixture until the symptoms are gone.
Peppermint tea is used to help relieve congestions from the nose and so the respiratory tract. On the other hand, in summer, it tastes refreshing icy and helps preventing coughs and sinus problems related to the hay fever.
Thyme is wonderful for congestion. This tea is also used for cough, stuffy nose and sinus problems and hence over all for hay fever. One can prepare the tea using one teaspoon of the dried herb for each cup of water. The precaution includes the dosage which should not exceed more than one cup a day. It is also helpful in hay fever natural cure.
Limejuice is a most popular remedy for hay fever. Lukewarm water is mixed with one teaspoon of honey and ½ tsp of limejuice is taken on regular basis early in the morning. This should be continued for a couple of months. Taking this builds immunity towards the allergic conditions. Care to be taken for those people who are allergic towards citrus fruits. This is one of the useful home remedies for hay fever.
Ephedra is another natural herb useful for hay fever. Constricting the blood vessels of the sinuses, it forces fluids that cause the congestion, back into the blood stream, clearing the acute sinus stuffiness. While this herb can be an effective herbal treatment for hay fever it should not be taken for more than a week and then only under strict supervision of your health care provider, due to the effects of ephedrine on central nervous system, and side effects.
Indian Gooseberry is another proven herbal remedy for hay. Take one cup of juice of Indian gooseberry and add two tsp of honey in it. Take this mixture twice a day for at least one week. This is one of the simple and effective home remedies for hay fever.
Evening Primrose oil is used for hay fever due to its effect on the prostaglandin balance in the body. Dietary supplements of oenothera biennis is overall one of the best one can take as it actually has a myriad of uses. It provides essentials to the body in which 1 in 8 people do not normally receive. This oil has been tested to be more effective when combined with cod liver oil.
Tylophora has been used by doctors in India for a long time now to treat people who suffer from allergies including hay fever. The compounds contained within this plant are reported to interfere with the mast cells, the key components in the inflammation process which causes most of the hay fever symptoms. Doctors recommend 200 to 400 mg dried herb daily, or 1 to 2 ml per day, each for only one to two weeks.
Cudweed can be taken in tea form. It has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that ease irritating symptoms.
Fruits and vegetables: Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meats. Meats tend to promote allergies while fruits and vegetables tend to deter them.
Plantain is a common plant growing in lawns and meadows. It soothes inflamed and irritated mucus membranes and dries up mucus.
Nasal Irrigation or nasal rinse, is often touted as a remedy for hay fever. It is an at-home remedy that involves using salt water to clear nasal passages. Research suggests that it may be helpful for people with allergies.
Herbal Bath: Take an herbal tea bath. Choose two or three herbs, such as calendula flowers, lavender flowers, eyebright flowers or German chamomile, which can be found at any health food store. Blend the herbs you choose to make 1/4 cup. Add the blended herb mixture to 4 cups of water and allow it to steep overnight. The following day, bring the herbal tea mixture to a boil, cover with a lid and remove from the stove. Allow the herbal tea to sit and cool for 15 minutes, strain and add to your bathwater. Soaking in an herbal tea bath and preparing it the day before will help calm and soothe your immune system and ease hay fever symptoms.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
