So it looks like the hayfever season is nearly upon us again, in the UK.
After a mild winter and then a brief cold snap, the forecasters are warning that the birch pollen hay fever season is starting early this year. It has already begun in the south of the country, and is expected to reach Scotland by mid-April. Professor Jean Emberlin, from PollenUK, said: “This year is set to be a high pollen production year.
“This has been enhanced by warm weather through much of the autumn, which gave good conditions for development of pollen.
“Peak birch pollen counts are likely to be two or three times higher than last year in many areas including cities, where air pollution causes more potent birch pollen.
“Anecdotal evidence suggests people who have hay fever triggered by tree pollen suffer more eye symptoms, such as itchy and runny eyes.”
Taking over-the-counter medications are not particularly effective, at best, and not very good for us, at worst. So how about some natural remedies for hay fever?
Here are some excellent herbal, homeopathic and homemade remedies from J B Bardot who is a trained holistic nutritionist, homeopath and herbalist. She says that homemade remedies including treatment with herbs, homeopathy and common household ingredients provide natural antihistamines, relieve symptoms and prevent their return.
Treatment with herbs
Homemade remedies consisting of herbal recipes are often highly effective at providing allergy relief for hay fever sufferers.
Chamomile tea is reputed to relieve hay fever symptoms. Some herbalists suggest smearing chamomile and lemon oil on a tissue and inhaling to prevent hay fever symptoms.
Ginger tea and raw honey works to break up chest congestion and loosen phlegm. It strengthens the immune system and acts as a natural antihistamine.
Green tea blocks the production of histamine and is one of the best homemade remedies for building the immune system.
Peppermint tea relieves nasal and sinus congestion. Drink it cold to sooth coughing associated with hay fever and allergies.
Butterbur reduces inflammation, blocking histamines and leukotrienes. Studies suggest the herb is effective for relieving sneezing, itchy eyes, sinus congestion and headaches. People allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemum should avoid butterbur.
Homemade remedies
Old time, folk remedies are tried and true, providing relief from sneezing, congestion and itching from hay fever.
Steaming produces excellent results to break up congestion. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water and carefully inhale the steam. Avoid eucalyptus if you are taking homeopathic remedies as it voids their action.
Grapefruit and lemon boiled in one cup of water for 15 minutes makes an excellent home remedy for hay fever. Use only the fruit, not the rind. Cool and mix with raw honey to relieve symptoms.
Calendula liquid diluted in water makes an excellent eye wash to soothe itchy eyes. Use non-alcoholic calendula. Add a dropper full of colloidal silver to enhance the anti-microbial action and reduce inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids may act to lower the amounts of inflammatory chemicals produced by the body after exposure to an allergen. Although additional research is needed, it appears that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may help decrease the incidence of hay fever.
Homeopathic remedies
Numerous homeopathic medicines make excellent homemade remedies for hay fever symptoms.
Arundo – People needing Arundo often experience burning and itching of the palate, nose and the eyes. There may be sneezing, runny nose and loss of smell.
Wyethia – Similar to Arundo, with intolerable itching on the roof of the mouth and back of the nose into the frontal sinuses and throat indicate the need for Wyethia.
Arum Triphyllum – This remedy may relieve burning nasal discharge that creates raw sores on the skin. There may be pain at the root of the nose and the individual must breathe through the mouth due to congestion. Scabs may form high up in the nostrils, and skin of nose and lips is dry and chapped.
Sabadilla – One of the best home remedies for constant sneezing accompanied by nasal discharge and itching in the nose indicate a need for Sabadilla. There may be watery eyes and a lump in the throat indicating the need for this remedy.
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JB Bardot is trained in herbal medicine and homeopathy, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. You can find her on Facebook at or on Twitter at jbbardot23.
Many thanks to Natural News for letting us use J B Bardot’s article.
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