Hay Fever
If your hay fever is so severe and uncontrollable that it interferes with your life, consult your healthcare professional
Symptoms
Hay fever occurs seasonally (every Spring for example), and includes symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Itchy, painful nose, throat
- Nasal and sinus discharge
- Stuffy, runny nose
- Coughing
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Head and nasal congestion
Causes
An allergic reaction is a response to an allergen and develops when the immune system cannot tell the good from the bad and releases histamine to attack the harmless substance as if it were a threat. In the case of hay fever, the allergen is an airborne substance such as pollen from a particular plant. When the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth and air passages come into contact with the allergen, they become irritated and inflamed.
Sneezing and watery discharges from the nose and eyes are some of the body's methods for flushing away the allergen particles.
Many allergies have a genetic component, and it is quite common for people with hay fever to experience or have a family history.
Natural Therapies
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids help to improve that part of the immune system concerned with allergies and histamine release; 1000mg daily is recommended during hay fever season.
Vitamin A for maintenance of healthy mucous membranes of the nose, throat and eyes.
Horseradish & Garlic and Fenugreek help to dry up discharge and relieve hay fever symptoms.
Life Style Factors
The best way to combat the allergens that are assaulting you is to avoid them.
Keep windows closed and the air conditioning turned on.
Avoid mowing your lawn or raking leaves since these activities stir up pollens. If you must work in the garden yourself, wear a filtered mask and protective glasses. Wash your face, hands, and hair and rinse your eyes when coming in from outdoors to avoid leaving traces of pollen on your pillow.
Avoid mucus-forming foods such as dairy products and processed foods, as well as any foods you are allergic to or don't tolerate very well.
Remedies
Taking a horseradish supplement every hay fever season, helps to alleviate hay fever or reduce its severity.