The hay fever season is upon us again and for some it can be a miserable time but thankfully there are plenty of natural options to choose from.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. The body’s immune system reacts by releasing huge amounts of histamine, causing inflammation.

Therefore look for natural products which have anti-inflammatory and or anti-histamine properties. Also consider supplements that will support your overall immune system. See below for suggestions.

We posted a blog on hay fever last April but here are some top tips as a reminder and some options for children too.

What natural options are there?

Here are some of our favourites, which we’ve had good feedback on from customers:

1. Quercetin – has anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Available as a supplement, often in combination with bromelain, vitamin C and nettle.
2. Bromelain – has anti-inflammatory properties and is often found in supplements that contain quercetin, as it helps the absorption of quercetin.
3. Vitamin C – a natural anti-histamine.
4. Nettle – has anti-histamine properties. Try it as a tea or supplement.
5. Pollinosan Luffa Complex – a herbal tincture specifically formulated for allergies and hay fever.
6. Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray –herbal spray for the nostrils.
7. Euphrasia – herbal eye drops, for itchy eyes.
8. Probiotics – these are beneficial bacteria for the gut, which support the immune system.
9. Homeopathic remedies – ‘Hay fever 30c ‘ pillules.
10. Local honey – many people have reported a reduction in hay fever symptoms when taking local honey. We stock this.  However this needs to ideally be taken a month or two prior to your symptoms starting.

 Immune Support:

1. Take a good quality probiotic
2. Ensure your levels of Vitamin D are at an optimum level. We can get Vitamin D from sunshine but most of us don’t get enough in the UK, so get your levels checked with your GP or you can buy a test kit from us in the shop, to do at home.
3. Echinacea, elderberry and zinc also support the immune system and can be taken as supplements.

 

Options for Children:

These are our favourite products for children.

Please let us know the age of your child so we can check the dose needed for that age.

1. HayMax Organic Allergen Barrier Balm Kids – a balm that can be rubbed on the base of the nose, to help prevent pollen going up the nose. Suitable for babies and children.
2. Helios: Hay fever 30c Pillules – for 2 years and above.
3. A Vogel’s Luffa Complex Drops – from age 2 upwards. Dosage is adjusted according to age.
4. A Vogel’s Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray – 6 yrs and over.
5. BioCare’s Quercetin Plus – from 7 years, 1 a day.
6. Nutri Advanced Aller-C – from age 2. Dose needs to be adjusted according to age.

 

Dietary Support:

1. Reduce your intake of histamine rich foods. These include: alcohol (especially wine and beer), pickled or canned foods, mature cheese, smoked meat products, fish (tinned, smoked and shellfish).
2. Include natural anti-histamine food: Vitamin C foods (oranges, red peppers, broccoli, kiwi, strawberries, and kale), quercetin containing foods (eg apples, peppers, onions, berries) and the bromelain containing food: pineapple.
3. Try local honey well before the hay fever season starts, to build up your immunity to the local pollen.
4. Try eating hot spicy foods to help decongest the nose or thin any mucous, eg ginger, cayenne peppers, hot chilli peppers, horseradish or hot mustard.
5. Avoid dairy foods as they can be mucous forming for many people and too much can be pro-inflammatory.
6. Avoid high levels of sugar and white, refined carbohydrates as these can be pro-inflammatory.

 

Don’t struggle on, come in and talk to us! Let us help you choose the right product for you.

Please note that if you are on any medication, always check with your GP or healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements.

 

Sources:
A Vogel
BioCare
Nutri Advanced