Hay Fever Triggers & Natural Cures
Summer is just around the corner. People are enjoying the long evenings and bright mornings, and the scent of fresh flowers in the air. Unfortunately for some people the pollen from flowers and freshly cut grass can cause terrible hay fever symptoms. These symptoms are similar to the common cold, sneezing, streaming eyes, constant running nose and a sore throat. The onset of hay fever can occur in April and may continue until August or September. The warmer the weather is, the higher the pollen count.
“Grass pollen is the most common allergen in Ireland without a doubt”, says Dr Paul Dowding, a senior lecturer with the Trinity College Dublin botany department. “Herb pollen is less common and tree pollen is not a great factor in Ireland because it is not a heavily wooded country. The highest pollen count levels within Ireland are usually found in lowland country areas, especially agricultural areas where there is likely to be a lot of grassland. Levels in cities would be a half or quarter of that and in coastal areas pollen levels would be lower again”.
People who suffer from asthma, eczema and food allergies are particularly at risk of suffering from hay fever. There are some healthy remedies which can help to alleviate the symptoms.
Natural remedies for hay fever include:
Garlic – Taking raw garlic or a garlic capsule will help to boost your immune system and reduce nasal catarrh.
Honey – Taking local honey can help to alleviate symptoms because it contains traces of pollen, which doesn’t trigger allergies but actually desensitises the person from having the condition.
Vitamin C – Taking a Vitamin C supplement can help to prevent hay fever as it helps to boost the immune system.
Homeopathic remedies – Nux Vomica is beneficial for relieving sneezing or a stuffy nose and Euphrasia helps to alleviate watery eyes.
Water – splashing cold water on your eyes regularly can wash away allergens and reduce eye swelling.
Change your clothes – Pollen particles and mould spores can get on your clothes and shoes when you are outside, so it is best to take a shower and change your clothes when you get home.
Dogs and cats – Pollen can get onto their fur so it is best to wash them before letting them come inside.
Lilies and Chrysanthemums are particularly high in pollen so it is best that you don’t have them in your house.
Chlorine – This can cause itchy and irritating eyes for hay fever sufferers so it is advisable to wear goggles in the swimming pool or else swim in chlorine free pools.
Cigarette smoke – the chemicals and irritants from cigarettes can be particularly harmful for hay fever sufferers so it is best to try and avoid it or change your clothes and wash yourself when you come home.
Open windows – This can cause the pollen to come inside so it is advisable to keep your windows closed during the day and early evening.
Vaseline – Putting some Vaseline inside your nose can cause the pollen to stick to the Vaseline which prevents the person from inhaling it.
Sunglasses – Wearing sun glasses can prevent pollen from going into the eyes.
Mowing the grass – Avoid mowing the lawn and spending time in the garden.
High stress levels – High levels of stress can cause inflammation in the body which increases the body’s allergic reaction. Yoga and meditation is a good form of stress relief.
Image Credit the daily mail.co.uk
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