When pollen levels spike, those of us with hayfever really suffer. Usually a quick antihistamine is enough to sort my usual hayfever symptoms but occasionally it’s just not enough. Itchy eyeballs, tickly itchy mouth and throat, coughing. Where is it all coming from? If I take any more drugs I’ll be asleep until November. So here are some natural hay fever remedies I’ve tried that can help.
- Honey – Locally sourced honey can be used as a natural remedy for hayfever because the bee pollen in it can desensitise your body to other pollens. Eating more honey should help decrease itch-sneeze-hell. If like me you don’t like the taste of honey, say, on toast, try it stirred into hot water and water, drizzled over granola or stirred into yoghurt.
- Peppers – When eaten, the hot component in peppers help open nasal passages and so reduces the snotty effects of hayfever. Any excuse for a curry – I’m liking this one!
- Garlic & onions – These ones don’t have any magical curative powers, but both are antiinflammatory and a source of quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine. Considering I am a garlic fiend and eat loads of the stuff, I’m not convinced about this one – surely I should be immune? Ditto onions – we have them in nearly every meal and they have even more quercetin in than garlic.
- Vitamin C – Plentiful in oranges, lemons and their citrus ilk along with bioflavonoids, which have powerful anti-allergy effects. The combination of vitamin C and bioflavonoids provides a natural decongestant and antihistamine for sufferers and helps alleviate symptoms. Unfortunately I don’t like citrus fruit because it hurts my tummy, but I could try a supplement I suppose!
- Chamomile Tea – This also has helpful flavonoids, and is helpful in decreasing swelling. As well as drinking it you can chill the used tea bags in the fridge afterwards and use them on your poor sore eyes. Double win! I think it tastes like ditch water but for those who like it, it can be an easy way to treat symptoms.
About Sarah Lawton Coombs
Sarah is a mid (definitely still mid) thirties Mum of one boy, wife of another one, all living together on the edge of London. She insists that it is still London despite the suspiciously Essex-y postcode. Blogging over at Mumzilla, taking a turn down the health & fitness road as well as wittering about interiors, baking and things that make her laugh.
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