12 May Best Natural Hayfever Cures Ever
Any hay fever sufferer will know just how uncomfortable, and even debilitating, the condition can be in the height of hay fever season. I used to have the worst symptoms including an itchy throat I simply could not scratch, a profusion of sneezes, followed by a runny nose that replicated a running tap. It also came and went without any reason or warning, although on some days it lasted all day and was totally exhausting.
Nature always knows best
Having always been a naturopath at heart – even before I trained – I devotedly avoided the use of mainstream medicine unless I absolutely had to, Having said that, sometimes on seriously bad days I would have to resort to something just to help me survive the day because I couldn’t function at work, or even out of work, and the only respite came when I slept – but my boss was not overly keen on that!
I eventually decided to hunt out a natural cure for hay fever as I couldn’t face its reoccurrence year after year. Nowadays my symptoms are pretty much non-existence which is more than a huge relief. Life can go on as normal no matter what the season and without any kind of medication. In fact, I have all but forgotten about hay fever until I hear and see others suffering unnecessarily.
What even is an allergy?
Any allergic reaction unleashes the neurotransmitter histamine; this release subsequently causes a surge of chemicals responsible for the various symptoms we associate with allergies such as hay fever. Anti-histamine drugs are usually prescribed, or bought over the counter, and are aimed at helping people with those annoying symptoms caused by increased histamine circulating around the body.
Anti-histamines, as the name suggests, block the histamines produced by the allergic trigger, and work by drying up the mucus membranes, however, they don’t help the immune system one bit and they are also understood to inhibit melatonin production, which is the hormone required to support natural sleep patterns.
In my view, finding an alternative solution is always the first and best option, but I of course would say that it’s what I wholeheartedly believe in. I am also certain that nature has pretty much all the answers you need to cure your ailments, including hay fever, so here goes.
Try natural anti-histamines
Firstly, stock up on natural anti-histamines such as water-soluble vitamin C – Higher Nature 1000mg effervescent tablets are perfect to dissolve in a glass of water. As it is a water-soluble vitamin you can’t take too much, whatever your body doesn’t need will be excreted through your urine. Added bonus, vitamin C is collagen producing so therefore anti-aging, amongst many other things.
Bromelain, found in the flesh, and especially the core, of pineapples is a natural anti-histamine. Eat them fresh or blitz them into a smoothie where the tough core can be included – supplements are also available.
Nettle also acts as a good anti-histamine, if you are a keen forager. Picking just the top 4-6 leaves with gloves on, you’ll find them perfect for adding to soups or including in smoothies. The sting does not hang around once cooked or processed.
What to avoid
Secondly, avoid dairy – milk, cheese, and cream in particular – and fresh orange juice, as these can all be mucus-forming. Also, as tea, coffee and carbonated drinks containing caffeine can cause dehydration our bodies can react to this by creating more mucus – avoid them where possible during hay fever season.
Go alternative
Last, but by no means least, you should seriously consider alternative therapies. Talking to a homeopath well before the season starts can be the best way to prevent and cure. It is suggested that by getting ahead of the game symptoms can be considerably reduced and eventually could go completely.
Homeopathic remedies include Allium cepa, Arsenicum album, Arundo, Euphrasia, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Sabadilla and Wyethia – a good homeopath will be able to blend up to six remedies that best suit your symptoms.
Kinesiology is a practice that uses the technique of muscle testing to identify allergies, their root causes, and potential treatments, and it really works. Find a recommended practitioner local to you and allow them to work their magic, you may only need one appointment to get over hay fever and you will be so glad you did.
Other alternative remedies and treatments that are readily available may also be suitable, but these suggestions offer a great starting point and have collectively worked for me so that now the season passes me by without incident every year – and what a relief it is.
Feed Good Habits
Kathy Mac
xx
Kathy Mac – author of Feeding Good Habits – 12 weeks to rewire your mind, reset your habits and renew your relationship with food for improved health and sustained weight loss.