Hay Fever

Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, is the immune system’s response to an invasion by pollen and other microscopic substances, thus causing inflammation and swelling within the lining of the nose and eyelids. This response triggers hay fever’s symptoms, which include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Some people are more prone to developing hay fever than others such as those with a family history of allergies, those with eczema or asthma, and the oldest child.

For many people, hay fever season marks the beginning of allergy medications, allergy shots, and staying inside as much as possible, including the use of air conditioning instead of opening windows. Fortunately, there are home remedies for hay fever that will allow you to enjoy the things you enjoy the best. The most important part of treating hay fever or any allergy is a good, balanced diet in order to keep your immune system working at peak efficiency. When you immune system works at its highest capacity, you are less likely to suffer the symptoms of allergies.

Home Remedies For Hay Fever:

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Put 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water. You can sip it throughout the day or drink it all at once. The mixture can be taken up to three times a day, and if you take it at the first onset of allergy symptoms, they should disappear with 1-3 hours after the first dose. If the symptoms have been present for a day or more, the symptoms should disappear with 24 hours. Be sure to continue taking the mixture until the symptoms are gone.

Garlic:

Use Garlic Supplements, or if you are brave, cut up garlic gloves into the size and pills and take with water once daily at bedtime.

Eliminate soda:

Giving up soda has a tendency to stop allergies during hay fever season.

Vitamin C:

Increase your intake of Vitamin C to eliminate allergy symptoms. A dose of approximately 2000 mg is recommended for best results.

Turmeric:

Stir one teaspoon of ground Turmeric into an 8-ounce glass of water for relief within fifteen minutes.

Honey and Grapefruit:

Add some honey to boiled minced grapefruit and lemon. Take the mixture three times a day.

Essential oils:

Take two to three drops of basil, eucalyptus, blue gum, lavender, or peppermint on a handkerchief.

Quercetin:

Take 250-500 mg capsules twice a day.

Herbal remedies:

Besides Quercetin, some other herbs for treating hay fever include bromelain, coral calcium and trace minerals, alfalfa, mullein leaf, stringing, nettle, and wild cherry bark.

Pycnogenol

An extract made from the french maritime pine tree, Pycnogenol(R) is reported to reduce hay-fever symptoms. Participant in the study of pycnogenol that took 50 mg of the extract, reduced 35% of eye and 20% of nasal symptoms caused by hay fever.

It is recommended to start taking pycnogenol five weeks before to allergy season.

Local Honey:

Honey derived from bees in your area can help with your hay fever symptoms naturally and without chemical side effects of medication. It seems counter intuitive that exposure to pollen that triggers allergies can be reduced by the consumption of the pollen in honey. The pollen that is causing the allergies are delivered in small doses in the honey and over time is similar to receiving a series of allergy shots. The honey acts like an immune booster, building up a tolerance,desensitizing you to the allergens and reducing immune symptoms.

Incorporate 2-3 spoonfuls in your diet daily for several months prior to allergy season.

Diet:

Melons tend to cause allergy symptoms, so it’s best to avoid them during hay fever season.