Hay Fever

Hay fever, also known as Allergic Rhinitis is a seasonal affliction and has been increasing in incidence in the past decades.

This condition is a result of an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Predisposition to hypersensitivity reactions when exposed to an allergen in the environment is dictated by each individual's genetic make-up and immune response.

Some people have a higher risk of developing hay fever than others. For the most part, persons with a history of asthma have a higher risk of developing hay fever.

In fact 8 out of 10 people with asthma experience allergic rhinitis. Conversely, 4 out of 10 people with hay fever have asthma.

The symptoms of hay fever include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose and eyes, cough and sometimes, difficulty of breathing.

Despite the name "hay fever" people with this condition rarely have fever. Symptoms come seasonally especially during spring time when flowers are in bloom. The dust and pollen in the air elicits a hypersensitivity reaction when inhaled and leads to symptoms of hay fever or asthma.

There is also a characteristic presentation during the day, symptoms may occur early morning or late afternoon to early evening. This might be attributed to environmental factors or the presence of allergens in the air during those times.

Allergens, also called triggers, vary from person to person. It is therefore necessary for each person to note the time, place, and environmental conditions when symptoms appear.

A knowledge of what allergens trigger your hay fever goes a long way in preventing and treating this condition. Avoidance of these triggers prevent the symptoms of hay fever and is the first step in treatment.

Natural Cures for Hay Fever:

Home remedies to get rid of hay fever or allergic rhinitis include the following:

Pycnogenol:

Pycnogenol(R) (an extract of the French maritime pine tree) has been shown to relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms. Patients receiving pycnogenol showed a reduction of 35% for eye and 20% nasal symptoms caused by hay fever.

Participants in the study that took 50 mg of Pycnogenol had less severe allergy symptoms. It is thought that pycnogenol is most effective when taken starting five weeks prior to allergy season

Antihistamines:

Over-the-counter antihistamines are home remedies that effectively prevent hypersensitivity reactions to known allergens and stabilize an ongoing reaction which prevents progression of symptoms.

These medicines are easily available everywhere and have very few side-effects.

Taking a dose before exposing yourself to known allergens also prevents the symptoms of hay fever.

Decongestants:

This home remedy is used for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion.

This together with antihistamines to speed up resolution of nasal congestion but should be taken for a few successive days only.

Raw Honey:

Raw honey from bees working in your area can reduce hay fever symptoms without medication. Exposing yourself to the pollen that is triggering your hay fever in small doses is similar to receiving a series of allergy shots. The honey essentially will acts as an immune booster, allowing the gradual build up of a tolerance and reducing immune symptoms.

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

Lagundi:

This is a shrub (Vitex negundo) that grows in South East Asia, particularly the Philippines and has been proven to have therapeutic effects against flu, cough, and asthma.

This natural cure contains Chrysoplenol D, a compound that has antihistamine properties. It has also been proven to decrease the body's production of leukotrienes, a substance that mediates the symptoms of hay fever.

Boil a half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes.

Drink half a cup of the decoction thrice daily for relief of said symptoms.

Mangosteen:

Hailed as the "Queen of Fruits", the mangosteen is a fruit indigenous to South East Asia and is a natural cure of hay fever.

This fruit is dark purple, round, 2-3 inches in diameter with a thick rind encasing 4-8 segments of white, delicious, and soft flesh which may or may not contain seeds.

The active component is a substance called 'Xanthones' and has been found to have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties.

Eating the flesh of the fruit offers you a generous amount of these Xanthones.

The rind can also be used to make a decoction.