Hayfever

What are the Natural Alternatives?

The Hay fever season seems to arrive earlier and earlier nowadays, and many of you, in desperation, will rush to the pharmacy to buy the latest drug remedies for controlling the condition.

Suffering from an allergy often leaves people feeling trapped and put upon. Nose and sinuses can be completely stuffed making you feel weighted down, both physically and psychologically. You may often feel that this condition comes between you and the rest of the world, distracting your attention and making you less than appealing in social situations. Allergy medications offer relief but they have side effects, including the fact that they can weigh down allergy sufferers in another way by making you drowsy.

Whilst you may have to consider these drug based remedies, are there natural alternatives you can turn to?

Firstly... What is Hay fever?

Hay fever is the term used to describe a general allergy to pollens from grasses and trees.

When pollens invade the soft tissue inside the nose, the body attempts to protect itself and by doing so triggers an immune reaction causing a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and itching.

The problem for many people is that different things and different times can trigger a reaction. Most reactions occur from Spring onwards although some people can be affected by moulds in other seasons which are likely to be found in rainy or humid areas.

The pollen season varies by plant, with trees starting first then grasses then weeds. Its timing also depends on location - the further north, the later it comes.

In the UK, trees start in February with grasses running through the summer and mould spores present until October.

Why are more people getting Hay Fever?

There seems to be very little scientific evidence which can provide the answer. The latest conjecture is that the most likely explanation is a combination of summer starting early and the increasing rates of pollution.

Pollution is possibly trapping the pollen in the atmosphere and keeping it around longer.

The warmer weather has also been blamed, as it tricks plants into pollinating early.

Indoor Environmental Protection

Firstly, I would recommend controlling your indoor environment, with me the conditions would seem to be worse at certain times of the day, mornings, and evenings and during changes in the weather particularly wind. Whilst it is unreasonable to keep all the windows closed in your home during summer I would strongly suggest you keep the air in your home as pollution and pollen free as possible.

The CareforAir Air Purifying System is a vital component of my defence, I have a unit placed in each room in the house and during the season I keep them all running throughout the night.

This year we have some new aromatherapy essences that seem to be particulary good.

I would recommend Eucalyptus, Green Apple, Lime Essence and Singapura Orchid but there are many more in the range

Outdoor Environmental Protection

If you have to be near foliage or generally out and about, a little common sense does help. I coat the lower part of the nose with Vaseline, which seems to help. I wear sun glasses which cut down on the amount of pollen reaching the eyes. If you have to cut the grass, try and time it after some rain. In the car (Motorways are great active tunnels of pollen) turn the internal air circulation switch on. Cut down on dairy products, chocolates, beer and wine, all mucous potential.

Protect your Nose

As stated earlier anti-histamines mask the condition they don't cure it.
As the season kicks in, the mucous membranes become more and more enflamed.

An important breakthrough for me was Lynn's discovery of the EMCUR Nasal system . This is a simple device which is filled with spa salts and a nosel is placed up each nostril in rotation. The salts have the effect of reducing inflammation and widening the nasal passages. You have to persevere, but after using the device mornings and evenings your nose will feel much better.

During the season, when affected, I also use EMCUR on demand. I would thoroughly recommend this product.

Anti-Oxidants

Take a powerful anti oxidant daily as part of your Allergy control plan.

My recommendation:

Carnosine
Reduce allergies and look younger? Sounds like a snake oil advertisement, but it’s true. Carnosine is one of the most powerful antioxidants we have, attacking the nasty free radicals in your system. Free radicals are thought to have a significant effect on your ageing cycle.

For many years Carnosine was part of the Russian athletes preparation programme. It is only in recent years that the west has become aware of the research behind the product.

Read the fascinating Story of Carnosine

Immune System

It makes sense that if your immune system is as strong as it can be, then you will be in better shape to fight many things hayfever included. I suggest you check out the complete Immune section on the website and try the options included in the section.

For me, my hayfever suffering has reduced markedly over the last four years which coincides with our discovery of Omega 3. I take at 1500mg of Omega 3 per day by taking Omax3 and believe that this significant dose has helped me combat a number of personal health issues including hayfever.

For the past few years I have had to resort to anti-histamines on only a handful of occasions. I do still use eye drops during the peak, but I have stopped using the steroid nasal sprays completely.

I am sorry we can't offer an instant miracle cure for this debilitating condition because there isn't one. However there are natural things you can do to reduce your suffering.

Kind regards

Dave Ferguson