Alternative Cures for Hay Fever

Although having hay fever naturally suggests an allergy to hay, those suffering from hay fever are actually allergic to pollen released by flowers, trees and grasses usually in the spring and summer.

Because of its name, it might sound as if hay is the cause of symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat and blocked sinuses. In fact it is invisible airborne pollens, mold and even dust that enter the nasal passage and irritate the system that cause hay fever and sometimes asthma.

Not everyone is allergic to pollen but for hay fever sufferers, the hay season can bring on these symptoms in full flow. Pollen count is likely to be high during hay making and those living in the countryside will experience more discomfort than people who suffer from hay fever living in the town.

Over the counter antihistamines can help with the terrible itching, sore eyes and runny nose but modern conventional medicine can leave people feeling tired. Regular use of nasal sprays, inhalers and eye drops can also reduce the allergic response of the body.

There are natural alternatives that hay fever sufferers may wish to experiment with as these are therapies that have been found to work for some people.

Acupuncture is one of them. Acupuncture focuses treatment on the person rather than the disease. It is believed to help strengthen the body's immune system, thereby helping to relieve hay fever.

Suggestions made to a person who is put into a relaxed state through hypnosis have also been found to help reduce hay fever symptoms. Results of hypnotherapy treatment can diminish over time and regular sessions may be required for those who have found some relief from this alternative treatment.

Homeopathic Remedies: Allium cepa is often prescribed by practitioners to help relieve hay fever symptoms such as sore eyes, sneezing and a running nose. Itching eyes and nose might also be relieved with Sabadilia. Other homeopathic remedies include Euphrasia, Nux vomica and Euphrasia.

Herbal Supplements: Butterbur has been found to have the same effect as antihistamines without causing any drowsiness. Echinacea can reduce sensitivity to allergens while Ephedra helps constrict the blood vessels of the sinuses to clear the stuffiness in the nose relating to hay fever. Golden Seal helps in the supply of nutrients to produce a histamine reaction and Evening Primrose Oil is also believed to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.

Some people find drinking elderberry juice and limejuice every day will ease hay fever symptoms as does peppermint tea. Add fresh garlic to your diet as this is a great decongestant. It could also be that taking a spoonful of freshly produced unfiltered honey every day (preferably for a month before the season in which your symptoms tend to worsen) will help alleviate the discomfort caused by hay fever.

Anyone using herbal remedies to treat the symptoms of hay fever should use them sparingly, under the supervision of a qualified therapist.

Sources

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4485969.stm

http://www.ayurvediccure.com/homeremedy/hayfever.htm

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/allergicrhinitis.html