Lulu and Boo Blog
Natural Remedies for Hayfever
Monday 13 June 2011
Lulu & Boo Organic Skincare
Unfortunately the hayfever season is well and truly here!
Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Your body reacts to the airborne allergens by releasing a substance called histamine, which causes inflammation of the membranes lining the nose, throat and sinuses. This increases the production of mucus and causes sinus congestion.
Symptoms are: • blocked or runny nose
• itchy, red and watering eyes
• sneezing
• drowsiness
• headache
• sore or scratchy throat
It is impossible to avoid pollen totally. However, symptoms tend to be less severe if you reduce your exposure to pollen. The following may help when the pollen count is high:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows and doors shut.
• Avoid cutting grass, large grassy places, and camping.
• Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors, especially after going to the countryside.
• Keep car windows closed and consider buying a pollen filter for the air vents in your car. These should be changed at every service.
Natural RemediesHoney ~ This is something that needs to be done before the allergy season but works extremely well. It is as simple as eating some natural raw honey regularly throughout the year. By doing this you will build immunity and stop your body over-reacting to the pollen released in summer. Not just any old honey will do, however. It has to be raw honey and ideally locally produced too. Raw honey is unprocessed and at this stage it still contains pollen, honeycomb and live enzymes. If you ingest this throughout the year, your body is less prone to react badly to pollen when spring arrives. Start adding raw honey to your toast, porridge or tea to start reaping the benefits.
Nettle Tea ~ is a natural anti-histamine. Nettles are also believed to lessen the effects of hay-fever by boosting the body’s defence against pollen. Nettle tea is the best way to consume and receive the positive benefits. You could add a tea-spoon of raw locally produced honey to a cup for a double boost.
Butterbur ~ is a plant that looks a bit like Rhubarb. It is thought to work in a similar way to allergy medications by blocking the action of histamine and leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions. It is not just allergies that can be soothed by this plant however but migraines too. Butterbur is often available as tea, which is a tasty way to consume it. Alternatively there are butterbur pills available.
Onions ~ Have been shown to help boost the immune system and this can help with hayfever, Remember Hayfever is a result of an over-reacting immune system. The reason onions can help is that they contain the chemical quercetin. Plus you can add them to all kinds of foods. I like to eat them on salad or just with sliced up tomatoes. Definitely worth a try!
Line the Nose ~ With a barrier ointment or cream. This will stop the pollen from getting into the body through the nose and a
good layer in the morning usually keeps you going until lunch, just wash out and re-apply if need be. This is especially useful if you are spending a day outdoors or when you know there is going to be a high pollen count.
Recommended Product ~
Calendula Ointment not only will this act as a barrier but will also help to soothe sore nostrils.
Vitamin C ~ is an antioxidant that has natural antihistamine properties. So eat plenty of fruit and veg. Most people think citrus fruit as being the best source of vitamin C. Although they are a great source. Here are some fruit and veg, which are full of vitamin C: Brocoli, kiwi fruit, Strawberries, Cranberries, Papaya, Mango, Spinach, Celery, Peppers, especially red, orange and yellow. There are also vitamin C tablets available that can be chewed on during the day.
Sore, Puffy, Itchy Eyes
Chamomile tea ~ is also a good remedy for sore itchy eyes. Simply get a cup of warm water and a teabag of chamomile tea and soak this tea the way you usually do with teas. Cool the tea bags and liquid in the fridge. Use the liquid on your eyes as a wash to help relieve the itchiness and the redness. You can also use the moist teabag over your eyes to help ease the itch and to soothe your eyes.
Frozen Cucumber Slices ~ Put a couple of cucumber slices in a zip lock bag in the freezer. Make sure you only put a few in each one so they'll lay flat and not freeze all clumped together. (I only put 2 in each small bag at a time) Next time your eyes are feeling sore and itchy. Pop to your freezer for one of your bags of cucumber slices. Let them thaw a little. Then, just lean back and relax and place the slices over your eyes. For added relief, place a cool, folded wash cloth over your eyes and cucumber slices. You will love how refreshing the cucumber is to your sore, itchy eyes!
Recommended Product ~ Aloe & Eyebright Eye Gel is a beautifully light cooling gel that soothes tired, sensitive eyes.
Keep this wonderfully cooling eye gel in your bag over the summer months and apply during the day to help calm itchy, sore, puffy eyes.
Key Ingredients:Arnica Extract ~ It is a natural herb which is well known for its use in eye care products as it can help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Eyebright Extract ~ is an excellent herb for the eye area. It has been used for centuries to help with eye problems such as conjunctivitis, sensitivity to light, stinging and weeping eyes, and much more. It is naturally high in zinc, which helps care and protect the delicate skin around the eyes. Due to its astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it tightens and reduces puffiness. In combination with Arnica it is very effective at helping to reduce puffiness around the eyes. It is rich in vitamins A and C, flavonoids, and tannins.
Witch Hazel ~ A
natural astringent, with anti-inflammatory properties. It tones the skin and reduces puffiness.
Aloe Vera ~ Helps rehydrate and soothe the skin and has an amazing cooling, calming and uplifting effect.
Apricot Oil ~ This is a mild oil, tolerated by most people, especially those with sensitive, inflamed, dry or mature skin. It enhances skin elasticity.
Organic Sincare by Lulu & Boo Organics