A-a-a-TISHOO! It’s that time of year when the pollens agitate our noses and eyes and ears with sneezing, itching and runny, watery discharges. Animal dander, dust, feathers and mold spores can also cause allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hayfever. For the allergyprone, what natural relief is on hand?
Herbal remedies. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioca) and Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) both have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) reduces congestion and provides relief for itchy eyes. Also drink 3 to 4 cups of herbal tea daily.
Homoeopathic remedies can be effective in treating acute episodes of hayfever. It is best to have a professional homoeopath prescribe accurately for you. Some of the most commonly used remedies are Allium cepa for copious, watery, acrid nasal discharges, better in open air. Euphrasia for copious, watery acrid discharges from the eyes, worse in open air. Nux vomica for discharge especially in the day but blockedat night. Sabadilla for an itchy nose, violent, debilitating sneezing worse from cold outdoor air but better for warm drinks and warm rooms. Wyethia for extremely itchy throat, palate and ears. Dosage is usually every 2 to 4 hours reducing frequency with improvement.
Tissue Salts. Nat mur (No 9) is the major tissue salt for hayfever. Take 3 time daily.
Supplements can boost your body’s abilities to deal with the hyperinflammatory response. Bioflavanoids like quercetin, catechin and hesperidin are natural antihistamines. 2-3 g daily. When symptoms are severe, this can be doubled. Vitamins A (25.000 IUs), C (1-3 g 2 or 3 times daily) and E (400 IUs daily) are essential for immune function. Zinc (30 mg daily) is an important mineral for immunity.
Probiotics. Keeping your gut microflora healthy is one of the most important ways to support your immune system. Probiotic formulations are available at pharmacies and health shops. Fermented foods such as natural yoghurts, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi can become an integral part of our daily meals. Prebiotic foods like stewed apples and root veggies like carrot, beet and parsnips nourish the bowel flora and allow them to flourish and keep you healthy.
Foods. Eat a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like dark green leafy vegetables which are high in bioflavonoids, fermented foods, spices such as turmeric – one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory plants. I like to add a teaspoon or two to plain yoghurt for a tasty, colourful salad dressing.
What to Avoid. The usual suspects of sugar, dairy and wheat aggravate allergy symptoms and are tough on the body. Cut out the caffeine and alcohol, too.
Bodywork. From personal experience, I have found Bowen treatments very helpful in dealing with hayfever.
The above are just some of the ways to deal with hayfever. I hope that this Spring you may enjoy it without suffering.
Dr Estelle Moys : M.Tech Hom
