Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay Fever Symptoms!

Spring has just about sprung here in Melbourne and so has its famous hay fever!

This season seems to be particularly fierce and sufferers may experience symptoms that range from itchy, watery, red and/or swollen eyes; runny nose; sneezing; coughing; throat irritation; trouble breathing and in some cases, sinusitis (sinus infection).  These symptoms are enough for people to run to the pharmacy and purchase some anti-histamines – but is there anything else that we can do naturally to reduce the symptoms?

There are many herbs and foods that are high in various anti-inflammatory constituents that can assist with reducing the symptoms of hay fever.

Food: It is important to include foods that are high in the following anti-inflammatory constituents:

  • Bromelain – pineapple
  • Quercetin & Rutin – apple, berries, green tea, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower),  buckwheat, citrus fruits, red grapes, red onions

Additionally, finding a locally made raw honey and eating it on a daily basis may be of great benefit.  The idea behind this is to accustom your immune system to the pollens that you are commonly exposed to in your area.

Herbal teas: The following teas can help with modulating an over-reactive immune system & also calming those hay fever symptoms:

  • Echinacea
  • Nettle leaf
  • Chamomile
  • Eyebright

*If you are pregnant or lactating, it is always best to consult with a naturopath before using any herbs.

The above tips are ways to reduce the symptoms of hay fever, however deeper immune modulating work can assist in making future spring seasons a little easier to handle!  Another factor that needs to be considered is one’s gut health, which is best done via a one-on-one consultation.

Stay tuned for Magda’s next blog about gut health and its implications on our day-to-day health!

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