Herbal remedies for hay fever

21 Jun

Posted by Dr John Anne as Uncategorized

Researchers have yet to clearly understand why some people’s immune systems over-react to exposure to pollens and other environmental elements,while other people do not suffer from this problem.It is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of respiratory allergies, however, heredity does seem to play a role, as do environmental factors. Some evidence suggests that those who were breastfed as babies are less likely than those who were bottle fed to develop allergies.Symptoms of hay fever are partly a result of inflammation that, in turn, is activated by the immune system. Because of this, a properly functioning immune system is crucial in the treatment of seasonal allergies.
Hayfever Tea: The Haelan Centre mixes a Hayfever Tea (which is also very good for chesty conditions). Made up of herbs that help to reduce catarrh and are mildly anti-histamine.

The tea contains the following herbs:

Ephedra; Elder Flowers; Eyebright; Euphorbia; Yarrow; Vervain; Comfrey leaf; Nettle Leaf. Adults only should start drinking this tea as early as possible, preferably before the hayfever season starts. If you are unused to taking herbal tea see: How to Make a Herbal Infusion. Take the tea two or three times a day, every day. For contra-indications see box above. Hayfever tea should not be taken by people who suffer from high blood pressure or glaucoma.

Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) tea contains antioxidant properties and is considered a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. It is said to help lessen the duration of a battle with Hay Fever.
Lemon juice and honey: Mix some honey and half the amount of lemon juice and take the mixture early in the morning for few weeks. This mixture works to boost the immunity of body. It won’t be a bad idea to start taking the mixture a bit early before the approach of spring season, if you suffer from hay fever.
Apple cider vinegar: It works due to the acidic nature like that of lemon. Take two spoons of Apple cider vinegar and a bit of honey to a glass of cooled boiled water and take it early in the morning for few weeks.
Evening Primrose oil: It helps in reducing the bronchial inflammation due to the presence of essential fatty acids. This oil can be taken two times daily.

Homeopathy

A homeopath may recommend homeopathically potentised pollens taken daily before the hay fever season begins as a kind of inoculation. In a study in the Lancet in 1986, Dr David Reilly and his team at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital found a preparation of mixed grass pollens effective in treating hay fever.

The most commonly recommended remedy for hay fever is Allium cepa (common onion). Ideally, you should consult a homeopath to determine which preparations best suit your individual constitution, but if you’re buying over the counter, ask yourself which symptom you would most like to remove to guide you to the most appropriate remedy. Try Euphrasia if your eyes are more irritated than your nose; Natrum mur if you lose your sense of taste and smell and your nose streams; Nux vomica for sneezing; Arsenicum album for a hot, irritating nasal discharge; Pulsatilla for a blocked nose and Kali iodatum for severe symptoms