Before considering natural ways to treat hay fever – what exactly is it?
The symptoms of hay fever or allergic rhinitis result, primarily, from an inflammation of the lining of the nasal passages caused by a reaction to allergens such as dust, pollen, flakes of skin and mould. There are two types of allergic rhinitis – namely:
● Seasonal – this occurs at certain times of the year
● Perennial – takes place throughout the year
This is a common problem – in western society it is estimated that at least 20% of the population suffer from the condition.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
There are a variety of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis including:
● Sneezing
● Coughing
● Blocked and/or runny nose
● Inflamed and itchy eyes
● Itchy irritation of the roof of the mouth
The symptoms of hay fever – what part does Big Pharma play?
True to form, Big Pharma heads where the large profits lie. According to a recent report (23rd July 2023), the global allergic rhinitis drugs market is estimated to rise to a staggering $12.06 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach an even more impressive $15.41 billion by 2028, growing at a healthy CAGR of 5.03%.
Once again it is not difficult to see why Big Pharma is dismissive of natural therapies being used as alternatives to their profitable products!
Medications prescribed for allergic rhinitis
We will now list the rogue’s gallery of conventional pharmacological options for the treatment of allergic rhinitis all of which lead to unpleasant side effects . These include:
• Intra-nasal corticosteroids
• Oral and intra-nasal antihistamines
• Intra-nasal cromolyn sodium
• Intra-nasal anticholinergics
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists
Avoiding the above rogue’s gallery of toxic chemicals and before looking at natural ways to treat hay fever, let’s first consider foods and drinks to avoid if you are susceptible to hay fever.
Prone to hay fever? Food and drinks better avoided
Before considering natural ways to treat hay fever, let’s consider the foods and drinks to definitely avoid.
Many of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are mediated by the release of histamine – the body’s response to a perceived allergen. is released by the immune system when the body comes into contact with an allergen. These symptoms may include inflammation, congestion and itching.
Foods and drinks which are themselves histamine-rich should be avoided to circumvent enhancing existing histamine-related symptoms and include:
● Coffee, tea, beer and wine
● Fermented foods – these include pickles, yoghurts, kimchee and sauerkraut
● Refined sugars – these stimulate the release of adrenalin which increases the symptomatic effects of histamine
Dairy should be avoided as this increases mucus secretion which in turn will worsen the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Natural ways to treat hay fever – what foods and drinks are effective?
When considering natural ways to treat hay fever its important to consider the many natural foods which have been shown to be particularly effective in alleviating the misery of allergic rhinitis – these include:
● Garlic – this may be of benefit to allergic rhinitis sufferers because it contains the polyphenol quercetin which can assist in controlling histamine levels in the body. Quercetin additionally acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Other foods containing quercetin include onions, peppers, broccoli, beans and berries.
● Pineapple – this is the only fruit that contains bromelain – this reduces histamine-mediated swelling and congestion of the nasal passages and additionally thins mucus.
● Oranges -these are rich in vitamin C which is a natural anti-histamine.
Further rich sources of vitamin C include red/green peppers, broccoli, kiwi fruit and strawberries.
● Herbal tea – particularly chamomile which has a natural anti-inflammatory effect.
● Ginger – this wonderful root boasts powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
● Turmeric – also has strong anti-inflammatory effects
● Honey – when locally produced will contain traces of pollen – consumption of honey will promote a build up of immunity to the pollen antigen
Natural ways to treat hay fever – what treatments are effective?
In addition to dietary considerations for the alleviation of allergic rhinitis the following practical measures will help you in your quest in avoiding the toxic symptomatic treatment offered by pharmaceuticals:
● Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy may well alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or actually facilitate preventing it in the first place. (look out for the forthcoming post “Treating allergies with hypnotherapy – a remarkable holistic therapy?”)
● Saline nasal irrigation
A 2012 review of a number of studies conclusively demonstrated showed that nasal irrigation with a saline solution had beneficial effects for sufferers of allergic rhinitis.
● HEPA – filters
If you are a sufferer of allergic rhinitis, be sure to consider acquiring a HEPA – filter for use within the indoor environment. These high-efficiency particulate air filters are the most efficient at removal of airborne allergens such as pet dander, dust and pollen.
● Acupuncture
A review of a number of studies confirmed that acupuncture is particularly effective at relieving both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
● Probiotics
One of the many natural health benefits of probiotics is an improvement in the symptoms of hay fever.
● Spirulina
A study found that dietary spirulina — a blue-green algae — in addition to a number of natural health benefits, also demonstrated anti-allergic protection.
● Essential oils
A number of natural essential oils have anti-inflammatory capabilities including:
Peppermint
A study demonstrated that peppermint oil, when diffused in the air or applied topically, had significant anti-inflammatory effects that reduced the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Frankincense
This essential oil, as shown in a 2016 study, may be effective in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. This oil may be applied topically or inhaled from air diffusion.
Incorporating an increasing number of the above steps into your daily routine will keep you naturally free of the worst of the symptoms of hay fever. This in turn, will save you the expense and harm of pharmaceuticals.
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“TO BE TRULY FREE – BE PHARMA FREE”