HayfeverDo you sometimes find yourself struggling with symptoms like a runny nose, watering eyes, frequent sneezing or breathing difficulties that just seem to start suddenly for no good reason and often lasts for days? If you are experiencing these symptoms, you are probably suffering from hayfever (allergic rhinitis). Hayfever causes a lot of discomfort and can make life very miserable. Fortunately, there are some easy remedies.

Hayfever – Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

We are constantly exposed to a variety of materials in the environment like dust, pollen, bacteria, virus, mites and pet hair. For most people, these substances don’t cause any problem, but for some, they can trigger an allergic reaction. Their immune system identifies one or more of these substances as harmful and triggers the body’s defences to fight it. This allergic reaction causes all the symptoms and the associated complications of hayfever.

The problem usually starts with an irritation in the nose, mouth, ears or the respiratory tract followed by excess secretions causing runny nose and eyes. This leads to sneezing and inflammation of the mucous membranes, which in turn causes congestion of the airways. Things can get further complicated if the inflamed tissues get infected or it results in conjunctivitis, bronchitis or asthma. Hayfever makes you irritable and makes it difficult for you to focus on what you are doing or go to sleep.

Pollen grains, mites, dust, mould particles, cigarette smoke, strong perfumes and exhaust gases from vehicles are the most common substances that trigger an allergic reaction. If you are sensitive to a substance the only sure-shot way of preventing the problem is to completely avoid exposure to it. This is impractical and hence, the best solution is to minimize exposure to allergy triggers and if an allergic reaction occurs, take remedies that help relieve the symptoms. If you get fever (a sign of infection) or breathing difficulties, see your doctor.

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There are many remedies to help relieve hayfever symptoms. Synthetic remedies like antihistamines and other over the counter or prescription medications cause numerous side-effects like drowsiness and irritability, and are harmful in the long run. Natural remedies work best and can be used safely over long periods of time.

Here is a brief overview of some natural remedies.

1: HayMax Balm

HayMax is a natural balm that creates a barrier for allergens when applied to the nostrils and thus helps prevent hayfever. It is made using a base of bee wax and vegetable oils. HayMax Pure contains no other additives or fragrance. Other versions contain Aloe vera juice, essential oils and fragrances such as lavender or frankincense. The product is 100% natural and organic.

View all our HayMax products.

2: Haymax For Kids

‘HayMax Kids’ joins the Haymax family of organic,drug free allergen barrier balms. The tried and trusted HayMax balm, but wrapped in Kids packaging. Haymax have been listening to parents and kids for a decade and we know know that children Love Haymax. To make Hayamx instantly recognisable to parents as suitable for kids,we created the “haymax kids” superhero packaging format. Drug free,non drowsy and 100% organci. Easy for kids to self administer with a finger.

3: Pharma Nord

While many people take anti-histamines to prevent allergic reactions, did you know there is a more natural way? Bio-Pycnogenol, a plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Beta 1,3/1,6 glucans can also help to reduce the allergenic response of the immune system. Try Pharma Nord’s Bio-Glucan Plus. Remember you need to take both over a period of time to experience best results.

4: UnBEElievable Health Max

Bee Prepared Max Strength offers a unique combination of high quality ingredients sourced from the hive, grassland and woodland that are rarely found in a standard diet or supplement. Bee Prepare Max Strength contains bee propolis, olive leaf, black elderberry, astaxanthin, reishi mushrooms and beta glucans.

This combination in a concentrated amounts can be utilised to aid thee bodies natural defences year round. This formula is also used by many during high pollen periods, whilst taking part in exercise or athletics, before or during long periods of travel or simply to provide a boost when the body is feeling run down.

5: Rhinodoron Nasal Spray

Rhinodoron Spray contains aloe vera which aids in its moisturising, soothing and cleaning effects. Rhinodoron aids a congested nose by clearing and breaking down the dry, crusty build up that can make breathing difficult.

The organic aloe vera and the natural saline liquid together exactly match the potassium and sodium salts balance found in the body. As a 100% natural product Rhinodoron can be safely used over long periods for daily nasal aid and hygiene. It is also suitable for babies aged 3 months and up.

6: Premier UltraPollen Capsules

Pollen is known to improve your health making you more resistant to infections besides promoting your health and wellness. UltraPollen capsules contain pollen of flowers obtained from organically grown plants. Great care is taken to ensure that it is free of mould and spores.

7: Quercetin Products

Quercetin is a flavonoid, a pigment that gives colour to plant products like vegetables and fruits. It is an antioxidant, which neutralizes cell-damaging free radicals. Studies suggest that it could help in reducing pollen allergies besides helping control blood pressure and reducing the risk of cancer.

Quercetin is available as Jarrow Quercetin capsules. Terra Nova’s Quercetin Nettle Complex is another product for hayfever in capsule form. It also contains other anti-inflammatory products like turmeric, nettle and elderberry. Biocare Quercetin capsules contain quercetin, bromelain and Vitamin C. Biochem Aller Max is another quercetin product with a similar formula. In addition, it also contains cayenne.

8: Absolute Aromas Breatheasy Blend Oil

An excellent additive to bath water that imparts the goodness of eucalyptus oils, tea tree oils, ravensara and cajeput to help clear up many symptoms of hayfever.

9: Alli-C Capsules

Alli-C capsules contain allicin powder, the active ingredient in garlic, citrus bioflavonoids and Vitamin C. Allicin helps fight infections and along with Vitamin C, it helps improve the effectiveness of the body’s immune system.

10: Qu-Chi Pink Acupressure Band

This is a holistic approach to treating allergy symptoms. It stimulates an acupressure point near the elbow, which reduces the symptoms of hayfever. The benefits come without the side-effects of other remedies. It is a band designed to be worn on the hand.

11: Salitair Saltpipe Inhaler

Salitair inhaler provides natural salt therapy to make breathing easier if you are suffering from bronchitis, asthma or other respiratory disorders. Salitair salt refills are also available to top up or replace the salt. It is very easy to use. Just put the pipe into your mouth and inhale through the mouth. It helps make the mucus thinner and regenerates celia. It thus normalises impaired mucus transport.

12: Nelsons Pollenna Tablets

Nelsons Pollenna is a combination of homeopathic medicines that provides relief from hayfever symptoms. It contains Allium cepa to sooth irritated eyes, euphrasia to reduce sneezing and watery eyes and Sabidilla to reduce sneezing and runny nose. It can be safely taken with other medicines and there are no side-effects.

How To Avoid Allergy Triggers

You can reduce the incidence of hayfever by reducing your exposure to allergens. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. In the season during which you are more susceptible to hayfever, keep the doors and windows closed to reduce the amount of pollen that comes inside your home. Vacuum and mop your home regularly.

2. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the chances of mildew and mould. Use mite-proof furnishings as far as possible. Avoid carpets because it is difficult to keep them free from dust, pollen and mites.

3. If you don’t wear glasses, wear sunglasses when you are outdoors. This will help keep allergens out of your eyes.

4. Avoid keeping pets, especially those that shed. If you have pets, regularly vacuum your home to minimize contact with pet fur. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your pet.

Hayfever can make life difficult, but with the right remedies and precautions, you can reduce its incidence and severity. Natural remedies help keep hayfever in check and give relief from the symptoms without the troublesome side-effects of synthetic antihistamines.

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