Hay Fever Natural Treatment

Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to airborne irritants such as grass, tree, or flower pollens. These allergens (and others including dust, animal fur, feathers, spores, plants, and chemicals) trigger a reaction which causes swelling of the nasal membrane and the production of the antibodies which release histamine. It is this chemical substance that is responsible for the characteristic allergic symptoms.

Symptoms 
• runny nose, congestion, and sneezing
• red, itchy eyes
• sore throat
• wheezing, which can develop into asthma

TREATMENT 

The timing of the symptoms will depend on the type of pollen at fault: tree pollen, grass pollen; and weeds such as nettles, golden rod, and mugwort. In the autumn, spores and mold are likely to cause hay fever. At least 22 million Americans suffer from hay fever in some form. Most cases involve some dermatitis (in the form of urticaria or hives), and temporary asthma is common during the hay fever seasons in susceptible people. German researchers have found that three bananas contain enough magnesium to quell a hay fever attack. Babies born in the spring, when more pollen is in the air, are more likely to develop hay fever later in life.

Chinese Herbalism 
Bi Yan Pian/Nose inflammation pills, for Wind Cold or Wind Heat to the face; sneezing, itchy eyes, facial congestion and sinus pain, acute and chronic rhinitis, and nasal allergies. A herbal prescription of Yu Ping Feng San/Jade screen helps prevent hay fever, and guards against allergies. Cang er Zi Tang/ Xanthium powder, for allergic rhinitis with a thickened yellow catarrh or a blocked nose.

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies
A teaspoon of local honey, before and during the season, helps many people. Eat plenty of fresh garlic to boost the immune system, and to act as an anticatarrhal agent. 

Herbalism
Strengthen resistance with a tea of elderflowers and yarrow for some weeks before the pollen season starts. Soothe itchy eyes with an elderflower, eyebright, or chamomile compress. Eyebright tea or capsules will relieve symptoms.

Aromatherapy 
Chamomile in the bath and in massage will help to ease symptoms. Steam or dry inhalations of lavender and/or eucalyptus can help for sneezing and runny nose. Also use in the bath.  Melissa may soothe and calm the allergic reaction.

Homeopathy 
Hay fever can be deep-seated and take some time to cure, and treatment should be constitutional. However, there are preventive remedies, including the following: Allium, for hay fever where the sufferer has a burning nasal discharge. Sabadilla, for hay fever with a sore throat. Arsenicum, when there is a constant need to sneeze. Euphrasia, when the eyes are itching and red.

Flower Essences 
Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence will help to ease symptoms during an attack, and help to produce a more positive frame of mind. 

Vitamins and Minerals 
Vitamin C combined with bioflavonoids will act as a natural antihistamine to control symptoms. Taking extra pantothenic acid may help to relieve hay fever symptoms. Bee pollen can help prevent allergies when taken for several weeks before the hay fever season. Royal jelly is also a useful hay fever treatment.