Beat the sneezes

It’s spring and that means pollen is about. Read on for our natural hay fever protection plan

If you are one of the estimated 15 million people in the UK who suffer from hay fever you will be only too aware that the pollen season has started and it’s time to take action especially as John Collard, Clinical Director of Allergy UK explains: ‘Ignoring hay fever can increase your chances of developing asthma and if you are already an asthmatic it can worsen your symptoms making life even more difficult.’

If you go down the conventional treatment route, anti- histamine tablets, sprays and eye drops, which work by suppressing the release of histamine, are available over the counter or on prescription, but the trouble with these is that they can produce drowsiness. And this is why many people with hay fever prefer an alternative approach. Read on for our natural hay fever protection plan and the herbs that can help.

To boost your immune system

Hay fever occurs when the immune system reacts to a harmless substance as if it were a threat. This could be dust, animal dander or other airborne pollutants, but by far the most common culprit is pollen coming from trees, grasses or flowers.

Inhaling allergens causes the body to release histamine which inflames the mucous membranes in the nose, throat and sinuses resulting in typical hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, itchy, streaming eyes, a blocked or runny nose, a heavy head and drowsiness.

So the first step in your natural protection plan is to try to reduce your allergic response with an immune enhancing herb such as echinacea. Available as a tincture, capsules or tablets echinacea is well known for its ability to strengthen the body’s defences against bacteria, viruses and allergies. For maximum effect you need to take this herb for at least six weeks before your hay fever season starts. Tonics containing the herbs astralagus and nettle may also help boost immunity

To soothe sore throats and itchy eyes

For sore throats you could try gargling with an infusion of camomile or the culinary herb sage. Camomile also makes a soothing treatment for sore eyes – either use the infusion as an eye bath or dip camomile tea bags in cold water and hold over your eyes for a couple of minutes. Patting aloe vera gel gently around irritated eyelids can also bring relief.

To ease wheezing

To help clear congestion try sprinkling three drops of eucalyptus essential oil on to your handkerchief and inhaling as required. A refreshing cup of elderflower or eyebright tea can also help clear catarrh. Simply add 1tsp of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water, infuse for 10 minutes and drink three cups a day.

To quell inflammation

Researchers believe that nettle leaf preparations may help prevent the body from making inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins. Fresh tincture or freeze-dried capsules seem to have the strongest action perhaps because the stinging hairs contain important substances that are lost during the drying process.

Another herb to watch out for is butterbur. Following a successful study reported in the British Medical Journal in January 2002, five out of seven further trials on different types of butterbur have shown positive results. The herb outperformed placebos, while having an equal effect to medication. Even nose congestion improved, a symptom that antihistamines usually cannot reach. It seems to work by inhibiting the inflammatory compounds caused by allergic reactions.

A word of caution though - you should avoid using untreated butterbur, as the plant contains liver-toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are removed during commercial processing.

10 ways to stay sniffle-free

1. Stay indoors during peak pollen times - 7am-9am and 3pm-7pm.
2. Keep away from grassy areas.
3. Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes.
4. Avoid mowing the lawn during the day as it creates clouds of pollen. Alternatively get someone else to do it.
5. When planning holidays, remember mountains tend to have fewer flowers and pollen counts are lowest by the sea.
6. Smear petroleum jelly on your nostrils to stop pollen settling on the lining of your nose.
7. Keep windows closed and hang net curtains to help trap any pollen.
8. Avoid stroking pets that have been outside – they may be carrying pollen on their fur.
9. Keep windows and vents closed in the car.
10. Shower and wash hair after being outside to eliminate all traces of pollen.