Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, occurs as a sensitivity to outdoor allergens. For sufferers of hay fever, the spring, summer and fall bring itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and a stuffy nose when grass, trees and ragweed bloom. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that approximately 40 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy, and spend approximately $5.7 billion a year on allergy medications. Alternative remedies cut those costs and offer a more natural approach to easing hay fever's symptoms.
Supplements
Nature's natural antihistamine, vitamin C, can prevent the overproduction of histamine by the body, which causes allergic reactions in the first place. In her book "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommends a dosage of 3,000 to 10,000 mg of vitamin C daily, depending on the severity of the hay fever. When hay fever season ends, the dosage should be tapered off, not stopped abruptly.
Quercetin stabilizes cell membranes responsible for releasing histamine, making them less sensitive to allergen triggers. Balch recommends a 400 mg dose, twice daily.
Herbs
Nettle is the herbal equivalent of vitamin C with its powerful antihistamine properties, reports Bill Gottlieb in his book "Alternative Cures." Nettle needs a few days for its effectiveness to kick in; therefore, nettle therapy should begin a few days before hay fever season starts.
Goldenseal has a long history of alleviating allergy symptoms, especially a sore throat caused by mucus and nasal drainage. Those allergic to ragweed may not be able to use goldenseal, however, due to its close relation to ragweed.
Eucalyptus oil can relieve nasal congestion and headache if used in a steam bowl and inhaled. Eucalyptus can also be added to bath water.
Lifestyle
The best way to avoid suffering from hay fever is to avoid the allergen that causes symptoms, or at least, cut down exposure to the allergen. If a hay fever sufferer must be outdoors for prolonged periods of time, he should change his clothes after coming inside or brush them off. A daily shower, including washing the hair, rinses pollen away. Changing bed sheets on a weekly basis keeps pollen out of the bed, and running the air conditioner constantly during hay fever season keeps indoor air clean and filtered. Hay fever sufferers should not hang freshly laundered clothes or linens outside to dry during peak pollen season.
Diet
A diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains fortifies the immune system at a time when it is bombarded by allergens on a daily basis.
References
- "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Allergy Facts and Figures
- "Alternative Cures"; Bill Gottlieb; 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis
