by John G Thomas

Created on: July 18, 2011

We all look forward to the summer months after the long cold winter, but for many people it is the start of hay fever. Hay fever causes misery for an increasing number of people. Some of the symptoms include; itchy eyes, runny/blocked nose, fever, and generally feeling unwell.

As spring arrives and flowers, plants, and trees begin to grow and bloom, they release pollen as part of their reproductive cycle. During this time and especially later on in the summer mould and fungi release spores, which cause similar irritation as pollen.

The symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction that takes place inside the body. The immune system becomes confused and reacts to a normally harmless substance. This causes a reaction when we come into contact with allergens such as pollen. Our bodies then produce a chemical called histamine, which triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction and causes the symptoms that make us feel unwell.

The good news is that there are natural ways to minimize and even eradicate the symptoms of hay fever. Here is a list of some of the top natural hay fever remedies.

1)    Garlic. Garlic will not only help keep the vampires away but will also help to boost your immune system. Garlic also acts as a natural decongestants to help get rid of those horrible stuffy noses.

2)    Local honey. Local honey is great little secret to help prepare your body for the up and coming hay fever season. The local honey will start to help build your bodies defences against the local pollen. It is important to start this treatment a couple of months before your usual hay fever symptoms kick in.

3)    Petroleum jelly. Also knows as Vaseline can be rubbed around the nostrils. This will help to catch and trap it before it gets into your nose. There is also a product specifically designed for this called haymax.

4)    Sunglasses. These not only help to protect your eyes from the sun and keep you looking cool, the wrap around ones will keep pollen and dust out of your eyes.

5)    Vitamin C. A boot of vitamin C in your diet will help to build a stronger immune system and fight off the effects of seasonal allergies.

These are a just a few of the natural hay fever remedies that can be used to help fight seasonal allergies. If your symptoms still persist and are not helped by any of the above methods, then you should see your GP or health care advisor.

Natural hay fever treatments can be used along side over the counter medicines and antihistamines.  It is worthwhile noting that hay fever treatments are evolving and improving all the time. It may take a few attempts to find what works best for you.

Learn more about this author, John G Thomas.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.