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by Janette Peel

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Most people can enjoy the spring and summer sunshine, but those who suffer from seasonal allergies have to contend with a misery of sneezing and sore, irritated eyes.

Hay fever is caused by and allergic reaction to tiny, airborne particles of pollens and grains. Pollen is released from flowers, grasses and trees, and fills the air, particularly on warm, dry days. When it comes in contact with the eyes, nose and lungs of hay fever sufferers, pollen triggers off the immune system to produce massive amounts of the chemical substance histamine. This results in the hypersensitive reaction of watering eyes, sore throat and runny nose. In severe cases, symptoms similar to asthma can occur.

Herbal remedies can minimize attacks of this seasonal allergy and are effective in different ways. Echinacea and nettles balance and strengthen the immune system. Herbs such as elder have an astringent action, helping to dry up secretions, while chamomile and plantain contain natural antihistamines that reduce hay fever symptoms.

Prevention is better than cure. So, ideally it is best to use herbal remedies as a preventive measure for seasonal allergies in the months leading up to spring and summer, rather than just as a treatment.

This Native American plant, Echinacea, is a natural immunity enhancer. It stabilizes the histamine-producing cells keeps white blood cells within the normal range. The root, leaves or whole plant may be used in tonics or teas. A cup of Echinacea a day boosts the immune system for the hay fever season.

Garlic added to your diet a couple of months before the allergy season not only helps boost your immune system but, also being a natural fungicide-fungus spores can trigger hay fever attacks-and having antihistamine properties assist in reducing the irritating symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy, sore eyes.

Infusions of chamomile tea, drunk daily, have soothing effects. Rich in anti-inflammatory agents such as chamazule, chamomile is gentle enough for children.

One of the most discomforting symptoms of hay fever is red, itchy and sore eyes. Before reaching for the eye drops in the medicine cabinet, you might want to try a natural herbal compress for relief.

The herb's anti-inflammatory properties and cooling effect can soothe swollen, itchy, red eyes when applied as an eye compress. Make a weak chamomile tea and allow to cool. Then soak a wad of cotton wool or a price of clean cloth in the herbal solution and gently apply to the eye. Apply a fresh compress to each eye to avoid infection.

Eyebright and plantain may be used as a dried herb or liquid tincture and elderflower taken as an infusion. These herbs tighten and soothe mucus membranes, drying up excess mucus.

Cudweed's healing anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help reduce catarrh. It can be prepared daily as a tea and is also a recommended ingredient for a steam inhalation for asthma sufferers.

Fresh stinging nettles, full of chlorophyll and formic acid, strengthen the immune system in preparation for the hay fever season. They also act as an effective antihistamine and an astringent to reduce itchy eyes and sneezing. Try eating lightly cooked nettles as a spring vegetable.

Elderflower is a natural astringent, drying up excess mucus. An herbal infusion of elder flowers is an excellent preventative and treatment.

The leaves of dock, chickweed or plantain can be rubbed on your skin to ease the sting of nettles. They are commonly found growing near the offending plant.

Use these tips and tricks to alleviate indoor and outdoor seasonal allergies and enjoy yourself knowing nature can provide you with some help.

Learn more about this author, Janette Peel.

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