Definition – a seasonal allergic reaction to airborne substances.
Symptoms :
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth, back of throat, eyes
- Runny nose (clear, watery discharge)
- Stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Whites of eyes and eyelids red and swollen
- Lining of nose swollen and bluish-red
- Headache
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Irritability
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
Causes:
- Pollen
- Grasses
- Mould spores
Treatment:
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Avoid allergens where possible
- Eat more fruits (especially bananas – magnesium quells hay fever attacks), vegetables, grains and raw nuts and seeds
- Eat horseradish regularly to help alleviate congestion and runny nose
- Eat yoghurt (unless allergic to milk’s casein) or any soured products 3 x weekly
- Avoid caffeine, chocolate, other dairy, packaged or canned foods, pies, soft drinks, sugar, tobacco, white flour products, junk food
- Avoid alcohol – increases mucous production
Supplement Recommendations
- Bio-Rizin contains licorice extract, which improves energy levels and helps relieve allergy symptoms
- Eucalyptus oil in a steam inhalation helps relieve congestion
- Alcohol-free eyebright and lady’s mantle (yarrow) liquid extracts (20-30 drops daily used to make a tea or placed under the tongue for a few minutes) relieve symptoms
- Turmeric reduces inflammation
- Horehound, mullen leaf, stinging nettle and/or wild cherry bark help for severe allergic reactions
- Bromelain (1 000 mg 3 x daily between meals) – reduces inflammation associated with hay fever
- Quercetin (400 mg 2 x daily before meals) – stabilizes membranes of cells that release histamine, which triggers allergic symptoms