This is the season of sneezing and sinus pain. You want to go outside and enjoy the spring air, but it hurts. You deserve to get out there and embrace the beautiful season, but how can you with hay fever waiting at the door? First, let’s get clear about what hay fever is.
Otherwise known as allergic rhinitis or pollinosis, hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen, mites, grasses, molds, animal fur/hair and/or air pollution. The condition tends to occur seasonally with outdoor allergens and at any time to those found indoors.
Common symptoms of hay fever include:
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Itching of nose, mouth, eyes, throat, ear, and skin
- Impaired smell
- Wheezing
- Red and watery eyes
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Fatigue
- Sleeping problems.
Ready for relief? Here’s what you want to do:
How to Find Relief from Hay Fever
Eat Preventatively
Choose to eat a clean and balanced diet, full of high-quality protein, fruits, and vegetables. This reduces many hay fever symptoms and strengthens the immune system. Drink a lot of water and do your best to avoid grains, dairy, excess salt, sugar, alcohol, and any other highly processed foods. Foods that will attack the source of hay fever are garlic, ginger, onions, and honey.
Herbal Help
Several herbs may be used to calm the sneezing, coughing, itching, and congestion symptoms associated with hay fever. They work mainly by strengthening and supporting the allergen-fighting aspect of your immune system. Some of these herbs are stinging nettle, gingko, and quercetin.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has repeatedly been shown to effectively relieve symptoms of hay fever. Acupuncture corrects and balances the energy flow of your body (your body’s electrical system) through the use of needles on the skin, specifically on facial points. This stimulates the immune system, clears congestion or any associated pain, and reduces inflammation.
Steam with Eucalyptus
This is an easy and relaxing option for relieving hay fever symptoms. Start a hot shower or bath and breathe in the steam. The steam will break up the mucous and relax tense muscles. Also, adding essential oils like our Eucalyptus Oil ShowerMist to the steam will relieve symptoms and attack the root cause of your hay fever.
Other Preventative Ideas
In natural healing, prevention is key. Some things you can try doing to avoid the issue altogether are to stay indoors if you hear the pollen count is high. Furthermore, avoid going outside during windy days or after thunderstorms. And instead of a lawn, replace it with bricks, rocks, and stone as your landscape. If you must go outside, take a little castor oil or petroleum jelly and line your nostrils with it. This creates a gentle barrier and protects your membranes from pollen. Lastly, wash your face, splash water on your eyes, and blow your nose to rid yourself of any possible pollen.
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