As spring arrives, it usually brings numerous benefits, like longer evenings, growing trees, beautiful flowers starting to bloom, and adorable newborn animals. However, the situation is slightly different for people with a pollen allergy, including hay fever.
But what is hay fever? To help you with that, continue to read this article, and you will discover more.
Overview of hay fever
Allergic rhinitis, generally known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction caused by pollen, little powders that usually come from plants. It is not technically a fever. Instead, it means there is inflammation in your nose. Its symptoms can be experienced through the roof of your mouth, eyes, skin, and nose.
This condition usually occurs at its worst during late March and September. That is because that’s the time when it is generally windy, humid, and warm. Also, that is when the amount of pollen is at its highest.
Its symptoms
Depending on where you reside, your allergies, and the time of the year, hay fever symptoms may vary. Common symptoms are typical, but individuals allergic to regular pollen may experience more severe symptoms, especially when pollen levels are high. Regardless, below are some of its common symptoms:
- Itchy throat
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Blocked or runny nose
On the other hand, some of the severe symptoms include:
- Loss of taste and smell
- Sweating
- Facial pain due to blocked sinuses
- Headaches
Other than that, fatigue or tiredness, insomnia, and irritability can also be hay fever symptoms. But if you have asthma, you can experience breathlessness and increased wheezing.
The best natural remedies for hay fever
The power duo: Garlic and onion
Since both onion and garlic contain anti-allergen features, these became an excellent remedy for hay fever. Aside from that, garlic can boost your immune system and serve as a decongestant.
No worries because you don’t need to eat it raw. You can combine it with your usual meals during hay fever season. Pasta sauces and curries are everyday meals that combine these two. Regardless, as long as you include garlic and onion in your food, you end your worries about hay fever.
Essential oils
Since the usual side effects of hay fever are blocked noses and congestion, people tend to do some steaming; that is when you can add essential oils. Choose essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus to add to your hot water. Because of their natural antihistamine features, they are suitable for treating hay fever.
If you’re searching for another more straightforward method, consider adding a few drops of your chosen essential oils to a soft tissue, holding and placing it near your nose.
Honey
Generally, consuming at least two tablespoons of locally made honey a day is advisable since it can help your body desensitize to local pollen. It would be best to consider doing this treatment three months before hay fever season. In that way, you can let your body adjust. Also, if you think you are local to pollen allergy, you can consider this treatment.
Herbal teas
Did you know that herbal teas, specifically nettle tea, are a good remedy for hay fever? Yes, that is true.
Together with licorice and chamomile teas, nettle tea has antihistamines and antioxidants. In addition, they serve as anti-inflammatory agents that can help you with hay fever. Aside from that, the soothing effect of the warmth of the tea can assist in clearing your nose.
Cleanliness
One of the most simple hay fever natural remedies, but one people typically forget, is keeping your house clean. For instance, during the hot summer, there are times when you can’t keep your windows closed at all times. As a result, the chances of you getting hay fever may increase. But with regular house cleaning, you can stop that.
Control the amount of pollen being blown to your home by wiping your window surfaces and rims. Prevent using a cloth when cleaning the dust because there is a possibility that pollen can be transferred to other parts of your home. Instead, wetting and cleaning all the dust off surfaces with damp tissues is best.
Try these natural remedies and enjoy the spring!
With that, save yourself from hay fever with the above natural remedies and enjoy springtime. Remember to take note of the symptoms mentioned so that you will be able to know immediately whether you or other people have hay fever. Then treat it as soon as possible before it gets any worse.
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