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Hayfever Herbs

Most of us think of spring as a time of sunshine, warm weather and freshly-blooming flowers. For some of us, however, spring means swollen eyes, runny noses and a constant state of feeling “stuffed up”—in other words, hay fever.

What causes hay fever?

People with hay fever are extra-sensitive to pollen, grains that contain the “male” seeds of plants. The first time that these individuals encounter pollen, their immune systems produce antibodies that stick to cells in the mucous membranes along the upper respiratory tract. From then on, every time they come into contact with the same pollen, those cells release a chemical called histamine. Histamine swells and congests the blood vessels in the nose. The nasal mucous membranes become inflamed. As a result, the affected individual will suffer watery eyes, leak a watery discharge from the nose, and sneeze constantly.

How can hay fever be treated?

Several options exist to help hay fever sufferers get through this difficult season. Diet and lifestyle considerations can help; hay fever sufferers should ensure they eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily, avoid refined carbohydrates (such as sugar and white flour), drink lots of water, and fill their diets with plenty of omega 3, whole wheat, nut and grain products. They should also keep stress levels to a minimum as much as possible. For some extra help, though, hay fever sufferers can turn to herbs.

How can herbs help relieve hay fever?

The following table demonstrates what herbs can do for hayfever sufferers, and which herbs can do it:

Over time, these herbs will greatly reduce pollen sensitivity.