A Homeopathic Approach To Hayfever
Spring and Summer can be a really miserable time if you suffer from hay fever. Your sleep and concentration will be affected too, and it may cause eczema or asthma. Hayfever, eczema and asthma are often linked and affect individuals in different stages of their life. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis is caused by a variety of environmental triggers, such as plant pollen or spores, or grass and dust. If you are sensitive to these factors, they can cause inflammation of the nasal lining, sinuses, throat, and eyes. Diet and lifestyle can add to the sensitivity you have as well.
Most people treat their hay fever with antihistamine or sprays to the nose or eyes, or by the use of corticosteroid sprays. These can have side-effects such as drowsiness and perhaps a limit in their use. As this condition can affect all ages and last many, many seasons and years of life, I think it is reasonable to use alternatives alongside or instead of conventional medicine, to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation and decongest.
Here are a few natural therapies that may help you :
Reflexology treatments will focus on the toes, the area on your feet which maps to your eyes, ears, throat, ears, mouth, sinuses, etc. They may feel a little painful if you are suffering from hay fever as the reflexologist works your toes to decongest the sinuses. You may find the symptoms get a little worse for the first day or two after your treatment, but then you will experience an improvement after that. The reflexologist will work the toes for sinuses, your chest and lungs to improve your breathing, your glands, especially your adrenal glands to reduce infection and inflammation, your ileocecal for mucus and your diaphragm to relax you. Regular reflexology massage treatments are worthwhile to keep on top of it. All of these areas can be worked by revs reflexology massage shoes. Other natural therapies include acupuncture, to balance the energy flow or ‘qi’ in your body. Acupuncture can help reduce your sensitivity to allergies by looking at any stresses and circumstances in your life that are causing high sensitivity. You can find more information from the British acupuncture council or the American Academy of medical acupuncture (AAMA)
Homeopathy is also useful for some people, you can find more information on how homeopathy works at the British Homeopathic association or The American Institute of Homeopathy
- Nettle, a natural antihistamine that works quickly to reduce sneezing and itching. The best way to use it is in capsules. You can take 500mg three times a day.
- Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink three times a day for four days. The allergies may disappear for the season.
- Wild Cherry Bark, used to soothe the nose. Supplements, powders and syrups can be found in most health stores.
- A spoonful of local honey every day can really help. Studies have shown that as an antibacterial and healing agent it is better than over-the-counter remedies for coughs, colds, sore throats and hay fever symptoms.
- Elderflower, taken regularly, slightly before and during the hay fever season, can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
- Chinese Blackberry Tea, a popular hay fever remedy in Japan, and can be bought at most health food stores.
- Echinacea helps strengthen the immune system.
- Radish juice to get rid of mucus. It might taste too nice but worth a try! 1 cup of water, 1 dash of lime juice, 1 dash of radish juice, 4 tablespoons vinegar. Stir everything and take 4 times a day for five days.
