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It’s a perfect sunny day, and all you want to do is enjoy the annual family BBQ you’ve poured your soul into over the last month in preparation. But your eyes are watering, your nose is running, and your skin won’t stop itching. Yes, that’s right, you’ve got hay fever. Now, you might feel tempted to ignore your symptoms in favour of manning the BBQ, but you won’t get the perfect sizzle on your sausages if you’re wiping your nose every three seconds. Give yourself a breather and try these hay fever remedies – someone else can serve the salad, promise!
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about hay fever remedies, including:
- Signs you made need natural remedies for hayfever
- What causes hay fever
- Seven natural remedies for hay fever and allergies
With our hay fever remedies, you can take care of yourself, all while being able to enjoy the warm weather. But remember, it’s always best to check in with a healthcare professional if you’re in doubt about any of these natural ways to ease hay fever. Be sure to check you’re not allergic to any ingredients, too!
Signs you may need natural remedies for hay fever
In simple terms, hay fever is an allergic reaction to allergens in the air. Just like with other allergens such as dust and pet dander, there are certain symptoms that you should look out for1:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Itchy ears and/or throat
- Feeling tired
Understanding hay fever symptoms and treatment is important: the sooner you spot common hay fever symptoms, the sooner you can manage them and get right back to the meticulous organisation of the rainbow-patterned roasted vegetable skewers for the veggies of the party!
What causes hay fever?
So, what exactly causes the need for hay fever remedies? If you or someone you know develops symptoms of hay fever and you’re unsure why, here are a few seasonal triggers you should be aware of before before exploring our ways to relieve hay fever2:
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
Your 7 natural remedies for hay fever and allergies
You shouldn’t have to spend spring trapped indoors, clutching tissues like your life depends on it. When hay fever symptoms strike, it can feel like nature has personally declared war on you. But before you head straight for the pharmacy shelf, there are natural ways to ease hay fever that can help you get back to enjoying the sunshine.
From simple fixes to everyday habits that keep pollen at bay, these home remedies for hay fever might just be the best way to get rid of hay fever naturally - or at least keep those symptoms from ruining your day. Here are seven things to help hay fever, so you can breathe easy again.
- Local honey: the best natural allergy relief and hay fever remedy
If you’re wondering how to treat hay fever naturally, a teaspoon of honey is said to do wonders.3 For the best results, go for honey that is grown locally, derived from manuka and unprocessed. This home remedy for hay fever is also one of the sweetest, which means it’s much more of a treat than your usual cough syrup. To reap the full benefits, simply swallow one teaspoon of honey every morning before you leave the house.
If you’re not sure where to buy local honey, visit local independent shops or your local market. Not only can you use this natural remedy for hay fever allergies to care for yourself and your loved ones, but you’ll be supporting small businesses in your community, too.
- Wash away pollen by showering at night
Sometimes the best hay fever remedies involve managing your pollen exposure. Pollen can get everywhere, especially after a long day in the park. Good personal hygiene is a must and will help protect you and those around you from the symptoms of hay fever. Here’s how to manage hay fever naturally1:
- Shower just before bed, to make sure all pollen is removed from your hair and skin.
- Wash what you wear regularly, particularly if it has had contact with grass or pollen.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after sneezing or being outside. Wash away pollen by showering at night
- Keep surfaces wiped clean
Hay fever remedies don’t come much more straightforward than good old-fashioned cleaning. In the heat of summer, it may be unrealistic to keep your windows shut at all hours. Instead, keeping on top of your household cleaning is the best way to get rid of hay fever symptoms naturally. For this simple, natural remedy for hay fever allergies:
- Manage pollen that has blown into your house by regularly wiping surfaces and windowsills.
- Wipe dust away from surfaces with moistened kitchen paper instead of a cloth to avoid the transfer of pollen to other parts of the house.
- Don’t forget: throw the tissue away and wash your hands after use so you don’t transfer pollen to other surfaces.
When it comes to cleaning during hay fever season, it’s especially important that all hands are on deck – dad, mum, the kids, everyone – to keep the house pollen-free. Add wiping surfaces to kids’ chore charts to remind them to do their bit.
- Herbal teas as natural remedies for hay fever
If you love herbal teas, you’ll be glad to know that many of them are a natural remedy for hay fever allergies. Certain antihistamine herbs 4, such as nettle, along with camomile and liquorice, may help calm allergy symptoms, while the warm steam can also help clear your nose.4
Natural remedies like herbal teas are definitely an acquired taste. So be prepared to try out a variety of flavours before landing on one that your kids don’t consider worse than the actual hay fever.
Hay fever symptoms can get smack-bang in the watery-eyed way of your busy lifestyle, and stop you from making the most of the little downtime you do have. Fortunately, there’s one time of day reserved exclusively for you, away from the prying eyes of pollen. Use Cushelle Quilted to take a luxurious moment for yourself every day.
- Garlic and onion: everyday hay fever home remedies
Both garlic and onion have anti-allergen properties that make them a great natural remedy for hay fever allergies.5 When summer lands, start cooking with more onion and garlic. You’ll be glad to know that you don’t have to eat them raw. It’s one of those stealthy hay fever remedies that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. - Rub petroleum jelly or coconut oil around your nostrils
From using petroleum jelly for protecting cracked skin in winter, to making a lovely hair mask using coconut oil, these multi-use ingredients also make great natural remedies for hay fever. To ease the symptoms of hay fever, simply rub the jelly or oil around your nostrils. This acts as a barrier against pollen, trapping it before it makes you sneeze!1 - Stay hydrated: an easy, natural remedy for hay fever allergies
We all know that staying hydrated is a key element of self-care, even if you’re not dealing with symptoms of hay fever. However, it is especially important if you’re suffering with hay fever symptoms. Drinking plenty of water will help soothe itchy throats, and a hot lemon and honey drink is a great way to combine two of these natural remedies for hay fever.
Despite your best efforts using natural remedies for hay fever, if you or a member of your family has severe hay fever symptoms, it’s always best to consult your doctor or GP. They will be able to give you advice on what specific medications and antihistamines will be most effective.
Hay fever remedies FAQs
Are natural ways to ease hay fever as effective as antihistamines?
The effect that hay fever has on us can vary from person to person. As a result, while some people may find that natural remedies like eating honey, drinking herbal teas, and managing pollen exposure are enough to relieve their hay fever symptoms, others may need more rapid and powerful symptom relief, which antihistamines can deliver.
Therefore, while over-the-counter antihistamines are effective for hay fever relief, we recommend first trying out our natural ways to ease hay fever that might just do the job!
What are the best ways to relieve hay fever before symptoms start
You can stay one step ahead of pollen by regularly tracking pollen counts, rinsing your sinuses, and supporting your immune system all year round.1 This way, you can relieve hay fever before it ruins your summer plans!
When do hay fever symptoms and treatment require a doctor’s help?
If you’ve given our home remedies for hay fever a go but your symptoms still won’t budge, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor or GP. This is especially important if you are showing signs of severe hay fever symptoms, struggling to breathe, sleep, or generally find that it is interfering with your day-to-day life.
By knowing exactly what causes hay fever, as well as how to relieve hay fever symptoms naturally, you can now look after yourself, and avoid getting symptoms in the first place. So, next time you’ve planned an epic family BBQ with all the trimmings for friends and family, save this guidance and be prepared!
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