Hay Fever Remedies

Hay fever, also referred to as allergic rhinitis or pollinosis, is caused due to overreaction of the immune system towards dust, pollens and other normal airborne allergens. People who are prone to seasonal allergies may be already familiar with what is hay fever. In an individual prone to hay fever, the inhaled pollen or dust mites trigger the body's immune system to secrete histamines and alike chemicals, resulting in discomfort symptoms. Avoiding causal factors and adopting hay fever remedies are prompt steps for managing this allergy problem.

Home Remedies of Hay Fever

Occurring in more than 20 percent people, hay fever persists throughout the year in some people, while others get triggered signs in specific periods of the year, say spring, summer or fall. The most notable sign of allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages. Other manifested symptoms of hay fever mimic that of common cold, like runny nose, sneezing, chest congestion, watery eyes and sinus pain. In hypersensitive people, common hay fever signs are associated with skin rashes and hives. The following are some natural hay fever remedies that help in treating the health symptoms.

Take Honey
The pure form of honey that is not processed contains pollen grains to some extent. In a case study, it is found that people who are allergic to pollen can tolerate pure honey. The reason could be the effect of honey in making the body insensitive to pollens. Take honey alone or use the concoction of honey, lemon juice and boiled grapefruit three times a day.

Chamomile Treatment
As far as homeopathic hay fever remedies are concerned, you can rely on the medicinal plant, chamomile. The dried flowers are effective for combating inflammation and allergic reactions. Heat water in a saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. Add chamomile and inhale the fumes with deep breaths. This herbal medicine helps in reducing inflammation of the nasal passages.

Butterbur Extract
Butterbur is used as an effective home remedy for allergies. Both the pure extract form and oral tablets are helpful in alleviating runny nose, watery eyes, congestion and other allergy symptoms. It is claimed that butterbur blocks the allergy triggering chemicals in the body. However, there is no clinical proof that supports the anti-inflammatory action of this medicinal herb.

Self Care Tips
As far as possible, avoid stepping outside early in the morning and in late evening. This is because of the increased pollen percentage in outdoor air during these times of the day. For patients who are addicted to smoking, inhaling any form of smoke is strictly not recommended during the hay fever episode. Hence, refrain from the same habit for prompt treatment.

OTC Antihistamines
There are also over-the-counter antihistamines that are formulated for allergy relief. The oral antihistamine, Acrivastine gives instant relief from the allergy symptoms. Sold in the form of capsules, it blocks the histamine receptors, thereby preventing the body responses to histamine. Another oral OTC antihistamine for hay fever is Citrizine, which lasts for a longer period than Acrivastine.

Expecting women who are susceptible to hay fever may experience aggravated symptoms in spring and summer seasons. During pregnancy, coping up with the symptoms is very difficult. However, one should not blindly follow home remedies or take antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, medicine, etc. without medical supervision. Safe hay fever remedies for pregnant women include taking antihistamines sold under the trade names Loratidine and Chlorphenamine. The best way is to approach a trusted doctor for getting correct treatment.

Of course, you can follow these remedies for treating the cold like symptoms in a natural way. But, learning all about hay fever and avoiding the allergy condition from occurring are the best treatment approaches. Make a habit of applying petroleum jelly in the nose to avoid pollen settling in the nasal passages. Other preventive measures include, adding vitamin C foods in diet, reducing exposure to allergens, keeping house clean by regular vacuuming and keeping windows closed to reduce pollens in indoors.