3 Natural Hay Fever Remedies

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is the more common term for allergic rhinitis. It is the immune system's natural defence response to pollen, grass, moulds, animals and dust mites. In hay fever sufferers, the body views these substances as “foreign,” which then triggers an overreaction by your body’s defence system.

The release of histamine then creates symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose which can make life very difficult. Hay fever affects millions of people across the world and antihistamine medications seems to be the only option, but they can have side effects.

These include headache, sore throat, depression, anxiety and nausea to name a few. Here's three natural hay fever remedies that can help relieve your symptoms, so you can avoid medication, or at least reduce it.

Omega 3: Eat more fish

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that can be found in fish, nuts, and flax seeds. Research shows that a diet rich in omega 3 may help the body regulate its production of the inflammatory chemicals cytokines and prostaglandin E2.

A study of 568 people in Germany established a connection between individuals with a high level of omega 3 in their red blood cells and a reduced risk of hay fever.

Butterbur: Natural antihistamine

The shrub-like herb butterbur (Petasites Hybridus) is thought to relieve hay fever and allergies by blocking the action of symptom-causing histamines.

A study group of 186 people with allergies were given one of the following three: a low dose of butterbur (one tablet twice per day), a high dose (one tablet three times per day), and a placebo.

After two weeks, both groups given butterbur reported a reduction in their symptoms when compared to the placebo group. Those given the higher dose reported significant benefits.  

Read: Boost Your Immune System with These 10 Tips

Acupuncture: Allergy relief and more

Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, treating allergies and a host of other issues. There have been several smaller studies into acupuncture as a treatment for hay fever and other allergic symptoms.

In one study by Griffith University, a sample of 151 hay fever sufferers were given either real acupuncture treatments or fake acupuncture twice per week. Eight weeks later, the real acupuncture proved to be better with participants reporting more days without allergy symptoms. 

Another study from RMIT University in Melbourne found similar results. This time treating three times a week over 4 weeks during the allergy season. 

Although the research is limited, these three natural hay fever remedies show great signs of hope for many hay fever sufferers. One of them may be the answer to reduce your symptoms. Even better, choosing a natural cure is always better for your body. Why not give these three a try. 

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