Remedies To Help Relieve Hayfever

[~lostgurl~]

Remedies To Help Relieve Hayfever
31/10/2006
XtraMSN / Blackmores
When your eyes start to water and hurt, your nose becomes stuffy and you're constantly sneezing, then it's a sure enough sign that you may be suffering from hayfever.

But if you are not one to run straight to the pharmacy, here are a few natural ways you can help minimise the effect.

Symptoms
Hay fever occurs seasonally (e.g. every spring), and includes symptoms such as sneezing itchy, painful nose, throat, nasal and sinus discharge, stuffy, runny nose, watery, itchy eyes, head and nasal congestion

Causes
An allergic reaction is a response to an allergen and develops when the immune system cannot tell the good from the bad and releases histamine to attack the harmless substance as if it were a threat.

Sneezing and watery discharges from the nose and eyes are some of the body's methods for flushing away the allergen particles.

Natural therapies
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids help to improve that part of the immune system concerned with allergies and histamine release; 1000mg daily is recommended during hay fever season
• Vitamin A for maintenance of healthy mucous membranes of the nose, throat and eyes
• Horseradish root contains a volatile oil that facilitates drainage of the nasal mucous membranes and sinuses
• Fenugreek acts as a mucilaginous demulcent to soothe inflamed mucous membranes.
• Garlic exhibits antimicrobial and antibacterial activity,

Lifestyle factors
• The best way to combat the allergens that are assaulting you is to avoid them - keep windows closed and the air conditioning turned on
• Avoid mowing your lawn or raking leaves since these activities stir up pollens. If you must work in the garden yourself, wear a filtered mask and protective glasses. Wash your face, hands, and hair and rinse your eyes when coming in from outdoors to avoid leaving traces of pollen on your pillow
• Avoid mucus-forming foods such as dairy products and processed foods, as well as any foods you are allergic to or don't tolerate very well
• Consume vitamin C and vitamin A rich foods
• Don't overuse nasal antihistamines - they thin down the membranes of the nose, causing them to bleed and also increase your susceptibility to an allergic reaction

The above material was collated by Leanne Pratt, a Blackmores NZ-based naturopath.
Recommended Blackmores Products: Vitamin C, Vitamin A 5000, Horseradish and Garlix + C

For more information visit www.blackmoresnz.co.nz

Find this item at:
http://xtramsn.co.nz/lifestyles/0,,12535-6502063,00.html
©2006 Xtra Limited