The Health Diva

What is Hay fever?

Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, occurs because your immune system is extremely sensitive to pollen, most commonly grass pollen, although tree pollen, dust and mould allergies can all induce similar symptoms.

One in four adults in the UK suffers from allergic rhinitis and over half these people are allergic to grass pollen.

Hay fever Symptoms

• Itching of the eyes, nose and back of the throat

• Blocked or runny nose

Sneezing

Coughing and/or wheezing

Itching sore/watery eyes

Occasionally headache and earache

For some people these symptoms can be so severe that they affect everyday life, and can have a knock on effect on other aspects of life such as:

• Disrupted sleep

• Reduced work productivity

Poor concentration

Poor Exam Performance.

Inability to enjoy outdoor activities.

Food reactions and Hay fever

Some people with hay fever develop oral allergies to certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. This is also called pollen-food or oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

Many foods can have similar proteins to those found in the offending pollen, and individuals can experience itching and swelling of the mouth and throat when they eat certain foods.

Those who are allergic to silver birch pollen develop oral allergies to apples, peaches, cherries, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts. People allergic to grass pollen may develop oral allergies to tomato, melon and watermelon.

Mugwort pollen allergy cross-reacts with apple, celery and carrot. Ragweed pollen allergy cross-reacts with bananas, melon and honey.

Often individuals don’t react to cooked foods because this alters the allergen, rendering it less able to provoke an allergy.

Other food Intolerances such as sugar, wheat, and dairy products can also induce catarrh and allergic rhinitis symptoms so it is worth checking for possible food intolerance Ask at your local Health Shop for a local nutritionist to help develop an elimination  and rotation program for you.

Nutritional Support

Quercetin is an antioxidant found naturally in certain foods, such as apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea, is thought to prevent the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine. Histamine is involved in allergic symptoms such as sneezing and itching.

Quercetin is also available in supplement form. A typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 milligrams three times a day.

The combination of quercetin with vitamin C can be very helpful. Vitamin C is often used alongside quercetin as it enhances the effectiveness of bioflavanoids. Vitamin C also helps the body to detoxify histamines and has been shown to ease bronchial constriction.

Pycnogenol an extract of French Maritime Pine Bark is a powerful antioxidant which helps inhibit the release of histamine thus preventing the immediate reaction from known allergens, it’s anti- inflammatory properties also inhibits production pro-inflammatory chemicals which can aggravate nasal and bronchial passages.

Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments, the most popular being beta-carotene, a lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation in your airways. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.

The essential fatty acids (EFA’s) found in Hemp may also help to reduce inflammatory symptoms, Hemp seed oil has the beneficial anti-inflammatory EFA’s as well as GLS which has been shown to help with allergies. Take 1 to 3 teaspoons daily of Eicosanoil added to smoothies or simply taken off the spoon.

Herbal Helpers

A number of studies show that nettle may help manage allergies and ease symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching. In one study published in 2009, scientists discovered that nettle may help treat allergies by reducing inflammation.

Eyebright was used in folk medicine to sooth eye conditions. The herb was used to make a solution and was then made into an eye wash or compress for inflammation. Eyebright has also been used orally as a supplement for eye irritation, eye strain and respiratory conditions such as allergies, bronchitis, colds and sinus infections.

Marshmallow herb has been know to ease respiratory complaints, aggravated by pollen reactions. The polysaccharides found in marshmallow form a protective film over inflamed and irritated mucosal tissue, thus helping to ease tight chests.

Luffa Complex formulated by Alfred Vogel, world-renowned Swiss naturopath, herbalist and author of The Nature Doctor, the seven herbs present in Luffa Complex were chosen based on their ability to alleviate the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. They include:

Sponge Cucumber (Luffa operculata) helps to relieve symptoms, including sneezing, nasal discharge and a blocked nose.

Khella (Ammi visnaga) has an antispasmodic effect on the bronchial muscles, which eases the symptoms of breathlessness that sometimes occurs in those with environmental allergies.

American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) targets irritations of the larynx and trachea (windpipe) and helps reduce inflammation in the nose and bronchi.

Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) works to relieve allergies, particularly itchy skin reactions.

Heartseed (Larrea mexicana) is an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce allergy symptoms such as itching and sneezing.

Thryallis (Galphimia glauca) has desensitising properties that reduce the body’s reaction to allergens (allergy-producing substances). It is useful in the treatment of hayfever, allergies and bronchial asthma.

Okoubaka (Okoubaka aubrevillei) is a detoxifying herb. It was added to the formula to gently cleanse and strengthen the body, and to enhance the action of the other six herbs.

Another famous Vogel remedy is Plantago.

Plantago is an organically grown tincture of the fresh leaves and flowers of Plantago lanceolata (Lance Leaf Plantain). Plantago, through its anticatarrhal action, helps disperse accumulated congestion. This familiar meadow plant is one of the most commonly used by herbalists. By clearing and strengthening the ear, nose and throat tract, Plantago also helps resolve and protect against ear infections.

Trikatu is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy. Trikatu means the ‘three pungents’ and is made from Ginger, Black Pepper, and Long Pepper.  It is traditionally taken for lung and nasal problems with the hot spices drying excessive mucus production. It is traditionally taken with honey. Combining Trikatu with local honey, which is thought to help desensitise reaction to local pollens is a great idea.