Hay fever causes an itchy and watery nose with sneezing, irritated eyes, and a headache. It can make even the simplest tasks difficult. Most people experience hay fever in response to pollen or mould from flowers or trees, but some people suffer from food allergies too.
We want to share some of our top 10 favourite natural remedies for hay fever symptoms. But keep in mind that everyone's body is different, so you may have to experiment with different ones! Please also note that this is not a substitute for medical advice.
10. Take steam baths
If you have a mild case of hay fever, a steam bath can be helpful. Take a hot bath for about 20 minutes, then breathe in the steam for about 20 minutes.
9. Suck on lemon and drink peppermin
Lemon and peppermint have antihistamine properties that can help relieve the symptoms of hay fever. Slice a lemon and suck on it. You can also dip a cotton ball in lemon juice and place it inside your nostrils to help with congestion. Drinking peppermint tea is another option, but if that doesn't work, try spearmint instead—it has an even stronger antihistamine activity than peppermint!
Don't forget to drink lots of water afterwards. Having a dry nose can make hay fever symptoms worse, so staying hydrated is an excellent way to combat it. It will also help reduce your hay fever induced headaches.
8. Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments including pain, stress and inflammation, among others. This means that it reduces the redness and swelling in the nose and sinuses, which are often caused by hay fever symptoms.
Mix 2 teaspoons of clove oil to 1 cup of water and drink it. If this remedy doesn't work, try a different one. You can also rub clove oil on your face with a cotton ball. Do this for about ten minutes and repeat twice daily until the symptoms subside.
7. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has been used as an expectorant in the treatment of hay fever for centuries. It is reported to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect that induces rapid bronchodilation. It is best to use peppermint oil on its own rather than in combination with other oils. Simply rub it into your forehead and temples and repeat daily until the symptoms subside.
6. Yarrow
Yarrow is another excellent natural remedy for hay fever that provides soothing effects on the sinuses and nasal passage, reducing inflammation and discomfort in the process.
Boil 2 tsp of dried yarrow herb in 2 cups of water for up to 15 minutes. Strain the herbs and drink the water while still warm. You can also add a small amount of honey to it. Repeat the process twice daily until symptoms subside.
5. Basil Leaf Tea
Basil leaves have been used as a traditional treatment for hay fever and other respiratory issues in India for thousands of years. They help reduce congestion by breaking down phlegm, which reduces irritation caused by pollen particles that remain trapped in your nasal passages and sinuses.
Boil one cup of water in a saucepan. Add 1 tsp of basil leaves and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes. Let the water cool down before drinking it. Repeat with half a teaspoon of basil leaves every day till the symptoms subside. Take care to avoid drinking straight from the saucepan as some people experience an allergic reaction when they do so.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used as both a drink and a treatment for various ailments since ancient times, including hay fever and allergies. It has natural probiotic properties which help prevent bacteria build up in the body. It also contains acetic acid, which reduces inflammation and balances out the pH levels in the body, giving relief to symptoms of hay fever.
Add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water and stir well until the salt dissolves. Drink this mixture twice daily until symptoms subside. You can also add some honey to it for taste if you wish.
3. Onion Juice
Onion juice is another excellent home remedy for hay fever sufferers since it's an antihistamine and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and redness in the nose and sinuses. It also helps to break down the thick mucus in your nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier for you to breathe.
Chop an onion into small pieces and squeeze out the juice using your hands. You can use a cheesecloth or towel to strain the juice if you wish. Dip a cotton ball into the onion juice and put it in your nostrils before going to bed at night. Do this for at least ten days till symptoms subside.
2. Garlic
Garlic is an excellent home remedy for hay fever since it contains many anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine compounds that help reduce swelling and irritation in the nose and eyes. Garlic stimulates the production of white blood cells, which helps to fight off allergens. It also helps to balance out the pH levels of your body and prevent bacteria from growing.
Crush one garlic clove into a paste and apply it to your temples for about fifteen minutes every day till symptoms subside. You can also eat raw garlic or include it in food.
1. Cold Showers
A cold shower can be a great remedy for hay fever since it reduces congestion and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the swelling in your nasal passages and sinuses. It also helps to stop the body's immune response to allergens.
Turn the shower as cold as it will go, and take a cold shower for at least five minutes every day. Repeat this process until symptoms subside. If you can't stand the cold, try taking a warm shower first and then turning the temperature to cold for a few seconds before continuing to rinse your body.
If these home remedies for hay fever don't help you relieve your symptoms, see your GP immediately. These are only natural treatments that may take longer to show results. You can also look into some of these home remedies for seasonal allergies and asthma if you think that might help relieve your symptoms faster.
