pollen allergy
Home remedies for hay fever
The hay fever season begins in spring.
© Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock.com
When spring comes, many people get hay fever. These home remedies relieve the symptoms.
Nature is coming to life and pollen is floating around again. Spring can be a real stress for allergy sufferers. Itchy eyes and a runny nose make living outdoors a challenge. However, in order to get rid of the annoying symptoms, it doesn’t always have to be prescription medication from the pharmacy. Also one or the other Home remedies can help.
Essential oils relieve symptoms
Essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint oil, are helpful in fighting pollen allergies. Eucalyptus has a similar effect to cortisone and can therefore relieve symptoms – for example as an additive to bath water. Mixed with cooking oil, eucalyptus oil can also be used as nasal drops to clear the airways. Peppermint oil can stop sneezing attacks – simply massage a few drops onto your temples.
Homemade nettle tea
Nettle tea can be a gentle natural remedy for hay fever because it has a decongestant effect. The leaves can be found in the garden or along the side of the path in nature and then dried. Pour hot water over the dried nettle leaves and let them steep for five to ten minutes. If the taste of nettle is too strong, you can add some lemon juice or honey. The latter also has an anti-inflammatory effect and even relieves pain.
Treat rashes with herbs
While herbs are also often the culprit in hay fever, some can help treat the skin rashes that often occur with allergies. The balloon vine, which is also often found in skin creams, works particularly well. Horsetail also combats nasty skin rashes, for example in bath water.
The eyebright herb owes its name to its effect: a tea made from the herbs works wonders against inflamed, watery eyes. Either drink a cup or let it cool and then dab it on your eyes with a cotton pad. Anyone who suffers from severe itching of their eyes should definitely avoid constant rubbing. Instead, moisten a cloth with cold water and place it on the itchy areas for several minutes.
Hygiene and healthy food
Hygiene is the be-all and end-all when it comes to hay fever. Anyone who comes into the apartment from outside should definitely change their clothes, wash their hands or, ideally, take a shower. This removes the pollen and prevents you from inhaling it overnight.
A healthy diet can also help alleviate the symptoms of a pollen allergy. Allergy sufferers should especially avoid canned foods, smoked fish, sausages, aged cheese, ready meals, chocolate, nuts and soy products. Fruits such as strawberries, pineapples, pears and oranges should also be avoided.
Instead, it is better to rely on ginger, which inhibits the release of histamine and thus alleviates the symptoms. In addition, it strengthens the immune system and boosts metabolism. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and is also said to have a healing effect – it also strengthens the immune system.
Miracle cure apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has an anti-inflammatory effect. If colds etc. are only subtle, a glass with two tablespoons per day is sufficient. To make the taste more bearable, simply add a little honey. If the symptoms are more severe, you can drink the mixture up to three times a day.
Classic nasal rinse
Good old nasal irrigation can help remove pollen from the nasal mucosa. To do this, fill a nasal douche with lukewarm water and a pinch of sea salt. Then pour the liquid into your nose. If you have acute symptoms, always rinse your nose in the evening. Be careful: using it too frequently can irritate the nasal mucous membranes.