The lovely weather brings with it lots of different pollens and irritants that can cause real agitation to our immune systems!
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hayfever as it’s commonly known, is an immune response to allergens in the air (like pollen) causing inflammation of the nasal passages.
Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or congested nose and itchy eyes.
Here’s a few things you can do to help;
- Avoidance (it’s obvious but work out what triggers your symptoms and try to avoid over-exposure; wear sunglasses, close the windows, use a barrier cream for your nose etc).
- Eat well and keep hydrated! Make sure to include Vitamin C which is a natural anti-histamine (found in kiwis, oranges, strawberries and other other fresh fruits and vegetables).
- If your eyes are itchy try drinking tea made from goji berries, chrysanthemum flowers and honeysuckle. These traditional Chinese herbs help to nourish your eyes and calm irritation, you can also use this tea as a compress for sore eyes.
- Try drinking a fresh nettle leaf infusion daily -nettles are anti-inflammatory and very nutrient dense. Pick the tops of fresh nettles and soak in cold water over-night, then strain and drink the next day.
- Add some local honey to your diet (this is suppose to help de-sensitize your body to the local pollens around you).
- Consider supplementing your immune system especially in the months leading up to your hayfever period – try adding echinacea, propolis and reishi mushroom to your routine. We stock a tincture made from a mix of traditional Chinese and western herbs to support your immune system and reduce hayfever symptoms.
Acupressure for Hayfever
Try gently massaging these acupressure points throughout the day to reduce symptoms of hayfever:
- LI-11 ‘The pool at the bend’ -this acupressure point is found at the tender point on the outside edge of your elbow crease when you bend your arm. This cools and calms irritation.
- LI-4 ‘The great eliminator’ -this point is found at the tender point between your thumb and index finger, near the end point of the crease when you close your fingers together, it’s great for reducing headaches and stuffy/congested sinuses. Do not use this point if you are pregnant - it may stimulate contractions.
- BL-2: at the inside corner of your eyebrow, helps to relieve sinus irritation, eye pain and headaches.
