Natural Remedies To Relieve Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay fever season comes every spring, and can cause uncomfortable cold-like symptoms in individuals with pollen allergy. Although hay fever is not curable, there are some natural remedies and supplements that can help - continue reading to learn more!

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergy to pollen. Exposure to pollen triggers your immune system, which leads to antibodies being produced and your body producing inflammatory chemicals like histamine - this causes hay fever symptoms. Common symptoms include eye irritation, sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, headaches and more. Hay fever can last for several weeks, as symptoms will persist as long as a person is exposed to the allergen, which is normally in the spring months. Unfortunately, there is no cure for hay fever, although there are medications such as steroid nasal sprays, or antihistamines that may help manage the symptoms.

Natural Remedies And Supplements To Help

Honey is a natural food that has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Research has found that ingesting honey in high doses can significantly improve overall symptoms of hay fever. Local honey specifically is thought to help with pollen allergy, as you build up a resistance to the pollen in your area that bees have collected to make honey, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Butterbur is a flowering plant which when supplemented has been found to reduce symptoms of hay fever, it is commonly taken in the form of a capsule or tablet. It has a similar effect as some over-the-counter hay fever medications, and is therefore commonly used as an antihistamine.

Supplementation of some vitamins have also been shown to help. For instance, it has been shown that there is a correlation between vitamin D levels and hay fever - individuals with hay fever tend to have low serum levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates immune cells, and having adequate levels of vitamin D can help support immunity and reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis. There is also a correlation between antioxidant levels and hay fever symptoms. One study found that children with increased consumption of vitamin C had fewer hay fever symptoms. 

One meta analysis also found that probiotics significantly improve hay fever symptoms as well as quality of life in patients with hay fever.

Other things that can help reduce hay fever symptoms include lifestyle changes such as keeping windows closed, wearing sunglasses to cover your eyes, washing your hands, and using eye drops and saline spray. One study also found that aerobic exercise can help reduce nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis. 

The Bottom Line

Hay fever is a condition that is caused by a pollen allergy, it can lead to unpleasant cold-like symptoms, and is unfortunately not curable. There are however natural remedies that can help such as honey, butterbur, and ensuring essential vitamin needs are met!

Do you know any natural remedies to relieve hay fever? Let us know in the comments below!