Hay fever complaints, what now?
Spring has arrived: flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, birds are singing and the sun is luring us outside. But for many people, this unfortunately also means the start of hay fever season. Sneezing, itchy eyes and a blocked nose are the rule rather than the exception. What exactly is happening in your body, and more importantly: what can you do to alleviate or even prevent hay fever symptoms?
What happens with hay fever?
Flowers, plants and trees reproduce through pollination. A large part of this is done by passing pollen (pollen) on to the wind, in the hope that it will reach other plants. This is a beautiful movement of mother nature, but unfortunately, this floating pollen can also irritate our mucous membranes and cause an allergic reaction. We call this hay fever or pollen allergy.
Our immune system reacts to this as if there is a serious threat and produces histamine. This substance is responsible for the typical hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, tickly throat, shortness of breath and concentration problems. In short, your body reacts strongly to something that is harmless in itself.
What can you do about hay fever symptoms?
Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce or prevent hay fever symptoms:
1. Choose a low-histamine diet
Histamine is a major cause of hay fever symptoms. By avoiding histamine-rich foods such as old cheese, tomatoes, spinach and alcohol, you may be able to limit your symptoms. Instead, choose fresh vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower and broccoli, and avoid processed products that may contain hidden histamine.
2. Harness the power of essential oils
Do you suffer from a stuffy nose or a feeling of shortness of breath? Essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender can help you breathe more freely. Diffuse them, add a few drops to a steam bath, put a drop on your hand or on a cotton ball and inhale the scent. You can also apply these oils diluted in a carrier oil to your chest and back for long-lasting relief. Please note: if you are using essential oils on your skin, test on a small area of skin first to see if there is an allergic reaction.
3. Natural support with herbs
There are several herbs that have traditionally been used to support the respiratory tract**. Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Narrow-leaved plantain (Plantago Lanceolata) for example, contribute to maintaining healthy airways**. Also Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is traditionally used to support the respiratory tract and contribute to normal resistance**.
4. Support your immune system naturally
A healthy immune system can help to better regulate allergic reactions. Make sure you get enough vitamin C (for example from citrus fruits and peppers) and zinc (from nuts and seeds), which contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system*. In addition, you can opt for extra support with, for example Echinacea
5. Avoid pollen indoors
Keep windows and doors closed on days with high pollen concentrations. On these days, preferably ventilate early in the morning or late in the evening when the pollen content is lower. Use pollen-resistant screens and filters to keep your home as pollen-free as possible. Also keep in mind that pollen can stick to hair, skin and clothing. Had a nice walk? By immediately showering and putting on clean clothes, you prevent yourself from continuing to be bothered by pollen indoors.
6. Put on your sunglasses
The sunglasses act as a shield for the eyes and help prevent pollen from flying into your eyes. The less space between the glasses and the head, the better. This reduces the chance of pollen reaching your eyes via the open space.
With a few smart adjustments to your daily habits, diet and natural support, you can significantly reduce hay fever symptoms. Curious which products from our range can help you with this? Then take a look at our collection: Pollen.
