What is Hay Fever?
Hay Fever is a common spring or summer season disease. It is also referred to as Allergic Rhinitis because it is a sort of allergic reaction. Rhinitis is derived from the term ‘Rhino’ which means nose. So, Rhinitis means ‘an irritation or inflammation of the nose’. This irritation is caused by certain allergens like pollens and spores. As a result, patient suffers from runny itchy nose, sneezing and other cold-like symptoms.
Generally, the conventional treatment of this disease consists of conventional medicines to get rid of the inflammation. In severe cases, steroid tablets may also be used. In order to avoid the side effects of such medicines, the patient may opt for natural home remedies for Hay Fever. These natural cures, though slow in action, are safer than the conventional medicines.
Causes of Hay Fever
In the summer and spring seasons, the trees and plants release pollens in the air which when inhaled often lead to allergic reactions like Hay Fever. The immune system’s response to these allergens results in the symptoms of Hay Fever. Allergens life feathers, dust mites, feathers, pet dander etc present in draperies, pillows, thick carpeting down clothing, upholstery and bedding may cause Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (throughout the year).
As prevention is better than cure, it is better to avoid the allergens as much as possible to reduce the risks of developing this allergic reaction. It has been observed that the pollen count is more, early in the morning and in the late evening. Proper preventive steps should be taken at these times to avoid the incidence of this disease.
Like other allergies, Hay Fever is also hereditary in most of the cases. Patients suffering from Eczema and Asthma are more prone to develop this disease, especially the Perennial Allergic Rhinitis which can take place any time during the year (not just in summers or spring season).
Symptoms of Hay Fever
The pattern of symptoms differs from person to person depending on the type of allergen which is causing the allergy. The most common symptoms are sneezing, itchy nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, watery eyes, sinus pressure and decreased smell and taste perception. These symptoms may further lead to fatigue, sleeplessness and irritation. This allergic condition often lasts till the patient remains in contact with the allergens. Hay Fever is generally not accompanied by any fever.
Natural Home Remedies for Hay Fever
• Mix about 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice and drink this combined juice regularly for about 10 days to reduce Hay Fever related symptoms.
• Take a cup of warm water and add some fenugreek seeds in it. Then, cover it and strain after 10 minutes. Drinking this mixture is a highly beneficial natural remedy for Hay Fever. In fact, the therapeutic properties of fenugreek seeds are beneficial in healing allergies too.
• Boil and crush some grapefruits and add some honey and lemon to the mixture. Taking this mixture around three times a day is one of the most popular and equally effective natural home remedies for Hay Fever.
• Drinking a cup of Indian Gooseberry juice mixed with about two teaspoons of honey is an effective home remedy used while dealing with Hay Fever. This home remedy can show encouraging results within one week if taken regularly.
• Herbal teas like peppermint tea and thyme tea make for excellent home remedies for Hay Fever prevention as well as cure. Thyme tea should not be consumed more than once a day.
• Add one teaspoon of honey and about half a teaspoon of lime juice in some lukewarm water and drink this mixture early in the morning to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions caused by Hay fever. For best results, continue this home treatment for Hay Fever for at least 2 months.
• Taking 2-3 cloves of garlic on a regular basis boosts the immune system and helps in the prevention and the treatment of Hay Fever. People with digestive system related problems should not try this remdy.
• Take a glass of water and add about one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in it. Drinking this mixture twice or thrice a day serves as an effective home remedy to cure Hay Fever. Honey or apple juice can also be used to improve the taste of this home medicine.
• Some petroleum jelly can be applied on the nostrils to get rid of the irritation of the nose caused by Hay Fever.
• Inhaling the vapors of boiling water mixed with chamomile leaves is one of the simplest home remedies for Hay Fever.
Diet for Hay Fever
Throughout the treatment of Hay Fever, the diet should essentially consist of a well balanced diet with special emphasis on foods rich in proteins and vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a vital role in strengthening the immunity thereby guarding against the possibility of allergies. Ginger, garlic and herbal teas should also be included in the diet to aid in faster recovery. It would be better to avoid refined flours, dairy products, sugary and salty products in order to facilitate quick healing.
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