As the temperature begins to rise and our gardens and local countryside come into bloom the majority of us can't wait to shake off our winter woes and get out there and bask in the welcome warming sunshine

Unfortunately for some three million Brits this time of year can be a misery

Spring marks the onset of the symptoms of Hayfever - also known as allergic rhinitis

Hayfever is caused by a seasonal allergy to the pollen from trees, grass and other plants

When the sufferer comes into contact with pollen their body releases histamine resulting in the classic symptoms of hayfever any sufferer knows all to well. These include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watering eyes

A family history of any allergies e.g. dust, foods, fur drugs etc or of allergic conditions like asthma or eczema may increase a persons risk of developing hayfever or other allergies.

Hayfever is so common that many think of it as a mere annoyance requiring symptomatic relief from over the counter remedies. However if left untreated it may lead to sinus infections, ear infections, nasal polyps, a reduced sense of smell and in worst cases asthma

At this time of year the herbalists waiting room is bursting with hay fever sufferers. Unlike generic remedies you buy over the counter, (antihistamines, eye drops and steroidal nasal sprays.) a herbalist will tailor make each persons prescription taking into consideration the persons general health and existing conditions, lifestyle, diet and environment

In herbal medicine, hayfever treatment starts in late winter before the trees and flowers come into bud

If symptoms occur in early spring, tree pollen is the culprit if they appear later in the year then it will normally be due to grass or plant pollens.
There are some lovely combinations of herbal treatments available, the following have always been popular and effective:

Elderflower (Sambuccus Nigra)

Has anticatarrhal properties helping to relieved blocked sinuses and runny noses. It is also anti-inflammatory, soothing inflamed mucous membranes

Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis)

A wonderful soothing eye remedy with antiseptic properties it combines well with elderflower making a refreshing tea, it also makes a soothing eyebath when combined with chamomile

Goldenrod (Solidago Vigaurea)

Another herb that combines well with eyebright and has antiseptic and powerful anticatarrhal properties

Ma Huang ( Ephedra Sinica)

This herb works on the allergic process itself reducing the aggressiveness of the sensitivity response therefore reducing all symptoms. This herb is powerful and not suitable for everyone, it can only be obtained via prescription from a qualified medical herbalist

These are just a few of the huge array of herbs that have been used to treat hay fever. With the exception of Ephedra which is dispensed as tinctures all of the above can be taken as teas

Blocked sinuses

For blocked sinuses it is important not to underestimate the power of inhalations. A combination of decongestant essential oils can be dropped into hot water and inhaled giving almost immediate relief. Oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, camphor, clove cajuput all work well

A very old fashioned and environmentally sound treatment for hay fever is honey, ideally one should use local honey taken prior to the start of the hayfever season in order to desensitise you to the pollen in your area. Honey can be taken by the spoon or added to teas, traditionally however it was combined with vinegar( another great anti catarrhal)

Honey posses a variety of properties and deserves a column all of its own, it is known for its antibiotic qualities and has long been used in the treatment of gastric ulcers

I hope this has given you a useful insight into the many ways and means the symptoms of hay fever can be reduced or even eliminated. Teas can be used at home, as can inhalations and honey

If your symptoms are stubborn and ongoing, your local medical herbalist will be able to prescribe the best combination for your personal needs.

Next time, as summer is (hopefuly) round the corner I will be talking about skin care

With Love
Resident Medicinal Herbalist