Hayfever? Tips & Tricks – Justine Jackson

We all react differently and to different allergens, the key is finding what works best for you.

Spring, summer and even Autumn can be a really uncomfortable time for many hayfever suffers, with tree blossoms in Spring, grasses in the Summer and fungal spores in the Autumn.

Hay-fever occurs when the body reacts to airborne allergens like pollen. The count from grass and weeds rises in humid conditions whereas fungal spores increase in thunderstorms and humidity. Traffic pollution, which is particularly bad within the Stockport area, means pollen hangs in the air more than usual.

Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy throat and watery and itchy eyes. This leads to headaches, fatigue and lack on concentration and low mood.
So, some practical precautions include:-

1. Take off your shoes at the door to avoid traipsing pollen indoors
2. Try to stay indoors between 5pm – 7pm as pollen count is at its highest
3. Shower and wash your hair before bed to avoid getting pollen on your bedlinen
4. Keep bedroom windows closed during the day to prevent pollen flying into your room
5.  Wear sunglasses when out walking to protect your eyes from the pollen
6. Dry clothes/bedding indoors as pollen sticks to wet clothing on the washing line

Firstly, the most general dietary advice is to cut down on diary products, also bananas, eggs and peanut butter, this is to reduce the production of mucus within the body. You could start this a month before the season starts for you. Sugar also impairs the immune system making allergy symptoms worse so try avoiding it as much as you can.

Relaxation and reducing stress can help to alleviate symptoms enormously, through complementary therapies such as aromatherapy and reflexology we can help to heal ourselves.

Aromatherapy uses specific essential oils for their therapeutic properties, the oils improve the body’s natural functioning. A clinical aromatherapist would be choosing anti-inflammatory, detoxing and cleansing essential oils for someone presenting with hayfever. They can be used in a massage or a bath or inhaled directly from an aroma-stick. I would suggest Roman Chamomile, Melissa True and Lemon blended together for a massage. Rosemary, Eucalyptus Radiata, or Peppermint would be good to inhale (1 or 2 drops) on a tissue. I have found the aroma-sticks to be more useful as they last over 6 months and you can carry them around in your pocket or handbag.

Reflexology is a system of treatment that works on the principle that specific areas of the feet (reflex points) correspond to the different areas of the body. Pressure massage of the reflexes brings about healthy changes in the corresponding organs or systems. The treatment is relaxing, helping release stress and balances the whole body, it can be really effective for the symptoms of hayfever and especially when combined with other remedies.

Unfortunately there are no quick fixes for hayfever symptoms, we are so individual in our reactions but there are lots of ways to help. I recommend trying things out, and see what works for you.

By Justine Jackson 07974 207033

www.bramhallosteopaths.co.uk

Twitter: @BalanceBramhall
Facebook: Balance Complementary Therapies

Buy us a coffee