As the seasons change and flowers bloom, many individuals find themselves battling the unpleasant symptoms of hay fever. Characterized by sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue, hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can put a damper on your daily activities.

When it comes to hay fever remedies, what works best for one person may not necessarily work for another. However, several remedies have shown promise in relieving hay fever symptoms.

Here are our recommendations for the best natural remedies to support you during the hay fever season:

• Nasal Irrigation: Using a saline solution or a neti pot to rinse your nasal passages can help remove allergens and reduce congestion. This practice can be especially effective before bedtime or after spending time outdoors.
• Allergy-Proofing Your Home: Taking steps to minimize your exposure to allergens in your living environment can make a significant difference. Keep windows closed during high pollen periods, use air purifiers with HEPA filters, regularly vacuum with a HEPA filter, and wash bedding frequently.
• Avoiding Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that worsen your symptoms. This may include staying indoors on high pollen days, avoiding freshly cut grass, and keeping pets out of your bedroom if you're allergic to pet dander.
• Natural Supplements: Not all supplements are created equal, we pride ourselves on offering high quality premium supplements that harness the power of nature. Read on to see our recommendations below.
• Local Honey: As mentioned earlier, consuming local honey may help desensitize your immune system to pollen allergens. While scientific evidence is limited, some people report symptom relief after incorporating local honey into their diet.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may provide relief from hay fever symptoms, although more research is needed to establish its effectiveness.
• Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or using a facial steamer can help soothe nasal congestion and relieve sinus pressure. Adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint oil may provide additional benefits.

Histamine-Reducing Foods: Nurturing Your Body

Histamine is a compound released by your immune system in response to allergens, which can worsen hay fever symptoms. Incorporating histamine-reducing foods into your diet may help alleviate these symptoms. Some foods possess natural antihistamine properties or can inhibit histamine release.

Consider adding the following foods to your diet:

• Quercetin-rich foods: Quercetin is a natural antihistamine compound found in onions, apples, citrus fruits, and leafy greens.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, as well as flaxseeds and chia seeds, omega-3s possess anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamin C-rich foods: Boost your immune system and reduce histamine release with foods like bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli.
• Herbal teas: Chamomile, nettle, and peppermint teas are known for their potential anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties.

Incorporating these foods into your diet can complement other hay fever management strategies and promote overall well-being.

Here is a list of histamine-rich foods to consider avoiding or reducing in your diet to manage hay fever symptoms:

• Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, kombucha)
• Aged and cured meats (salami, sausage, bacon)
• Aged cheeses (cheddar, blue cheese, Parmesan)
• Shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab)
• Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruits)

Nature's Sunshine Supplements: Harnessing Nature's Support 

Nature's Sunshine offers a range of supplements that may assist in alleviating hay fever symptoms. The following supplements, available in the UK, have gained popularity among individuals seeking natural remedies:

Nature’s Sunshine’s Fenugreek and Fennel is a key system product designed to nourish the lungs and smooth lung tissue. Healthy lung function helps protect the body from seasonal airborne substances. The fenugreek herb is an excellent source of Selenium, an antioxdant that helps the body utilise oxygen.  This product is specifically designed for optimum respiratory function and very effective at managing heyfever symptoms.

Nature's Sunshines High Potency Grapine is highly recommended for managing histamine intolerance which is a major cause of hay fever.  HPG is a blend of high potency antioxidants which protect the body and lungs from oxidative damag.  It contains polyphenol which are antioxidants found in whole foods fruits and vegetables.

Nature's Sunshine Mullein is also a fantastic supplement for managing coughs and sneezes during the hay fever season. Mullein helps to keep the bronchial clear of particles that can get trapped further down in the tract causing breathing difficulties.  Mullein contains Saponins which are chemical compounds highly effective for reducing coughs and alleviating phlegm.

Now, armed with this comprehensive guide to natural remedies and a list of histamine related foods to consider, go forth and embrace a sniffle-free season. Enjoy the blossoms, revel in the sunshine, and savor each moment knowing that you have the power to overcome hay fever naturally.

Stay strong, stay resilient, and let the beauty of life shine through without the pesky symptoms of hay fever. Together, we can make this season a time of joy, wellness, and boundless possibilities.

Visit Our Collection of Natural Products to Help with Hay Fever and Respiratory Function