Itchy eyes, runny itchy nose, scratchy throat, exhaustible sneezing, hyper sensitive skin, wheezing, tight chest …yes, all of these delightful symptoms and more, are the gifts that hay fever freely give to you. Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen, that can last months. It affects the air passages: nose, mouth and lungs and of course the skin!

As I mentioned in my blog post about Eczema, the skin and lungs are brother and sister organs, so usually we have a histamine response that can present itself in hives, inflammation, swelling and of course itching. These are caused by histamines and also phenolics that are found widely in plants, foods and pollen, they form rings and are compounds that are extremely sensitive – when we are looking at phenolics in food there are particular ones that may trigger irregular menses, chronic fatigue, bloating, acne – a whole array of symptoms! However, in the case of hay fever they interact with pollen, their role is to protect plants from pathogens and attract pollinating insects. Like most things when they are out of whack they can cause havoc and can also couple with histamine causing an array of symptoms.

Another fact you may not know or consider is the role of the liver in hay fever attacks. The liver has an abundance of roles to keep our bodies functioning well, purifying the blood being the main function. It filters pathogens like viruses, bacterias, environmental toxins and chemical strains, when the liver is overloaded and ‘sluggish’ (this includes medication and alcohol) the risk of seasonal allergens rise. If the livers toxicity is high or if the liver is stressed then the immune system becomes overstimulated – this engages the gut. When the liver is stressed and the immune system over stimulated, there is a release of histamines, it is therefore a great plan to add in support for the liver and gut. Think beyond the nose and respiratory! remember we are not just 2D beings, every system, organ and tissue is connected!

The first line of attack is the nasal and air passages, applying a dab of shea butter in the nostrils when under attack is a great to trap and reduce the pollen before it enters the airways. Using a Net-e-Pot nasal wash with Spectramin   is also excellent – I recommend using a drop spectramin with a nebuliser daily or the fantastic Inhalo for Bronchial or Nasal are fab additions to your artillery!

Of course there are an abundant of anti-histamine products available over the counter, and in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) there is no hesitation you must always seek the advice of your GP. But for hay fever and eczema type conditions there may be other ways to  prevent.

Isopathic Phenolic Rings –  is a homeopathic phenolic support  to allergic symptoms and intolerances and great paired up with Allerchord A or F depending on what allergy you have.

Allerchord A –  a homeopathic combination formula for symptoms associated with hay fever and airborne allergies. The formula is designed to assist with both recent and long-standing symptoms. Usually paired with Isopathic Phenolic Rings

Eradic8 – The gut is the most important organ to support when the body is under any immune attack. Eradic8 contains 15 powerful ingredients, including active herbals, probiotics and other natural cleansing and protective agents, which have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory actions

Liver Rescue –  a combination of herbal extracts and powders, plus vitamins – choline, biotin, artichoke, garlic, burdock root, parsley leaf, N-Acetyl L- Cysteine, beetroot, liquorice root, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), fennel seed, turmeric, ginger root, cayenne and dandelion root. Designed to support the liver and other detoxification organs and systems of the body.In particular, the ingredients in this comprehensive food supplement help to cleanse a congested liver and gallbladder and support cell repair and protection.

Vegan C – a natural combination that is also one of the few vitamin C supplements that is not rapidly excreted from the body, is easily absorbed and is not acidic – many people are unable to tolerate citrus-based supplements, which can aggravate certain medical conditions. Of course we all know the importance of Vitamin C to aid the immune system.

Catalyst C –  containing 14 systemic metabolic and digestive enzymes, Catalyst-C helps maintain a normal, congestion-free foundation meaning that is is an ideal supplement to take on an empty stomach to aid mucus forming conditions like post nasal drip.

Sinus Tone –  a homeopathic combination formula for sinus congestion and symptoms related to mucosal imbalances. Sinuses are a part of the mucous membrane, a secondary pathway of elimination. Sinus congestion, whether acute or long-standing, can indicate that the primary or- gans of elimination are congested, so great to take with Liver Rescue and Catalyst C

Euphrasia –also known as ‘Eyebright’. great for those who have to endure swollen, itchy  eyes or if they are sensitive to light and water.

Nat. Mur – Great tissue salt to alleviate hay fever symptoms

Onions
My grandmother used to leave an onion over night with a sprinkling of sugar in a bowl. The juice that was extracted was added to boiled water and drank. Onions are full of quercetin, a flavanoid that have anti oxidant properties to fight free radical attack, they also contain compounds that have antimicrobial effects.

Honey
Honey is one of the master healers, the effects of honey when using it for hay fever symptoms, I find are the best. However, the key is, it has to be local honey and it has to be raw, not processed. By eating local honey every day it will build up the immune system and it has the same effect as homeopathy, treating like with like, building up the resistance to the pollen.
Not only that, it is great to apply to the skin, it will reduce inflammation and hydrate! a double whammy!  

Finally there is always the option of energetic therapy, looking at the imbalances of energetic signatures. Placing a length of cotton wool outside your widow, or collecting rain water to be tested anguish your own frequencies may help to bring balance. These frequencies can then be placed on a microchip or better still regular therapies in clinic have found very helpful in these instances.