We look forward all winter to the arrival of sunshine and warm weather, but for many people this time of year can mean runny eyes, itchy sneezing noses and a sensitive palate. These symptoms can only mean one thing: that the dreaded hayfever season has arrived. For some people these symptoms can be a minor irritation but for others it can be very disabling. The symptoms are caused by an allergic response to the increase in pollens in the air caused as plants burst into life in spring. At Woodland Herbs we feel that nobody should suffer these symptoms unnecessarily, because there are plenty of options available for self help.
Teas: In our years of experience we have found that herbs teas can be helpful in easing symptoms. Herbal teas you might like to try;
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) - This herb is very drying and has a specific action on the eye, making it particularly suitable for the watery itchy eyes that are associated with hayfever.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) This herb has natural antihistamine properties. It can be taken throughout the day to ease the inflammatory reaction which causes many of the symptoms associated with hayfever. It has a pleasant fresh taste and can be mixed with other herbs if you feel you need more than one.
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) This tea is traditionally taken to ease a blocked up nose and has a pleasant and refreshing taste.
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) This herb is also antihistamine and helps dry up mucous secretions. In other words it helps to stop you sneezing!
Our Plantain and Nettle tea combines these popular herbs in a nice tea blend.Rhinodoron Nasal Spray is a personal favourite, which I find gives me the cleared nose sensation similar to swimming in the sea. One I recommend in the shop all the time for blocked noses and even some sinus problems, Graham.
Alternatives to Teas: Tinctures or tablets may be taken as an alternative to teas if you prefer not to have to make up a tea. In addition simple measures such as wearing sunglasses when in an area where there will be a lot of pollen, washing you hands and face after coming in from outside, or adjusting the ventilation settings on our car and keeping the windows closed can all help reduce the exposure to pollen and reduce the symptoms of hayfever.
In summary there are natural aids to reducing the effects of hayfever. It is normally best to start a few weeks in advance of your hayfever season and to take the remedy 2 or 3 times a day.
We look forward all winter to the arrival of sunshine and warm weather, but for many people this time of year can mean runny eyes, itchy sneezing noses and a sensitive palate. These symptoms can only mean one thing: that the dreaded hayfever season has arrived. For some people these symptoms can be a minor irritation but for others it can be very disabling. The symptoms are caused by an allergic response to the increase in pollens in the air caused as plants burst into life in spring. At Woodland Herbs we feel that nobody should suffer these symptoms unnecessarily, because there are plenty of options available for self help.
