Hay Fever is an allergic reaction to airborne particles such as dander, dust, molds and pollens. Your body reacts to the airborne allergens by releasing a substance called histamine which causes inflammation of the membranes lining the nose, throat and sinuses. This increases the production of mucus and causes sinus congestion.
Cut down on any mucous forming foods such as dairy products and white flour products. Also try to avoid sugar as this compromises the immune system. Eliminate artificial additives and alcohol and reduce caffeine. Increase garlic and onions in your diet as they contain the flavonoid Quercetin which is a natural antihistamine. If you like to juice, make a vegetable drink for yourself in the morning as it boosts the immune system. Eat plenty of bioflavonoids which are found in bright colored fruits and vegetables.
Quercetin -- Quercetin is a bioflavonoid. bioflavonoids are substances that give fruits and vegetables their colors. They work well with vitamin C, and so if you use the two together, you will benefit even more. The best bioflavonoid for hay fever is quercetin. It helps stabilize the cell membranes of the cells that otherwise would discharge their histamine. It is a natural antihistamine and works to reduce any inflammation of the nasal passages, the bronchial airways and the throat.
Stinging Nettle -- Stinging nettle has many different uses and is one of the most effective natural remedies for hay fever. It contains vitamins C and K, has immune-boosting proteins and an anti-inflammatory agent called scopoletin. Stinging nettle has long been a traditional remedy for eliminating mucus, treating coughs, relieving chest congestion and causing an antihistamine effect.
Pine Bark or Pycnogenol -- In Europe they have used pine bark or Pycnogenol against hay fever and allergies with great success since 1960. It is believed to have a powerful antioxidant effect that stops the production of histamine and so prevents symptoms from developing.
I ran across several people online who said that after years of suffering from hay fever they found relief with Pycnogenol. One person said they noticed a big difference in just one week.
Butterbur Extract -- Butterbur was recently compared to an antihistamine and did just as well in controlling hay fever symptoms but did not produce drowsiness. It has also been used to treat asthma.
Vitamin C -- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has natural antihistamine properties. It is often used alongside quercetin as it enhances the effectiveness of bioflavonoids. So be sure to use these two supplements together.
Bioforce USA Allergy Relief -- This is a homeopathic remedy. The natural ingredients stimulate your body's healing power and build your resistance to irritants such as pollen, mold spores, household dust and other allergens. A clinical study over a two year period showed over 88% of patients using Bioforce USA Allergy Relief experienced relief from a wide range of allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, itchy eyes, sore throat, breathing difficulties and itching skin.
This remedy actually works best when used according to instructions for a couple weeks or a month before allergy season but it still works well if you already have hay fever as well. I have used this homeopathic remedy several times with good results.
