Hayfever can be an itchy, irritating thing to suffer with in the springtime. We look at what causes it, and try out a range of natural remedies to help soothe the discomfort. So if your child suffers from this seasonal problem read on to find out why garlic and dark green foods are beneficial.
What is Hayfever?
Hayfever is a seasonal form of allergic rhinitis. Symptoms include itchy, red sore eyes, frequent sneezing, sinusitis and excess catarrh. It can also cause tiredness and irritability. If your child is a sufferer, firstly try to avoid pollen; the worst times are in the morning and evening. Try not to go into high pollen areas at these times. Splashing the face with cold water and bathing the eyes will help to wash away the irritants. It is also possible to apply a barrier ointment such as un-petroleum jelly into the base of the nostrils, which helps to trap the pollen and prevents it from irritating the lining of the nose.
Treatments to try
Aloe vera gel or cooled eyebright tea bags can be placed over the eyes to ease discomfort. One approach that can be effective for some people is to take 1 tsp of local honey dissolved in warm water daily for a month before hay fever season starts to desensitise your son against local pollen.
Food triggers
Many hayfever symptoms may be brought under control through dietary change. It is always best to get nutrients from food as they are more easily assimilated by the body. Try to include more of the following foods:
• Garlic helps to reduce excess catarrh, if possible eat a raw clove a day (stir into food after cooking).
• Beta carotene rich foods, such as red and orange veg.
• Dark green foods are also helpful as they help to eliminate excess toxins in the body. Seaweeds are particularly beneficial due to their high mineral content. Try the wild arctic seaweeds at seagreens.com .
• Sprouted seeds and bean sprouts are also nutritious.
Scents and sensibility
Aromatherapy can be beneficial in treating hayfever. Try traditionally soothing essential oils such as Lavender and Chamomile Roman or German. Let your child’s nose be the guide as to which one would be most effective. The oils may be used in massage (just a few drops in a carrier oil) or a few drops may be inhaled from a tissue.
Melissa Corkhill is the editor of The Green Parent magazine, mother of two and author of the book Green Parenting
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2 comments in response to this article
This year I’m trying a Qu Chi band - you wear it around your arm on one of the acupressure points. I tried it out the other day and my nose started clearing out straight away, so I’m looking forward to trying it!
I also have an air filter in my bedroom which helps at night time.
I was thinking of trying something radical with my diet too, but not sure if I have the courage to do it!
I am also using the Qu-Chi band!!! Its amazing starchild!! my eyes were so itchy last week even after my antihistamine, so in desperation i searched the net for a solution. I came across a blog about the acupuncturist who invented it! my eyes felt so much better within a few minutes of putting it on. i’ll add the link to his blog if anyone wants more information.
http://quchi.wordpress.com/
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