Hay-fever

Sonia Jones ND from The Haven Spa and Alternative Treatment Clinic

It is thought that 1 in 10 people dread the end of winter, due to the misery it causes them, due to hay-fever.

First the nose begins to run, the throat becomes itchy and irritated, and finally your eyes water accompanied by sneezing.

Problems in spring will mean allergies to tree pollens

Problems in summer will mean allergies to grass pollens (the biggest group)

Problems in the autumn will mean allergies to mold spores and common weeds

For a few hay-fever suffers, winter is the only time they don’t suffer

Hoe down on Hay-fever –

* Hay-fever is a modern condition, about a 100 years old

* Less females suffer than males

* More city people suffer than those who live in the country, which is a surprise

* The good news is the symptoms become less severe with age

* If you are a severe suffer you might find relief near the coast, where the pollen count is low

* Hay-fever is related to asthma, eczema and other alleries

* Individual seasons can annually make eczema or asthma worse

Medication used –

Anti-histamines can be bought over-the-counter, to help symptoms like watery eyes and a runny nose. They side-effects can be headaches, dry mouth and bowel disturbances.

Decongestant nasal sprays to help symptoms of a blocked nose. Eventually it causes the very condition you are trying to treat.

Anti-inflammatories – to reduce symptoms in general.

Some doctors prescribe steroids – think long and hard about taking this medication.

The alternative treatments and remedies

Homeopathic remedies can be bought over-the-counter, for the best results and the best matched remedy find a qualified homeopath in your area. If you can’t afford the consultation then find a homeopathic student from the associations.Homeopathic remedies are very safe ans easy for children to use.

Some children have found some relief by having honey but it is very important that you find locally produced honey. The honey contains traces of the allergens specific to their problem. This treatment has similar principles to vaccines or homeopathy, treating like with like. Ask around, go to local markets, take a look in the yellow pages, get in contact with the associations of bee keepers etc.

Natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory – vitamin C from supplements and foods.

Various herbs can help – ginger, licorice and ginkgo biloba

Studies have found that acupuncture is very helpful with this condition

We have found our clients get so much better with herbs and acupuncture. Many children and some adults do not like acupuncture so therefore we recommend reflexology, the results have been good.

The other interesting thing – a lot of people vastly improve when they give up cow’s milk. However, natural yogurt seemed fine for some .