The emergence of Spring, with flowers, tree blossom, green shoots and singing birds will I’m sure uplift the spirit and bring joy to all. However, for some it also brings familiar symptoms of sneezes, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Complementary Health Treatments in Peterborough offers many alternatives to over the counter anti – histamines, inhaled nasal steroids, eye drops or prescribed medication.
The Nutrition Approach – Reduce the toxic load on the body by eliminating all processed foods, mucus producing and intolerant foods. Many people will be helped by the elimination of foods such as cheese, milk, ice cream, and chocolate. Wheat and alcohol should also be considered.
Anti-oxidant rich foods should be eaten in abundance to reduce inflammation and increase immunity. Ensure plenty of coloured fruit and vegetable such as citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes and seeds which are rich in selenium and zinc. Stining nettles which contain a natural anti – histamine called quercetin, either as an infusion or as freshly picked leaves made in to a soup. One of the most popular nutritional remediess is Local Natural Honey- take 2 tea spoons daily of natural honey from a local hive for a desensitizing effect. Bee pollen-1 tsp daily in yogurt or on cereal – its full a complete food full of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and will promote general health as well as helping relieve hay fever symptoms.
The Supplement Approach- The use of supplements can provide our body with the missing elements it needs to function at optimum capacity. Multi- vitamin & minerals ( providing B6100mg & zinc 15mg), Anti Oxidant Complex and Vitamin C 3 x 1000mgs have shown effective control over hayfever and inflammatory responses.
Herbal Remedies- much has been written about the use of herbal remedies recently, particularly those of Chinese origin due to poor prescription and bad practitioner standards. However, the vast majority of herbal remedies are completely safe and good practitioners are well qualified to know their limits when treating illness. Petasites hybridus (Butterbur) has been shown to reduce histamine reaction and Euphrasia (Eyebright) as eye drops or as a tincture in water has been shown to relieve inflammation and irritation of eyes.
Naturopathy provides a natural way of dealing will hayfever and allergic responses. A steam inhalation of essential oil such as chamomile or eucalyptus can be used to relieve a blocked nose. A salt solution inhaled through the nose using a Neti Bath or sniffed from the hand through the nose will decongest the sinuses.
Homeopathy- Has much in common with naturopathy and herbal ermedies by providing patients with a natural solution to their symptoms. Homeopathy is built on the principle that ‘like cures like’. So the practitioner will diagnose the specific cause or allergen that creates the over reaction within us, and provide us with a diluted solution. Era biochemical tissue salt combination for hay-fever, containing Magnesium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride and Silica Dioxide work homoeopathically to eliminate runny nose and sneezing.
Acupuncture-The insertion of fine needles can be used to treat the underlying cause of your hay fever and reduce the inflammatory response. This is effective in reducing watery eyes sneezing & nasal discharge.
Allergy Tests- Orthodox medicine on the NHS commonly relies on the use of allergy tests to define patients cause of hayfever. However, the waiting lists for these procedures can often be in years!! Blood tests to identify allergens and food intolerances provide the patient and practitioner valuable information, and is often a good starting place when dealing with hayfever.
Caution Hay fever symptoms in asthmatic patients can be a sign of inflammed lower airways and worsening asthma symptoms should be taken seriously – consult your medical practitioner.