🕒 11 min read | By Kerrie De Palma ~
DISCLAIMER
This blog content or any information contained herein is NOT to be taken as Medical Advice; please consult your professional medical practitioner to establish a treatment plan recommended for you.
Holistic Hayfever Remedies for
Mind Body & Soul
The winds are here… and so is the sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and stuffy nose. Is it time to reach for the tissues and allergy meds, or is there a better way?
Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, affects millions worldwide, turning the beauty of spring into a battle against pollen. While antihistamines and decongestants offer temporary relief, they can come with side effects and don’t address the root cause.
I’ve been there, I used to turn up to work looking like I went a few rounds with Rocky Balboa. I remember putting up a fence when we used to live near an orchard, and had a sneezing fit, it went on for 30 minutes or more, it just would not stop – I was exhausted and my stomach felt like I had done 500 sit ups or more. But over the last few years especially, I have made quite a few changes to my diet and lifestyle.
As a life purpose and holistic health coach, I believe in empowering you to take control of your health naturally. Let’s explore the causes of hayfever, its impact on your well-being, and practical steps you can take to find lasting relief.
Beyond the Pollen: Understanding the Triggers
Wind and Spring Pollens
While pollen is a major culprit, wind plays a crucial role in spreading these tiny allergens far and wide. Understanding pollen counts and peak times during the season can help you plan outdoor activities and take precautions. So you don’t head out into the firing line of the strong winds and make your symptoms worse. Especially those damn trees with the pretty white flowers, you know, the one that lets off that smell they made a meme about; I’m not going to say it, but we all know which one I’m talking about #stopplantingthem
Home Sweet Home
Dust mites, pet dander, and mould lurking in your home can trigger hayfever symptoms year-round. Regular cleaning, air purifiers, and hypoallergenic bedding can make a significant difference.
The Emotional Connection
In my eyes, the emotional connection is hugely underrated when it comes to physical ailments that manifest in our bodies. Stress and emotional imbalances can worsen hayfever symptoms. Exploring techniques like meditation, yoga, and journaling can help you manage stress and support your overall well-being.
I could go on about the emotional connection for a whole blog post, but if we look at the emotions or root cause of allergies, the results are quite profound and pretty spot on in my book. For example Louise Hay has taught us that allergies are related to emotional congestion, fear of the calendar, a belief in persecution and guilt. In relation to hayfever itself, Who are you allergic to? Denying your own power.
Evette Rose also taught that whenever there is an allergy, always explore the ancestral line, what is the trauma associated with the substance you are allergic to? It could be that you are experiencing hostile feelings towards an invasive/offensive partner, family member, boss/colleague or your environment. You may suppress deep grief because of a controlling and dominating childhood, leaving you feeling insecure about your position in the family or suppressed anger and resentment.
There could be any number of things that have brought you to where you are now: grief, anger, suppression, self-sabotage, victimisation, violation, the list goes on – there is always a trigger for the body’s fight-or-flight response where it becomes heightened, overwhelmed or out of control.
You could research the type of allergy you have and the picture will become very clear. I’ve had the allergy tests, I’m allergic to dust mites, mould, certain grasses, and I used to be allergic to cats. I understand the relevance for me from my childhood, including the cat component. The more self-development and discovery work I do the more I understand about my own life and healing those aspects of self.
My hayfever in the last couple of years has been the best it’s ever been, but a lot has changed too, I’ve done more work on myself, I’ve changed, so has my diet (more wholefoods and organic when I can) as well as my lifestyle. I think for the first time in my life and even life times, I’ve never felt the freedom I do now. For that, I am immensely grateful and it makes the work I’ve done in peeling back the layers, understanding, and working through it all so worthwhile.
The Inflammation Link
Hayfever, at its core, is your body’s way of trying to protect itself from ‘what it perceives as a threat’ The body’s defence mechanism triggers an inflammatory response, leading to those familiar symptoms we all dread. By understanding how inflammation works, we can make choices that support our body’s natural balance and minimise the reaction.
Nutrition as Medicine
Understanding the role of inflammation can help you make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle. Certain foods can either fuel or fight inflammation. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants to support your immune system and reduce hayfever symptoms.
Natural Alternatives
Explore natural antihistamines like quercetin (or quercetin rich foods) stinging nettle and bromelain. These can offer relief with the histamine response, reduce inflammation and support the immune system, without the side effects of long-term use of some conventional medications. Speak to your health care practitioner to discuss suitable alternatives for you and to ensure they are safe if you are taking any other medications or treatments.
Action Steps to Empower You
Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot or Douche)
Flushing your nasal passages with saline solution can help remove allergens and soothe irritated tissues. I use the douche here in this picture, you can buy the sachets as part of the set or individually at the chemist.
But I have found you don’t need them, you can just add sea salt, ¼ of a teaspoon in warm water, filled to the measurement on the douche. Trust me I’ve tried less salt and it feels like a knife piercing your brain, lol and I’ve tried more, for which too much salt can burn the nasal passage.
The salt creates an isotonic solution, similar to the salt concentration to your body’s fluids. It also helps to thin out mucus making it easier to flush out allergens and irritants, so ideal even for when you feel stuffy or have a cold. Some studies suggest that saline irrigation can have a mild anti-inflammatory effect, potentially soothing irritated nasal passages.
Flush your Nasal Passages
Flush your nasal passages when you need to remove mucus, allergens and other irritants. I recommend morning and night during hayfever season when it hits hard, especially when you’ve been out in the elements or feeling the congestion.
Pay attention to instructions, there is an art to it. Best in the shower, head tilted down, breathing through the mouth as you flush the nasal passage – sounds weird I know to breathe through the mouth, but if you want it to flow, it’s what you need to do.
Natural Therapies
From Reiki, Energy Healing, Acupuncture and Reflexology
These ancient practices can help balance your energy flow, reduce inflammation, and alleviate hayfever symptoms. Stress can exacerbate allergic reactions, and balancing the body’s energy flow can potentially improve immune system function and reduce inflammation associated with hayfever. These natural modalities can offer additional support in managing symptoms.
Locally I can recommend some great practitioners:
Reiki and Crystal Energy Healing – obviously book in with myself through my website link:
Klaus Lucattini from Shepparton Acupuncture and Debra Kenny, Clinical Reflexologist in Shepparton, including lymphatic drainage (who just happens to work out of the same business address I do, she is amazing at what she does.)
Eye Drops
Opt for natural eye drops containing ingredients like chamomile or eyebright to soothe itchy, watery eyes.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils have properties that can help ease hayfever symptoms. If you’re not a fan of florals like me, these are a perfect choice.
Lavender: Calming and anti-inflammatory, may help with congestion and itchy eyes.
Peppermint: Opens airways, good for sinus congestion and headaches.
Eucalyptus: Antibacterial and decongestant, aids breathing.
Lemon: Uplifting and antimicrobial, helps clear sinuses.
These oils can be used in diffusers, steam inhalation, or diluted in a carrier oil for topical application.
Reducing Your Risk
Strengthen your immune system through a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques. Don’t sit up on the couch late, waiting for those tired eyes to get itchy; give your body and immune system the rest it needs.
Spring Cleaning for Allergy Relief
Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces can help minimise allergens in your home. Consider using HEPA filters in your vacuum and air purifier. Buy new pillows to reduce sleeping on pillows that have mould and mildew, dust mites, pollen and other allergens that can trigger hayfever symptoms. Dust mites thrive and feed on dead skin cells, so wash your bed linen regularly. I know some have found relief by using a dryer instead of hanging their towels and sheets on the line during hayfever season.
The Medication Question: Safety and Alternatives
Long-Term Effects of Allergy Medication
While antihistamines provide relief, long-term use of certain types of allergy medications, particularly those with strong anticholinergic properties has been linked to potential cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning. It’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks and explore natural alternatives whenever possible.
I read an article years ago about older types of antihistamines being linked to dementia and Alzheimers, so I chose right there and then that I was not going to take them anymore and educated myself in finding natural alternatives to deal with hayfever season.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge
Stay informed about the latest research on hayfever and its treatments. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your individual needs and create a personalised plan for managing your symptoms.
Embrace a Hayfever-Free Life
Hayfever doesn’t have to control your life.
By understanding its causes, embracing natural remedies, and making informed choices, you can find lasting relief and enjoy the beauty of spring without the watery eyes, sneezing and blowing your nose all the time.
5 Main Steps to Manage Hayfever Naturally
Embrace an Anti-inflammatory Diet
Focus on whole foods (organic if you can) fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich options. Nurture your gut microbiome for a strong immune system – Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, miso, kombucha. As well as prebiotic-rich foods like onions, garlic, asparagus, leeks, apples, bananas, artichokes, legumes etc.
Try Natural Remedies
Consider nasal irrigation, reiki and energy healing, acupuncture, reflexology or herbal remedies and supplements like quercetin.
Minimise Allergen Exposure
Regularly clean your home, use air purifiers, and consider outdoor precautions during those high pollen and windy days, including wearing sunglasses if you have to be out in the elements those days.
Manage Stress
Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress, improve your lung capacity, respiratory function and support your immune system.
Prioritise a Healthy Lifestyle
Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, stay informed about the latest research on hayfever management and consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
Lastly, have a think about where you believe the cause and trigger is ‘really’ coming from and if you need support in doing that, you know where to reach me 🙂
“As nature awakens and stretches towards the sun, may you too find strength and resilience in overcoming hayfever and embracing all the beauty and growth spring has to offer.”
Take control of your health ‘Do what you Love and Live your Best, Abundant life! Free from the constraints of hayfever.
Kerrie xx
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