13 Best Natural Remedies for Hayfever

Visit our informative article to learn about the causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hay fever. Here, we will discuss 13 natural ways to manage and treat hay fever. Continue reading to transform your allergy season into a cool breeze. 

Nasal irrigation 

It is the old Ayurvedic practice for the upper respiratory tract. The symptoms, e.g., itchy nose and nasal congestion, improve with nasal irrigation using a spray or a saline rinse. It is easy to buy from the local market and sprayed into the nostrils to relieve congestion and loosen the thick mucus. Many nasal irrigation devices are available for this purpose.  

Tilt your head sideways to the left of the sink. Now, put the spray bottle or device tip into the right nostril, gently spray the solution, and allow it to drain through the other nostril. Finally, repeat the procedure on the opposite side. 

Air purifier 

Investing in a quality air purifier helps ease allergy symptoms, e.g., hay fever. Air purifiers, particularly high-efficiency particulate air purifiers (HEPA), trap indoor airborne allergens and lower the risk of hay fever. The HEPA filters remove up to 95% of 1.0-μm particles and 0.3% of the 0.3-μm particles. 

The most common indoor airborne allergens the air purifier removes are pet dander and dust mites, the predominant causes of allergic rhinitis.

Use a dehumidifier 

If indoor mould is the cause of hay fever, lower the humidity in the room with a dehumidifier as the mould grows and thrives in humid areas. However, always use an adjustable dehumidifier to allow control over the room dryness and prevent discomfort due to dryness of the nasal passage. 

To stunt mould growth, follow the EPA guidelines of 30-50% humidity and adjust the settings accordingly. Installing dehumidifiers is necessary during hot and humid climates, as humidity is the leading cause of allergic rhinitis. 

Use a face mask regularly

Using an outdoor mask reduces airborne allergies, particularly hay fever by filtering air pollution. A study at Swansea University (UK) found that the people using FFP2 or medical masks experienced a lower exposure to allergens and pollen and had lower allergy symptoms. Using masks allows allergy sufferers to rescue in the symptoms associated with the eyes and nose. 

It is however necessary to check the local weather and pollen count. Wearing the mask is necessary on a day with high pollen counts. A Turkish study in 2022 found that using face masks reduced both the ocular and nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Use essential oils 

Essential oils are very potent, and it is necessary to consult a doctor before use to reduce the allergy symptoms, as some cause worsening of the signs. The essential oils recommended for hay fever are; 

Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory properties that combat airway inflammation and soothe chest and nasal congestion. 

Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil contains natural menthol, which helps with coughing and congestion. The inhalation of menthol helps in coughing by suppressing the cough reflux. 

Lemon oil: Lemon oil is beneficial for common allergies and has an antihistamine that reduces the congestion and inflammation associated with hay fever. 

A good choice is to put these oils inside the diffuser and let the soothing aromas alleviate the hay fever symptoms naturally. The product line Vicks VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil and menthol and provides effective relief. There are many more personalised choices. 

Keep allergies away from the home 

If a person gets hay fever from seasonal allergies, do not allow outside allergens into the home. Keep the windows closed during the most susceptible weather. Besides, there are some suggestions, e.g., cleaning the pet regularly, wearing hats and sunglasses, using HEPA filters, and regularly washing the clothes.

Use HEPA filters to free the air of common airborne allergens. Bathing and changing clothes while entering the home to avoid spreading airborne allergens is critical. Bathe the household pets regularly to get rid of airborne allergens.

Consume a lot of vitamin C

Vitamins, e.g., vitamin C, are antioxidants that help the body fight against allergens and inflammation. A large-scale study in Korea of children in 2012 with higher vitamin C intake noted very few symptoms. Likewise, another study in 2020 noted an improvement in allergy symptoms in the sufferers taking higher doses of vitamin C. 

Besides supplements, there are many natural sources of vitamin C, e.g., tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green and red pepper and citrus fruits, e.g., oranges. Resort to these natural sources to boost the vitamin C intake.

Take an appointment with the acupuncturist  

The research can't determine the causes, but a systematic review in 2022 observed an improvement in the quality of life and symptoms among acupuncture users. That's why, many people advocate using acupuncture. To be safer, be sure to consult certified acupuncture practitioners. 

You can look for a certified acupuncturist at the British Acupuncture Council. Just put in the local postcode to search for the nearest acupuncturist. 

Use Spirulina 

It is a microalgae rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins and found routinely at groceries, health stores and pharmacies. A small-scale study in Turkey in 2008 noted an improvement in allergy rhinitis symptoms and more relief in the people using spirulina for 12 consecutive weeks compared to those taking antihistamines, e.g., cetirizine. 

Besides relief from allergy symptoms, spirulina has many other known benefits, e.g., lower inflammation. Go, grab it to achieve all these benefits. 

Avoid smoking

Smoking, particularly tobacco smoke, exacerbates the symptoms of seasonal allergies, e.g., hay fever. Even exposure to second-hand smoke causes an increased risk of allergic reactions and inflammation. A large-scale study in 2021 noted that adults taking tobacco smoke experienced a higher risk of allergic symptoms than non-smokers. 

Another study in 2008 focused on children and noted increased symptoms due to exposure to tobacco symptoms. Some types of smoke, particularly wildfire smoke, pose a higher risk to allergy sufferers. So, it is prudent to avoid wildfire smoke with hay fever. 

Regular Exercise 

A small-scale study by the Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology noted that regular exercise for eight consecutive weeks improves hay fever and allergic symptoms, e.g., itching, sneezing and congestion. If a person has issues with regular aerobic exercises, yoga offers a brilliant option for such people. 

A study in 2019 noted that people spending an hour regularly on hatha yoga at least three times per week for eight consecutive weeks observed improvements in hay fever due to lower nasal inflammation and lower blood flow to the nose. Likewise, a small-scale study in 2021 in Thailand noted that people with regular outdoor exercises in the winter experienced lower airway inflammation and improved allergy symptoms. So, spending some time on exercise is a prudent option. 

Use local honey regularly  

Local honey offers some relief from seasonal allergies and hay fever by causing increased exposure to the allergens. A study in 2020 in Malaysia found that higher doses of honey reduce allergy symptoms. The issue is highly controversial as many studies in the past noted no evidence of the use of honey in the allergy and found no such benefits. 

Despite controversial claims and inconclusive research, there is no harm in trying if it works for someone or not. However, honey eases coughing and relieves many signs of respiratory infections, e.g., cough, wheezing, sore throat, breathing difficulties and congestion and has numerous other health benefits that make it worth trying. 

Take enough vitamin D

Adequate vitamin D intake reduces allergy symptoms and helps to make immunotherapy treatments more successful. Likewise, immunotherapy works best for people having higher levels of vitamin D. A study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, in 2019 noted that taking vitamin D supplements while using cetirizine improves the allergy symptoms in people with vitamin D deficiency. 

Scientists advocate for research to find out how vitamin D influences allergies, but taking enough of this vitamin improves mental health, immune health, bone health and many more. Make sure to take 600 IU of vitamin D regularly as needed by an average adult and consult the healthcare provider for more personalised guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural and permanent cure for hay fever? 

There is no permanent cure available for hay fever. The treatment needs a thorough care of all possible factors and lower the exposure to the seasonal allergens as far as possible. 

What is the best OTC treatment for hay fever? 

The strongest OTC histamines, e.g., fexofenadine, loratadine and cetirizine, are the best treatments for hay fever. These second-generation and newer antihistamines are more effective in managing hay fever, but cause mild side effects than the first-generation older options.

Which medications offer an easy method to get rid of hay fever quickly? 

Some medications that work best for hay fever and provide an easy and fast solution are nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, antihistamines, cromolyn solution, leukotriene modifiers, nasal ipratropium, oral corticosteroids and allergy shots. Consult with the healthcare provider for these treatments.

Which drinks are helpful with allergy shots? 

The best drinks that help with allergic rhinitis and hay fever are chamomile tea, peppermint tea, smoothies, freshly squeezed citrus juice, caffeine-free hot drinks, green tea and nettle tea. Choose a drink according to taste and liking for the best result

Does honey help with hay fever? 

Many believe that a teaspoon of honey desensitises a person to pollen and helps alleviate hay fever symptoms. There is no scientific evidence available for this claim. The bees don't pollinate the trees and grass, the predominant sources of plant-based pollen. Yet, there is no harm in trying honey for hay fever.

What is the novel treatment for hay fever? 

Many novel options provide an easy and fast solution to hay fever. For example, Grazax® lowers allergic symptoms by delivering a regular and fixed amount of grass pollen extract. It suppresses the immune system, builds tolerance to the pollen, and suppresses the symptoms once exposed in the future. This process is called immunotherapy or desensitisation.

How to stop hay fever from getting worse? 

Various treatment options are available that help treat hay fever and prevent it from becoming more severe. These options are using petroleum jelly, e.g., Vaseline around the nostrils to trap moisture, wearing a wrap-around, using sunglasses, wearing a mask or a hat to stop pollen from getting into the eyes, and showering and changing clothes regularly after outside exposure.

Bottom line

The natural remedies significantly reduce the hay fever symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. These remedies offer a holistic approach to managing allergy symptoms. The herbal options like honey reduce the histamine production, while the probiotics strengthen the gut health and lower the symptoms associated with the allergy and hay fever.

Likewise, staying hydrated, using anti-inflammatory drugs, and incorporating activities, e.g., yoga improves overall well-being. Leveraging natural remedies helps create a comprehensive program for hay fever and paves the ultimate way for a symptom-free and comfortable life.

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