Hay Fever

Overview

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a respiratory condition associated with inflammation of the mucous walls of the sinus passageways. It is a very common respiratory condition, affecting 10% of the American population.

Types of Hay Fever

There are two types of hay fever—chronic and seasonal. Seasonal hay fever is the most typical type but both forms of hay fever display the same symptoms.

Common symptoms of hay fever include extreme mucus production, sinus congestion, trouble breathing through the nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes. In cases of chronic hay fever, chronic exhaustion, headaches, hives, and gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation and gastritis, may also be present. Unlike cold and flu-related mucus, the nasal secretions produced by hay fever tend to be clear and without ache, pains and fever.

Causes of Hay Fever

Hay fever is most commonly caused by allergic reactions, particularly to pollen. However, it can also be caused by allergic reactions to pet dander (especially cats and dogs), automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, dust, foods, and environmental toxins and pollutants. Synthetic chemical substances, including those found in perfume, cologne, hairspray, and clothing can also trigger hay fever.

Preventing Seasonal Hay Fever

If you suffer through seasonal allergies attributed to pollen, you can often avoid hay fever symptoms simply by determining exactly what time of year these symptoms occur. Once you can determine the timing of your hay fever attacks, you can begin supplementing with pollen extract two months prior to the typical onset of your allergies. Doing so helps to desensitize you to plant pollen, thus reducing, and often stopping, hay fever symptoms. For the best results, speak with a holistic professional to help you achieve this goal. In addition, avoid contact with secondhand smoke and, if you smoke, seek help to quit. (To learn more, see Destructive Addictions.)

Natural Remedies

Acupressure: To alleviate hay fever symptoms, take your hand and place your middle and index finger on the upper curve of the eye socket, close to the bridge of the nose, and press upwards into the slight indentation you’ll feel there. As you do so, take your other hand and use your thumb as well as middle finger to press up under your cheekbones, directly beneath your eyes. Do this for one minute, with your eyes closed, while you breathe deeply. Repeat as necessary throughout the day.

Aromatherapy: Breathing in the steamed vapors of the essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus, rose, or melissa, can help relieve symptoms of hay a fever.

Ayurveda: During seasonal outbreaks of hay fever, Ayurvedic physicians recommend drinking basil tea with honey throughout the day. The herbs bayberry, Calamus, cloves, ephedra, ginger, and gotu kola can also be useful. Topically applying ginger extract or the essential oils of camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol to your temples and the bottom of your nose can help relieve tension.

Diet: If you suffer from hay fever, you must be tested for food allergies and sensitivities, after which avoid eating foods you are allergic or sensitive to. Additionally, avoid all sugar products, starches, whole wheat and wheat products, soft drinks, commercially processed or fried foods, and all foods containing synthetic ingredients, such as additives, dyes, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Avoid alcohol, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, dairy products, peanuts, and shellfish, all of which are common food allergens. Bananas should be avoided as well, because they encourage mucous production.

Focus on an organic, whole foods diet that is rich in fiber and contains plenty of fresh non-citrus fruits and vegetables, and raw nuts and seeds. Organic, free-range meats, poultry, and wild-caught fish are also recommended, as are garlic and onions, because of the powerful health benefits they provide for the entire respiratory system. Consume plenty or pure, fresh water each day (a minimum of 8oz. every two hours). Organic, extra virgin olive oil is highly recommended and can be used as a cooking agent and as a sauce. Homemade soups, served hot, such as chicken, vegetable, and barley, should also be consumed to help break up the mucus.

According to leading naturopathic physician and researcher Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. of Bastyr College, a vegan diet may significantly improve symptoms of respiratory conditions, including respiratory disease. A vegan diet plan bars the consumption of any animal products including, animal meat, eggs, fish, cheese, milk and any other animal byproducts. Grains must also be avoided, or eaten in minimal quantities. Dr. Pizzorno advises limiting your liquid intake to pure, strained water (avoid chlorinated, fluoridated tap water). Consume plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, including romaine lettuce, carrots, beets, onions, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, radishes, artichokes, beans (except soya and green beans), blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black currants, plums, and pears. Celery and citrus fruits aren’t recommended, because of their ability to exacerbate allergies. Dr. Pizzorno reports that more than 90% of all people who follow a vegan diet for one year will experience noticeable health improvements.

Herbs: One of the most useful herbal treatments for hay fever is nettle (Urtica dioica), which can help open sinuses while significantly reducing the symptoms of hay fever. Additional useful herbal treatments include angelica, astragalus, dark cohosh, catnip, comfrey (use under the direction of a trained herbalist), cilantro, dandelion root, ephedra, eyebright, fenugreek, ginger root , goldenseal, horseradish, licorice root, mullein, pleurisy root, red spice up, and skullcap.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of using water, ice, steam and alternating hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Remedies include full body emersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their treatment. We recommend several at-home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you.

-Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and recommendations.

Improving Indoor Air Quality: Improving the quality of your indoor atmosphere, both at home and at work is an essential step for treating hay fever. A healthy environment is comfortable, free of pollutants and smells, has a relative humidity between 35-60%, and is high in oxygen and negative ions. Modern electronics make it easy to ensure that your indoor air meets the above criteria. A negative ion generator can not only increase the oxygen and negative ion content of indoor air, but it can also cleanse the air of harmful animal dander, bacteria, dust, mold, plant pollen, and viruses. Moreover, negative ions help to soothe and repair the damaged mucosa of the nasal, lung, and bronchial pathways. For the best results, choose a self-regulating negative ion electrical generator that emits at least one trillion negative ions per second.

You should also use a humidifier to keep your indoor air damp, especially during winter months when air is commonly drier. Choose a warm water unit. Adding plants to your home or work environments may also help keep air moist. Certain plants such as chrysanthemums, and philodendron, can also help to keep your air free of circulating dirt and microorganisms, since they act as natural air filters.

*Make sure that your home and work environments are correctly ventilated, and steer clear of the use of man-made materials such as plastics.

Lifestyle: Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and excessively cold or dry air. If you smoke cigarettes, seek help and quit. (See Addictions for more information.) Try to engage in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-5 times every week. Stretching and strength exercises are important, and help ensure that your muscles are protected. Sleep is an essential part of good health, go to bed at the same time every night and make sure you are getting plenty of rest.

Nutritional Supplements: Helpful supplements for hay fever include, vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, essential fatty acids (especially Ω-three oils), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), bee pollen, regal jelly, geranium, and raw thymus glandular extract. Proanthocyanidin or grapes seed extract is also suggested, as is quercetin.

Alternative Professional Care

The following therapies can help prevent and relieve hay fever: Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Bodywork (Reflexology, Rolfing, and Shiatsu) Chelation Therapy, Chiropractic Care, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Medicine, Environment Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Mind or Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga. (Observe Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Treatments.)