Bare Health Blog: Natural Ways To Ease The Seasonal Sneeze!

Natural Ways to Ease the Seasonal Sneeze!

After a very long winter, it seems that Spring has now finally arrived. For many of us, it is a time of year that brings new life and renewed energy, lighter mornings and nights and nature itself truly starts to awaken once more. We start looking forward to the Summer, and begin to plan our holidays, time with friends & family and long days in the outdoors. We could liken it to our emergence from Hibernation! However, for some of us, the return of Spring also brings the misery of Hayfever Season!

Usually encountered in the spring and early summer, hayfever it is part of the group of health conditions known as’ allergic rhinitis’ – an allergic reaction to airborne substances which lead to inflammation in the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. People prone to the condition tend to develop the problem during their teenage years, and although the condition lessens in severity with age, it can certainly linger well into late adulthood. In the main, these airborne substances are pollens from grass, trees or flowers. In temperate climates such as in the UK and Ireland, pollen levels increase dramatically in spring as nature comes to life, and as the weather warms up and we head into the summer months, grass, bushes, trees and other plants grow and develop in a coordinated fashion. In this way, pollen levels are highest during spring and early summer

The main symptoms of hayfever are experienced in the eyes, nose and throat. These commonly include:

· Sneezing

· Itchy or runny nose

· Irritation at the back of the throat

· Itchy or runny eyes

· Blocked nose

· Dry cough

There is evidence that hayfever is on the rise, with one in five of the UK population now suffering with the condition, a number that has trebled in the last 20 years and alarmingly, still on the increase. Jean Emberlin, Scientific Director of Allergy UK explains

“Around 16 million people in the Britain suffer from hayfever and the figure is expected to rise to 30 million within the next two decades. 95% of hayfever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen. One in four is allergic to birch and one in five allergic to oak”

She goes on to say,

“there is substantial evidence from pollen monitoring records and from vegetation surveys to show the timing of some of the pollen seasons has been changing in the UK and across Europe over the last few decades” this is in addition to longer pollen seasons and increasing pollen loads. Air pollution is also contributing to this increase, acting as an irritant to the respiratory system making more people susceptible to symptoms whilst indirectly interacting with pollen allergens and making them more potent."

This is not the news that millions of UK hayfever sufferers want to hear! The bottom line is - hayfever is now becoming an all year round war, with the arrival of Spring posing the biggest battle!

So, what can we do to ‘arm’ ourselves and help minimise the effects of pollen on our health?

There are numerous over the counter remedies that offer some relief, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops and steroids are just a few examples. However, if the latest research is anything to go by, some of these over the counter and prescribed remedies need to be approached with caution. A recent study from the Indiana University School of Medicine has found that a certain group of over the counter and prescribed medication, hayfever medication included, could be linked to the development of dementia and Alzheimers in older adults. The scientists have found a link between the prolonged use of ‘anticholinergenics’ (which include some hayfever treatments) and reduced brain size and poorer cognitive performance, whilst the drug users also had lower levels of glucose metabolism in the brain – a biomarker for brain activity that leads to Alzheimers.

With this startling evidence in mind...Are there more natural options available to help alleviate the symptoms of Hayfever? In short, yes. Fortunately, there are certain nutrients and botanical medicines that can provide primary therapy or be used in combination with conventional methods and they might just make all the difference between enjoying the spring and summer months, spending it sneezing, or worse...indoors!

Supporting Hayfever...naturally!

Pycnogenol

Otherwise known as French Maritime Pine Bark, Pynogenol, is a nutritional supplement which offers a range of extensive and proven health benefits, one of which is to reduce inflammation. This natural process is a response to external factors such as air pollutants such as dust or pollen. Pycnogenol contains a rich blend of of antioxidants known as bioflavanoids, some of which are also found in fresh fruit and vegetables. Its antioxidant activity is approxiametely 30 times stronger than Vitamin E and 50 times stronger than vitamin C. A double-blind placebo-controlled study showed that Pycnogenol supplementation can improve allergy symptoms when started at least five weeks before allergy season. Subjects who received Pycnogenol five to eight weeks before allergy season exhibited 35% less eye allergy symptoms and 20% less nasal allergy symptoms. Those who showed the greatest reduction in allergy symptoms were individuals that began Pycnogenol supplementation seven to eight weeks prior to the allergy season.

Quercetin

Research supports the use of Quercetin as a natural anti histamine, stabilising the mast cells which release all the cause of the misery. Certain drugs can block the effect of histamine, but quercetin inhibits the release, without any side effects. Quercetin is a flavonoid (plant pigments that give fruit, vegetables and flowers their colour) and found in a wide variety of herbs and vegetables, for example onions, apples, parsley, sage and green tea.Olive oil, grapes, dark cherries, and dark berries such as blueberries, blackberries and bilberries are also high in quercetin. It is now widely available as a food supplement.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been found to exert a number of effects on histamine. It appears to prevent the secretion of histamine by white blood cells and increase its detoxification. Histamine levels were found to increase exponentially as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels in the plasma decreased. Vitamin C also supports the Immune system and may also have anti-inflammatory effects. Camu Camu, an Amazonian berry like fruit, is a fantastic source of vitamin C. In 1957 the Instituto de Nutricion in Peru undertook the first nutritional analysis of the fruit and found that the acidic fruit was jam packed with vitamin C, containing 30 to 50 times the vitamin C of oranges! Since this initial analysis, many more have been undertaken and have shown promising anti-aging, cognitive, anti-inflammatory, immune, vision, and antiviral benefits. The fruit has a powerful concentration of antioxidants also. Camu Camu can be found in powder form in selected, independent health stores and can be mixed easily with water or smoothies.

Nettle

Nettles (urtica) are especially good if you have high histamine levels & suffer from ‘prickly heat’, they work as a blood tonic and help reduce histamine levels. They also contain Silica which may help strengthen lung tissue. Nettle can be found in the form of tincture, tablets or tea bags.

Euphrasia (Eyebright)

The Homeopathic Remedy ‘Euphrasia’ (Eyebright) is also an effective remedy to ease the irritation of itchy, inflamed eyes and a consultation with a qualified Homeopath will ensure you get a remedy tailored to your unique symptoms.

Luffa

Luffa is a useful herb if symptoms manifest around the eyes and nose. Swift in its effect, it appears to deal with both blocked and runny noses, as well as watery and itchy eyes and a tickly throat. As it is taken internally, it is a good option for those who wear contact lenses and can’t use eye drops. It isn’t contraindicated with other medication, including other hayfever medication.

Spirulina

Spirulina a blue green algae often referred to as a ‘superfood’ due to the abundance of nutrients contained within, however research has also shown it to be effective in tackling some of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. A double blind, placebo controlled study, evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of spirulina and discovered that it was clinically effective on allegic rhinitis when compared with a placebo. Spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms and physical findings compared with placebo including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. Spirulina can be purchased as an organic, raw freeze dried powder for greatest benefits and absorption or in tablet form.

Local Honey

Regular consumption of raw, local honey during the hayfever season may also offer significant relief. A randomized controlled study conducted by the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, showed that patients who consumed honey had significantly better control of their allergy symptoms than those on conventional allergy medications. Local honey works to relieve symptoms because it contains local pollen that is causing your allergies. A couple of tablespoons each day may relieve your itchy, watery eyes, congestion and the general symptoms of hay fever

Probiotics

Ongoing research is also showing promising results for the use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis, one study highlighting a reduction in number of symptoms and another indicating that they may reduce the number of allergic episodes. With all of the other well known benefits of probiotics on offer, it may be worthwhile adding a quality probiotic supplement to your daily regimen.

All of these remedies can be found at a quality Independent Health Store near you. For additional tips on how you can ease the sneeze this hayfever season why not drop into Bare Health, Congleton? Our experienced team will be more than happy to offer nutritional support and guidance on how to source the highest quality supplements to receive the full benefits.

The content contained within this article is solely for information purposes. Always remember to consult your GP or healthcare professional if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment prior to embarking on any new supplement regimen. If you have any concerns about prolonged use of ‘anticholinergenic’ then please approach your GP for advice.