Hayfever – Ease the Sneeze!

Hayfever – Ease the 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!

Hayfever is a common problem that arises during the Spring & Summer months and is part of the group of health conditions known as Allergic Rhinitis – allergies to airborne substances which lead to inflammation in the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. ‘Hayfever’ mainly refers to an allergy to ‘Pollen’.

It has been estimated that between 15-20% of the UK population and other Industrialised western countries suffer from Hayfever. The condition usually presents itself in response to an abnormal (allergic) reaction of the body to pollen that comes into contact with the nose, eyes or throat. The Immune system reacts to what is usually a ‘harmless’ substance because it views it as ‘harmful’ as if being under attack. Consequently, it retaliates, releasing large amounts of histamine which in turn causes itching, inflammation and irritation in local tissues.

The common sources of pollen that brings about such reactions are from grass, trees and flowers. In temperate climates, such as the UK, pollen levels dramatically increase in Spring as nature returns to life.

So, what are the Symptoms and how can it be treated? The main symptoms are often sneezing, itchy or runny nose, irritation at the back of the throat, itchy or runny eyes, bronchial congestion and blocked noses. With the degree of severity of these symptoms  differing from person to person. Conventional treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops and steroids. However, there are also a number of natural remedies that may also offer significant relief.

The key to reducing the severity of such reactions lies in minimising allergen levels in the bloodstream and buffering the response to them. Making some simple health changes can also help reduce the strain on your mucous membranes, strengthen your immune system &
reduce the amount of histamine floating about inside you. Quercetin, Ester C and Pine Bark (Pycnogenol) are effective anti-histamines, stabilising the mast cells, which release the cause of all the misery. Natural sources of quercetin include onions, apples and green tea.

MSM, a rich source of sulphur, helps keep mucous thin, eases the breathing and nourishes the liver, which is responsible for histamine breakdown. Liquorice has an anti-inflammatory effect and is soothing for those irritated mucous membranes. 

Echinacea may help support effective Immune function as will taking low doses of Vitamin C throughout the day. 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.

A tincture of herbs including Sponge cucumber (Luffa Operculata) is suitable for Hayfever sufferers and is safe to be taken by adults, children and people on medication, although it is available in tablet form, it often gets into the system quicker as a tincture. It works by eradicating the most common symtoms.

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.

All of these remedies can be found at an Independent Health Store near you.

In addition, sufferers should minimise or cut out the following products to alleviate the strain on your immune system and mucous membranes: Dairy products, Caffeine, Artificial colourings and flavourings, and artificial sweeteners. Whilst increasing fruit, vegetable and water intake.

Finally, don't forget that a daily dose of local honey can also help ease the seasonal sneeze!

Let’s hope that this year your Hayfever becomes less sneeze & more of a breeze! So you too can enjoy the delights summer can bring and ditch those tissues!

For more advice on the information or products mentioned within this article please call Bare Health, Congleton on 01260 408413 or alternatively email mel@barehealth.co.uk

This information does not replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Always seek their advice if taking prescribed medication

Holiday essentials for your packing

 

Which essential items do you make sure are packed in your bag for a holiday away?  A good read for the beach? Sun hat and sun cream?  As an optimist they are all on my list when holidaying home or abroad.   I also add Arnica and Rescue Remedy to my essentials list.  Both are fantastic acute remedies for those moments when holiday events can take a turn for the worse. 

How many of us are taken over by the enthusiasm for those extra activities when we get away from the routine of home and work?  Maybe it is the unplanned walk that can become a 5 mile hike over cliff paths; or hiring bikes for the day to explore the local countryside when you have not been on a bike for a very long time.   It may be lots of fun at the time until you find you get up the following day and suffer with those stiff, aching muscles and can hardly walk.  The good news is that help is at hand with a few doses of Arnica 30c.  Arnica has a number of uses homeopathically including soothing bruises and easing tired and painful muscles after strenuous activity.  It can help you recover quickly, easing the aches and pains and allow you to enjoy the rest of your holiday.

At other times the stress of getting away can cause sleepless nights and anxieties.  From holiday traffic jams to fears of flying or sailing; a few drops of Rescue Remedy, a Bach Flower Remedy, can help calm those nerves and ease the tension.  Rescue remedy can also be used for sunburn when you have nothing else to hand.

To find out what great allies these and other homeopathic remedies can be on your next holiday join my next workshop at Bare Health.  The workshop will provide a valuable introduction to using homeopathy.  The aim is for you to be able to select some suitable first aid remedies for a range of holiday ailments.    A great opportunity to find out how homeopathy can help your holiday go that little bit more smoothly if needed.

The workshop will take place on Saturday, 27^th April from 11.00am to 1.00pm at Bare Health in Congleton town centre.  The cost is great value at £10.00.  Places are available and need to be booked in advance to guarantee a place.  Call in at Bare Health to book or call for more information.  Jane Bowdenleigh, LNWCH.  Tel 07740 798595   janebl1@hotmail.co.uk

 

Help with Homeopathy on Holiday Workshop

Ever been caught out with a tummy bug on holiday?  Suffered from too much time in the sun?  Or been driven mad by insect bites?  Help is at hand with a fascinating two hour workshop that I am running at Bare Health on the 27^th April.  Specially designed to help you get the most from homeopathic first aid remedies, it can save you time and money while on holiday.  Commodities best put to having fun while you are away.

 

Homeopathy can be used safely and simply for minor ailments.  The workshop will provide a valuable introduction to using homeopathy.  It will enable you to go away and self-prescribe for you or your family.  So often we look forward to a special holiday away and then it can turn into our worst nightmare; anxieties or travel sickness before you get there; getting sunburnt and sunstroke all too easily; or finding the local food upsets your stomach.  These are just some of the all too common ailments that can ruin a holiday and covered in the workshop.  It is an opportunity to find out how homeopathy can help your holiday go that little bit more smoothly if needed.

The workshop will take place on Saturday, 27^th April from 11.00am to 1.00pm at Bare Health in Congleton town centre.  The cost is great value at £10.00.  Places are limited and booking early is recommended.  Call in at Bare Health to book your place or contact me for more information.  Jane Bowdenleigh, LNWCH.  Tel 07740 798595   janebl1@hotmail.co.uk 

Remedy of the week - Nux Vomica

Remedy Of The Week - Nux Vomica

I was reminded of a valuable remedy for acute situations after recently enjoying a hearty three course meal and wine.  I have not ‘indulged’ quite so much recently and the heavy bloated sensation that I still had a few hours after eating left me wondering if it was all worthwhile.  Then I remembered Nux Vomica an ideal remedy to take for indigestion after too much food or alcohol.  

Or are you one of those people who enjoys a drink but wakes the following day with a bad hangover?  If you have a headache, nausea, feel irritable and need a coffee to get you going then a dose of Nux Vomica 30c will help you recover more quickly.

It is a remedy that will help ease constipation too.  Your stomach typically feels distended and cramping.  The feeling is that you are unable to completely empty your bowels with frequent and ineffective urging.  Again the sensation is likely to leave you quite irritable and impatient.  Taking one dose (6c or 30c) of the remedy morning and night until improvement can help you get back to a regular bowel habit.  Of course a healthy diet and drinking plenty of the right fluids will make all the difference.  Yet we all can enjoy those ‘over indulgences’ from time to time.  In those situations Nux Vomica is handy remedy to have available.  Though do remember if symptoms persist without ease, then do contact your local Homeopath or GP.

If you would like to know more about the value of remedies to help you in acute situations, you can join my next ‘Help for Health with Homeopathy’ workshop at Bare Health.  The workshop will provide a brief introduction to the principles of Homeopathy and focus on acute remedies for holiday situations home or abroad.  Taking place on Saturday 27^th April from 11am to 1pm, you can book a place at Bare Health for the great value of £10.  There are limited places available so early booking is advisable.

To arrange a consultation or for more information contact Jane Bowdenleigh on 07740 798595 or ring Bare Health on 01260 40813.  Go well.