 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Dealing with Hayfever
With the arrival of spring, many individuals suffer sinusitis and hay fever. Spring hay fever differs from that of perennial allergic rhinitis, which
is not seasonal. It manifests by things like pollens, house dust, foods, feathers, industrial fumes and polluted air.
Herbal solutions have been used for centuries to provide relief from both hay fever and sinusitis. And, of course, using natural alternatives to treat
sinusitis and spring hay fever won't make you drowsy or leave you with any unwanted side effects. The traditional natural approach for relief is a
combination of vitamins, minerals and herbs - in particular vitamin C and A, and zinc and the herbs horseradish and fenugreek. Vitamin C will reduce
mucus. Vitamin A and the mineral zinc will reduce the susceptibility to infections and to increase the health of the epithelial tissue lining and sinuses,
helping them against further attack by invading allergy proteins.
While horseradish will help to remove mucus from the nasal and sinus passages, Fenugreek is helpful in soothing irritated nasal and sinus tissues and
drying up catarrh. Iron phosphate and potassium chloride are also important to reduce inflammation and mucus discharge. Other herbs such as garlic and Echinacea
will provide antimicrobial support for many bugs that flourish in the mucus-filled sinuses.
Herbs for hay fever and sinus relief are available in supplement form from your local health food store. For watery, itchy eyes, congested sinuses and
a runny nose, look for a sinus and catarrh complex containing horseradish and garlic.
Chewing a piece of comb honey daily often helps to clear the nose and sinuses in hay fever attacks. If possible, track down a beekeeper in the area in
which you live and buy the comb honey from him.
Include foods such as natural unprocessed bran, soya beans, oatmeal, raisins, sultanas, celery, cucumber, lettuce, cabbage, tomato, yellow vegetables,
sprouted grains, green and red peppers, parsley, and any fresh fruit in your diet. Avoid all refined foods, and especially wheat flour products, alcohol
and carbonated drinks. Milk products should be used sparingly and with caution, and where possible replaced with soy substitutes. Drink a glass of the following
juice blend every morning - blend together 200 ml of carrot juice and 150 ml of celery juice and strain through a fine strainer to make it pulp free.
Sip slowly for best digestion.
An inhalant can also be used to relieve nasal congestion. Add two drops each of lavender, rosemary and peppermint essential oils to a bowl of boiling
water. Cover your head with a large towel and inhale the vapour for approximately 10 minutes each evening. People prone to high blood pressure, heart problems,
or who have sensitive or broken skin should avoid this treatment unless advised otherwise by their health practitioner.
For a portable and convenient inhalant put 1 drop each of the same oils on a tissue or handkerchief and inhale them whenever needed to ease laboured
breathing and a stuffy nose.
Cod-liver oil is an old standby and natural food supplement that will also help hay fever triggered by allergies. However, always consult a health practitioner
before you take it.
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