Breathe Easy

Hayfever can cause great discomfort for many and make the much longed for summer months quiet miserable for sufferers. Hayfever, also known as Allergic Rhinitis, is an allergic reaction of the nasal passages and airways to wind-borne pollens. In Ireland up to 90% of sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, with some allergic to tree and herb pollens.

Hayfever can cause symptoms such as a blocked and runny nose, sneezing, itchy red and watery eyes, sinus congestion with headaches. Overproduction of mucus can lead to coughing and postnasal drip. These symptoms can in turn, lead to fatigue and lethargy, this occurs because the body’s immune system produces antibodies to the allergen (pollen) which can result in the allergic symptoms previously mentioned.

The severity depends on each individual, unlike a head cold where the symptoms improve within a few days, hayfever symptoms remain as long as the pollen does.

If you suffer from hayfever, here in the healthstores we advise taking steps to strengthen your immune system before the hayfever season starts. Thankfully, there are many effective natural remedies available, such as:

Take a good quality probiotic such as Viridian, Solo or PROBULIN. These help to boost the good bacteria that stimulates the immune system.

Start on a good quality ECHINACEA TINCTURE such as the therapeutic grade IRISH BOTANICA. Echinacea has been traditionally used in the treatment of Hayfever and allergic rhinitis. This is best started before the hayfever season begins. IRISH BOTANICA also have an excellent ALL SEASONS COMPLEX which helps to support the overall immune system.

Other herbal remedies which can help alleviate hayfever symptoms include, NETTLE, EYEBRIGHT, PLANTAIN and QUERCETIN.

All of these remedies are available in your local Horan’s Healthstore where we will discuss your specific requirements and recommend the product to suit your needs best.

Until next time, stay healthy

Deirdre