Hay fever is a form of allergic rhinitis and is caused due to immune system overreaction. The body releases a type of antibody known as immunoglobulin E, whenever a person breathes pollen, which he is allergic to. The chemicals sent by this antibody helps in neutralizing the invading allergen. Histamine is one of the chemicals, which is responsible for most of the allergic symptoms.
Homemade remedies provide quick respite for hay fever and decreases seasonal allergy reactions. Hence, you can get relief from coughing, congestion, and itching, sneezing and runny nose. Hay fever usually has an effect on the mucous membranes of nose, sinuses, throat, palate and eyes.
Research shows that about 20% of the population suffers from some type of hay fever. There are a few homemade remedies, which provide natural antihistamines and relieve the symptoms and also prevent their return.
7 Home Remedies for Hay Fever
Raw Honey
The symptoms of hay fever can be reduced with the help of raw honey. When you expose yourself to the pollen in small doses that has triggered your hay fever, it is similar to getting the allergy shots.
The raw honey will essentially act as an immune booster and allows building up tolerance slowly reducing immune symptoms. About 2-3 spoonfuls of honey in your daily diet must be taken several months before the onset of allergy season.
Ginger
Raw honey and ginger tea can help in clearing the chest congestion and helps in loosening the phlegm as well. Besides strengthening the immune system, it also works as an antihistamine.
Green Tea
Besides being one of the finest remedies for supporting the immune system, it also inhibits the production of the chemical histamine, which is responsible for hay fever.
Butterbur
Various studies suggest that butterbur is quite effective in relieving headaches, sinus congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing. It also reduces inflammation and blocks leukotrienes and histamines. However, this herb is not recommended for people, who are allergic to chrysanthemum and ragweed.
Lagundi
This shrub grows in the regions of South East Asia, especially in Philippines. It has been proven that lagundi has a therapeutic effect against asthma, cough and flu. It contains a compound known as Chrysoplenol D, which has antihistamine properties. Moreover, it also reduces the production of leukotrienes by the body. Boil dried or fresh leaves (1/2 cup) of lagundi in water (2 cups) for about 15 minutes. Half a cup of this decoction must be taken 3 times daily to get relief from the signs of hay fever.
Mangosteen
This fruit is native to the regions of South East Asia. It is popular as ‘Queen of Fruits’. This dark purple fruit is 2 – 3 inches in diameter and has a thick rind surrounding 4 to 8 segments of soft, delicious and white flesh, which might sometimes contain seeds. ‘Xanthones’, an active substance present in the fruit has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties.
You will get generous amounts of Xanthones by eating the flesh of this fruit. The rind is used to prepare a concoction, which is helpful in treating the symptoms associated with hay fever.
Grapefruit and Lemon
Lemon and grapefruit is boiled in water (1 cup) for about 15 minutes. This mixture is an excellent remedy for hay fever and relieves the symptoms associated with it. Make sure to use only the fruit and not the peel. Mix raw honey, once the mixture cools.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.