Hayfever
Hayfever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic condition to airborne particles, affecting the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and eyes with inflammation and symptoms of itchy, runny or stuffy nose, itchy and irritated eyes, sneezing and sometimes wheezing.
The condition is seasonal because the airborne irritants are usually pollens and grasses. However, some people have a similar reaction to moulds, dusts and animal danders and can have the the same symptoms which may be year-round (perennial allergic rhinitis).
Pollen seasons vary considerably. Pollens that cause hayfever in the spring usually come from trees such as oak, elm, maple, alder, birch, juniper and olive. In the early summer, the pollens arise from grasses and in late summer from ragweed.
Symptoms of hayfever
The symptoms of hayfever are usually easy to recognise. Initially the nose, roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and the eyes may start to itch. Followed by copious watery discharge from eyes and nose, with sneezing. Other symptoms may develop such as headaches, coughing and wheezing, and there may be some trouble with sleeping. Often the inner eyelids and whites of the eyes may become inflamed(conjunctivitis).
Skin tests can help to determine what allergen (or allergens) is 
causing the problem. Generally with allergies, identification of the the trigger allergen helps the allergic person to avoid the problem. However, with hayfever avoiding the allergen is often difficult or impossible. If possible try to avoid peak pollen periods (the early morning and evening), as well as keeping windows closed and outdoors try wearing close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses.
The hayfever symptoms occur because the body's immune system is over-sensitive to the allergen and the response is the release of excess histamine, causing itchiness, swelling and congestion. Herbalists use gentle herbal medicines which over time help to reduce the over-sensitivity of the immune system, thus reducing the allergic response.
Herbal medicines can be effective in the alleviation of these symptoms. But, herbalists often find that herbs taken in order to prevent hayfever are even more effective. If herbal medicines are taken for hayfever prevention early enough in the season, preferably a month to six weeks before symptoms usually develop, this allows the gentle tonic effects of the herbs to build up enabling the anti-allergic effects to occur.
Stress and other psychological factors can often plays a part. When levels of stress hormones increase in the circulation, the immune system defences can become over-sensitive, and levels of inflammatory chemicals are often increased. Therefore, during a consultation a herbalist will also consider these factors.
Herbal Remedies for hayfever
Herbalists have traditionally used herbs such as nettle leaves, chamomile, elderflowers and eyebright to relieve hayfever symptoms. See the links below for published research papers which confirm the traditional use of several herbal medicines in the prevention and treatment of hayfever symptoms.
Nettle leaves are used by herbalists to calm the immune system preventing the over sensitivity to allergens. Eyebright herb helps to dry up the excess watery secretions and help prevent stuffiness by keeping your sinuses open.
Steam inhalations may help, especially if steaming antiinflammatory infusions such as chamomile are inhaled (take care to avoid scalding with hot liquids). See self-help for sinusitis for steam inhalation method.
Alternatively, to cool sore, red eyes try a cold compress of cotton wool or muslin soaked in cold eyebright or chamomile tea, or even better a mixture of both.
Diet and supplements for hayfever
The type of fats in your diet can influence the susceptibility of your body to inflammation. Generally omega-6 fats promote inflammation whilst omeg-3 fats are anti-inflammatory. Changing the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fats can have dramatic effects. Switch from omega-6 type fats, such as sunflower oil to a monounsaturated oil such as olive oil for cooking. Eat rich sources of omega-3 fats such as oily fish, walnuts or flaxseed, regularly. Try adding a tablespoons of flaxseed to your daily diet by adding to cereal or yoghurt.
Eating foods rich in antioxidants such as citrus fruits, blackcurrants and rosehips, natural sources of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, helps to reduce inflammation by acting as natural antihistamines.
Vitamin C can also be taken as a supplement. One study showed that taking 2g of vitamin C daily helped to lower blood histamine levels.
Green tea has been shown to help prevent symptoms of hayfever if taken for four to six week before symptoms are expected. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants, catechins, with antihistamine effects confirmed by modern research (see below). Green tea is also known to help maintain a healthy immune system.
Other general health measures include getting plenty of rest, avoiding stressful situations and maintaining a healthy immune system. It is believed that the balance of the intestinal bacteria has an important role in the development of the immune system in children, therefore research into the possible effects of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation for the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis and other allergic diseases is underway.
Research on herbal remedies and supplements for hayfever
The efficacy of early treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis with benifuuki green tea containing O-methylated catechin before pollen exposure: an open randomised study; abstract full article
In vitro and in vivo anti-allergic effects of 'benifuuki' green tea containing O-methylated catechin and ginger extract enhancement; abstract
Gallic acid inhibits histamine release and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in mast cells; abstract
Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma; abstract
Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis; abstract
How stress and anxiety can alter immediate and late phase skin test responses in allergic rhinitis; abstract
Antihistamine effect of supplemental ascorbic acid and neutrophil chemotaxis; abstract
Any benefits of probiotics in allergic disorders?; abstract
Various effects of different probiotic strains in allergic disorders: an update from laboratory and clinical data; abstract
Guidance for substantiating the evidence for beneficial effects of probiotics: prevention and management of allergic diseases by probiotics; abstract
Probiotics and prebiotics: immunological and clinical effects in allergic disease; abstract
The role of Probiotics in allergic diseases; full text PDF
More information on hayfever
BBC health website - hayfever
Medline plus - allergic rhinitis (hayfever)
BUPA factsheets - hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) hayfever Q and A
Other treatments which may help hayfever symptoms
acupuncture
hypnosis
homeopathy