Hay fever treatment: Can natural remedies relieve symptoms? Try this Ayurvedic spice

Hay fever sufferers will often notice that their hay fever is worse when the pollen count is high. This tends to be when the weather is warmer. Seasonal hay fever tends to develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to pollen from grass, trees and weeds. While there is no cure for hay fever, treatments including natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms of hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) include sneezing, itchy eyes or throat and a runny nose.

While hay fever treatment usually involves over the counter antihistamines, eye drops and nasal sprays, lifestyle changes may also ease the symptoms.

Adding certain foods to your diet could help relieve symptoms like a runny nose and watery eyes.

Natural remedies including various different herbs and spices.

According to Healthline, turmeric is well-known as an anti-inflammatory powerhouse for a good reason

According to Healthline, turmeric is well-known as an anti-inflammatory powerhouse for a good reason (Image: Getty)

According to Healthline, turmeric is well-known as an anti-inflammatory powerhouse for a good reason.

Turmeric contains anti-allergic and natural decongestant properties.

Its active ingredient, curcumin, has been linked to reduce symptoms of many inflammation-driven conditions, and could help minimise the swelling and irritation caused by hay fever.

As well as reducing allergy symptoms, health benefits of turmeric include antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

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A member of the ginger family. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Although turmeric’s effects on seasonal allergies haven’t been studied in humans, animal studies have shown promise.

One study showed treating mice with turmeric reduced their allergic response.

Another study in guinea pigs showed that the curucmin in turmeric was responsible for the medicinal actions and alleviated allergy symptoms on the animals.

Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties

Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties (Image: Getty)

Putting a small amount in water and turning it into a tea could help relieve hay fever symptoms.

Adding honey could add extra benefits as it has been linked to having anti-inflammatory effects according to Mayo Clinic.

Honey has also been thought to help coughs, which is a rare symptom of hay fever which some people experience.

In small doses, curucmin is thought to be safe but should be taken in large quantities.

Other herbs like green tea, chamomile, elderflower, ginger, peppermint and anise have all shown effects of limiting hay fever symptoms.

According to Avogel, a spice found in chilli peppers can help hay fever sufferers.

This is because of the compound capsaicin. It can be helpful when hay fever brings on a blocked nose, as it breaks down mucus, causing it to flow from the nose.

Other than spices and herbs, natural remedies according to the NHS include:
• Putting vaseline around your nostrils to help trap pollen
• Wear sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes
• Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
• Stay indoors whenever possible
• Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth