Your Family’s Survival Guide To Allergy Season

By Samantha H. and Ella O., Nutrition Advisor 

‘Love’ may be in the air during springtime – but unfortunately, so are allergy-causing pollens. Read on for our recommendations to easing your symptoms   

Excessive sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes are just some of the indicators of a pollen or seasonal allergy. Around 1 in 3 people in the UK (roughly 20 million total) suffer from allergies according to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and cases are rising by 5% every year possibly as a result of air pollution, stress, poor diet and nutritional deficiencies.  In spring, environmental allergies such as hay fever can be exacerbated as plant life blooms again and releases pollen into the air. 

Find some relief in our curated edit of tips and products to see you through the season ahead.* 

Calm Hay Fever

One of the most common manifestations of seasonal allergies, hay fever can worsen between late March and September when the pollen count is at its highest. Itching, blocked nose and irritated eyes are just some of the symptoms of this common ailment. 

Rich in minerals such as silica, calcium, potassium and iron, Nettle Leaf has been traditionally used to treat allergies such as hay fever. Containing flavonoids which are thought to lessen the release of histamine and inflammatory effects in the body (therefore reducing your physical symptoms), it’s an essential herbal supplement for spring.   

Shop it: Nature’s Answer Nettle Leaf

Soothe Sore Eyes

Dealing with itchy or irritated eyes can ground you in your tracks. Limiting your ability to work or drive and even reducing vision, so as allergy season rolls around, it’s important to have a hard-working remedy in your arsenal that tackles these issues. 

As the name suggests, Eyebright (which is also known as Euphrasia Officinalis) is best known for its traditional use as a natural remedy for eye conditions. These include weeping, stinging, irritation and other common hay fever symptoms, and it is also thought to have anti-catarrhal properties (these remove excess mucous from the body). A must-have, especially if you’re spending time outdoors with a higher exposure to pollen.

Shop it: Nature’s Answer Eyebright

Balance Immunity 

As spring blooms, make sure you’re doing the most to help support your body’s natural immune system in fighting off allergies.  

Commonly referred to as the ‘King of Tonic herbs,’ Reishi mushrooms may help with just that. Once reserved for royalty, they are one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms in the world. Rich in natural compounds such as triterpenes and beta-glucans, which are thought to help support the immune system, they can potentially reduce the body’s reaction to immune-related processes associated with allergies. Use it as a food supplement up to 3 times a day.

Shop it: Nature’s Answer Reishi

 

Reduce Inflammation 

Inflamed areas in the body often signal an underlying issue and the same can be true for allergy symptoms. Containing black seed oil, Nature’s Answer Omega 3 Blackseed Oil may help to support a healthy internal inflammatory response by enhancing the anti-inflammatory effect of Omega-3 fatty acids throughout the body. 

Traditionally used for over two thousand years by various cultures around the world, Nigella seeds (more commonly known as black seeds, black caraway, or black cumin) are a prized health food that is commonly used for wellbeing purposes in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. According to clinical trials, this potent liquid is nearly 3x more effective than fish oil alone.

Shop it: Nature’s Answer Omega 3 Blackseed Oil

5 Tips to Keep Pollen at Bay

1. Wash your bedding and pillows in hot water at least once a week and try to use allergen-proof sheets where possible.
2. When vacuuming, wear a mask over your mouth and nose as the suction will release trapped particles into the air.
3. Keep doors and windows closed as much as you can and use an air purifier to help circulate the air in your home
4. Regularly wipe any humid surfaces where mold could form in your kitchen or bathroom, this will keep unwanted spores at bay.
5. After going outside, wash your hair as pollen and airborne irritants can cling to and collect in your strands.

*Any claims in this article are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any diseases. A food supplement is not a substitute for a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle. 

Traditionally used to treat hay fever and support a healthy respiratory system, learn more about another super ingredient for spring time, Mullein Leaf - click here