Nothing says ‘goodbye winter’ and ‘hello spring’ quite like a congested nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and watery eyes that just won’t budge. In fact, 18 per cent of Australians experience allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, causing a significant impact on their quality of life.
These symptoms can often leave us feeling miserable when we should be outside enjoying the glorious sunshine. This spring, try looking to nature for ingredients to help manage your allergies explains Fusion Health Naturopath, Erika Morvay.
Symptoms of hayfever can impact your quality of life, energy levels, sleep, productivity even cognitive function ca all be affected. Hay fever may also increase your risk of developing sinusitis.
What happens in hay fever?
When an allergy is encountered, the body responds by releasing antibodies, which initiates histamine production. The symptoms of hay fever are triggered by histamine release.
Nutrients with antihistamine action
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and if you chose to supplement opt for a formula, which contains buffered forms of vitamin C such as calcium ascorbate and sodium ascorbate. Quercetain has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic action with several laboratory studies showing its action on suppressing histamine release.
Baical Skullcap is known for its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory actions, and has traditionally been used in Chinese and Western herbal medicine to assist in the management of hay fever.
Panax Ginseng contains active constituents called ginsenosides and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to assist with symptoms associated with allergies.
Bupleurum is traditionally used in Western and Chinese herbal medicine to help manage symptoms of allergies, including hayfever.
Ginger has been used in traditional Chinese and Western herbal medicine mainly for its anti-inflammatory and digestive actions.
Licorice may help to soothe inflamed mucous membranes and is traditionally used in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine to help reduce upper respiratory catarrh or mucous, which may be associated with allergies, including hay fever.
Traditional Chinese herbs such as Xanthium, Magnolia Flower, White Angelica and Asian Wild Mint may help to relieve congestion, inflammation, headaches, and sinus pressure and pain associated with acute and chronic sinusitis.
Specific dietary and lifestyle modifications can provide a significant relief from your hay fever symptoms, so speak to a qualified holistic health care practitioner, who can offer more personalised advice.
Note: Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner.
Erika Morvay is a qualified Naturopath and Holistic Nutritionist. She has over a decade of experience working within the natural therapies industry and continues to educate herself to grow her expertise. She is part of the technical services team at Global Therapeutics (Fusion Health), providing expert advice to consumers, practitioners and retailers alike. She is also a founder of an online natural fertility coaching business, educating and supporting couples on their fertility journey. She is especially passionate about empowering and supporting women to live a nourished, fulfilled life. She can be contacted at www.erikamorvay.com