Herbalist, Monika Beau offers tips for overcoming seasonal hay fever.

Spring brings warmer weather and longer days, creating the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. However, for many people, it also marks the beginning of allergy season. Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen or spores, which are abundant during the spring and summer months. While pollen itself is harmless, it can trigger the immune system to release histamine in some individuals. This response leads to inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat, causing common symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Although hay fever is most prevalent during the warmer months, it can occur year-round depending on the type of pollen involved.

Managing allergies can be challenging, especially when pollen counts are high. Avoiding allergens is one of the most effective ways to reduce allergy symptoms. Here are some natural tips to help manage hay fever:

• Avoid grassy areas early in the morning and late at night when pollen levels are highest.
• Mow the lawn regularly before the grass flowers to reduce pollen production.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to prevent pollen from entering your eyes.
• Keep windows and doors closed in your home and car to limit pollen exposure.
• Avoid hanging laundry outside, especially bedsheets, as pollen can cling to fabrics. Shower before bed to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
• If you bring pets inside, regularly washing them helps keep their fur free from pollen.
• Vacuum frequently and damp dust to reduce the spread of pollen indoors.
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, red onions, greens, berries, apples, ginger, turmeric, and garlic. These foods are high in antioxidants and natural anti-histamine compounds like quercetin, which can help alleviate allergy symptoms such as red, itchy, or irritated eyes.
• Supplement with natural ingredients to help the body deal with histamines naturally, below are two of my favourites for the pollen season.

Irish Botanica All Seasons Complex is a botanical blend of natural ingredients including astragalus, angelica and peppermint. It is formulated for all seasons and particularly useful coming into the summer months when the pollen count increases. It is suitable from age 16. Take a 5ml serving 2-3 times daily mixed in water or fruit juice (after food).

Irish Botanica Reishi Mushroom is an excellent choice for year round support, especially during the spring and summer months. Also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Lingzhi, Reishi mushrooms have been cherished in traditional Asian medicine for centuries for their diverse health benefits.

Ask for Irish Botanica at your local Health Store or Pharmacy.