How to Treat Hay Fever Using Home Remedies

Grass is one of many allergens that can cause hay fever.

Hay fever can be torture for sufferers. Hay fever usually occurs during spring and autumn, when wind-blown pollen is in the air. People who are more sensitive to allergies will suffer the most from hay fever. Pollen, mold, dust, ragweed, pet dander and grass are all allergens that will cause hay fever. The symptoms of hay fever include repeated and prolonged sneezing, stuffy and watery nose, redness and itchy eyes, watery eyes, itchy nose, throat, mouth and ears, and breathing difficulties. Hay fever can cause other health problems, such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps and asthma. People who suffer from hay fever should see a doctor, but there are also ways to treat hay fever at home and ease the symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Fenugreek seeds
• Water
• Grapefruit and lemon peelings
• Honey
• Herbal tea
• Coffee
• Air conditioner
• Clothes dryer

Instructions

1. Steep 1 tsp. of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water and cover for 10 minutes. Drink this mixture of fenugreek and water every day to help relieve the symptoms.

2. Take the peelings from a grapefruit and lemon and simmer them in a little bit of water. Cover for about 10 minutes. Sweeten the mixture with honey if preferred and eat 1 tsp. one to three times a day.

3. Take an herbal tea bath. Choose two or three herbs, such as calendula flowers, lavender flowers, eyebright flowers or German chamomile, which can be found at any health food store. Blend the herbs you choose to make 1/4 cup. Add the blended herb mixture to 4 cups of water and allow it to steep overnight. The following day, bring the herbal tea mixture to a boil, cover with a lid and remove from the stove. Allow the herbal tea to sit and cool for 15 minutes, strain and add to your bathwater. Soaking in an herbal tea bath and preparing it the day before will help calm and soothe your immune system and ease hay fever symptoms.

4. Drink 18 oz. of hot coffee. The caffeine is a potent decongestant and, because it is hot, it will help open your airways for easier breathing. Hot coffee can also help asthma sufferers.

Tips & Warnings

• Eat or drink honey regularly to help desensitize yourself to pollens in the air. Keep your windows shut in your house and car and use your air conditioner during spring, summer and fall. By keeping your windows closed you will keep out airborne allergens. Using an air conditioner can also help you breath better. If you don't want the cool air, use you fan setting. Use your clothes dryer instead of hanging your clothes out to dry. Pollen lands on clothes hanging outside and stays there. If you cannot use a dryer for certain fabrics, hang them inside. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meats. Meats tend to promote allergies while fruits and vegetables tend to deter them. Changing your diet may not help ease hay fever symptoms immediately, but over time it can help. Wash your hair every night before going to bed. Pollen can stick to your hair during the day. Pollen counts are usually higher in the morning. If possible, stay inside during morning hours. Keep your grass cut short, especially during spring. Keep dogs and cats outside if you are allergic to pet dander. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief while dusting your house.

• Avoid foods that seem to trigger allergies. See a doctor for medical treatment of hay fever. Home remedies might work, but there is no guarantee.

Resources

• The Doctors Book of Home Remedies
• Hay Fever Home Remedies
• Home Remedies for Hay Fever
• Herbal Remedies for Hay Fever