Runny nose and swollen sinuses? Sore eyes and throat? Constantly drowsy from taking antihistamine tablets? Hay fever can really take the fun out of summer. Although there’s no cure (apart from moving somewhere with no plant life), there are a few ways you can find relief naturally. We asked facial reflexologist Joanne Bale and naturopath Merran Lusher to share how.
Merran Lusher says…
The UK has one of the highest rates of allergic conditions in the world with over 20% of the population said to be affected by one or more allergic disorders. Hay fever is a common allergic condition whereby the sufferer reacts to the proteins contained in pollen. It causes histamine levels to skyrocket, with subsequent irritation in the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses. From a medical perspective there is no cure and only symptomatic relief in the form of antihistamines and corticosteroids are prescribed for inflammation and swelling.
From a naturopathic perspective however, we can help to support and modulate the immune system and the microbiome through nutraceuticals, probiotics, herbal medicines, homeopathy and food. The types of food we eat can profoundly impact the immune system for better or worse. Histamine is by nature inflammatory, so following an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamin C, quercetin, bioflavonoids, omega three essential fatty acids, pre and probiotics will all help to lower histamine levels, support immune function and boost resilience against pollen and other aggravating environmental allergens:
Foods to embrace:
- Berries and blackcurrants
- Tropical fruits: papaya, pineapple and mango
- Avocados
- Root vegetables: butternut squash, carrots, sweet potato and yams
- Organic dark green vegetables: kale, spinach, broccoli
- Healthy oils: olive oil, flaxseed and hempseed oil
- Fresh oily fish: sardines, salmon, trout, herring, mackerel
- Prebiotic rich foods: onions, garlic, leeks
- Fermented foods: sauerkraut, kombucha and miso
- Herbal teas: nettle tea, green and white tea
Foods to limit:
- Alcohol
- Coffee and black tea
- Refined heavily processed foods
- Sugary foods
- Gluten
- Preservatives, colourings and flavourings
- Dairy products
Merran offers naturopathy, bodytalk and nutritional consultations at Camden. To view her schedule and prices, please click here.
Joanne Bale says…
There are particular acupressure  points on the face that when worked on can help relieve symptoms of hay fever such as sinus pain – using these techniques just a few times a day can be really effective!
First point: in the indentation of the inner eye socket where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows.
How to work: gently stimulate in a circular motion for about 5 seconds. This relieves hay fever, sinus, headaches, and eye strain
Second point: one and a half inches below the base of the skull and one and half inches outward from the spine.
How to work: gently massage these points for between 5 – 19 seconds. This relieves hay fever, stress, stiff neck, swollen eyes and sore throat.
Third point: two thirds of the way up from the upper lip to the nose.
How to work: massage using gentle circular movements for 5 – 10 seconds. This relieves hay fever, sneezing, fainting and dizziness.
Fourth point: third eye point, located directly between the eyebrows in the indentation where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead.
How to work: gently stimulate this point in circular motion for 5 – 10 seconds. This relieves hay fever, sinus congestion, headaches and eye strain.
In addition… always ensure you are drinking at least 2 litres of water a day, especially after working these points, to help eliminate toxins from the body. Start each day with two glasses of cooled boiled water and a slice of lemon.
Joanne offers facial and foot reflexology at Shoreditch. To view her schedule and prices, please click here.
