Blog

The jonquils and the wattles are flowering – along with grasses across the state – so it’s hayfever time.

(Or seasonal rhinitis – which is its medical name.)

If you get in early, there’s a lot you can do to minimise your symptoms and keep yourself well.

Hayfever is essentially an immune system response – so keeping well is about boosting your immune system. (Not a bad thing with COVID-19 around 🙂 )

Waiting until you HAVE symptoms will give the allergens a head start on your body.   If you know that hayfever is part of your life then consult your naturopath NOW – not when you’re sneezing and wheezing.

So what can you do?

At a self help level

Take general immune system boosters like Vitamin C, echinaceae, garlic, horseradish – good quality supplements in the right dosage for you.

Your vitamin D level is also important.  This time of year, you CAN go out in the midday sun without sunscreen (in Melbourne, at least)  so find yourself a sunny corner out of the wind and relax.   (This is better than a D supplement – but if your lifestyle makes it impossible then talk to your naturopath about the right dosage.)

Cleansing juices based around carrot, celery, parsley, apple and paw paw will do your whole body good.

Now that the weather is warming up, lightening the food you’re eating will also help.   It’s time to move away from heavier winter warmers to new seasons salads and lighter consommes.  (Think Vietnamese Pho.)

If you KNOW you’re going to have a problem – get advice early

An online or telephone consult now could make your life more comfortable.

There are a whole range of specialist naturopathic treatments that are useful.  They could include:

• Quercetin (a bioflavonoid that has anti inflammatory benefits)
• Pelargonium sidoides – (a wonderful South African plant related to the flowers that your grandma probably used to grow) .  It’s specific for strengthening mucus membranes – especially in the upper respiratory tract from the throat to the sinuses.
• Euphrasia (eyebright)  – is a traditional herb for sinus-related issues.
• Albizzia – is a herb that dampens down an over-active immune system.  Hayfever happens because your body over-reacts to allergens, so this is a really useful herb for many patients

Everybody’s system is different, and the dosage needs to be right or you won’t get the results you want.

Appropriate herbal medicines that are prescribed at the correct dosage will give you relief WITHOUT drying out your body, making you sleepy or reacting with other medications.