Hayfever

As I write this, the sun is shining in a cloud-free sky and spring seems well and truly here. While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and signs of spring, for some it is tempered by the thought of the oncoming Hayfever season. As with many things, prevention is better than cure and I would advise hayfever sufferers to start herbal therapy before the pollen starts to fly. Herbs that should be taken include plantain (Plantago laceolata), Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), Nettles (Urtica dioica), Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) amongst many others. Nature is kind to us in that nettles and plantain are already starting to appear and elderflower will be blossoming by the end of May. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and sage (Salvia officinalis) can also be helpful. Mix the herbs together and pour boiling water over them to make a tea. You could also breathe in the steam to help clear a runny nose. For irritated eyes, pour a little boiling water over a chamomile tea bag and, when cool enough place the tea bag over the eyes as a compress. It is best to start your hayfever treatment about a month before you normally get symptoms and continue throughout the season. If this is done over a few years it can be effective in reducing symptoms significantly.

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