HAYFEVER & ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Hayfever is a type of allergic rhinitis where the allergen appears in the form of pollen whereas Allergic Rhinitis is a non-seasonal reaction to airborne allergens with similar symptoms which typically include itchy eyes, sore throat/cough, blocked ears/earache running/blocked nose, sneezing, itchy skin/skin rash, headaches and fatigue. Allergic Rhinitis symptoms can happen at any time of the year and can sometimes appear later in life especially during the menopause years. The symptoms are often triggered by allergens in the home such as those from house dust mites, pets and indoor moulds.
Hayfever fluctuates in severity depending on the time of year as different pollens are released at different times of the spring and summer. Each individual person tends to react in their own set of pollens and may therefore experience symptoms at different times to other hay fever sufferers.
| GRASS POLLINATION | MID-MAY TO JULY | |
| TREE POLLINATION | MARCH TO MID-MAY | |
| WEED POLLINATION | JUNE TO OCTOBER |
Whenever a particle enters the body, the immune system assesses it and decides if it is a threat. If it decides it is harmless, no response is triggered but if it decides it is going to endanger the body, the immune system triggers a response to kill it. It does this by releasing a chemical called histamine which, in turn, can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose. This encourages secretion of thick, sticky mucus to trap the foreign particles.
OTHER ALLERGIES OR ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Mould spores, dust mites and pets can all cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis to appear as well. It leads to inflammation in the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. Although the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis is avoidance of the trigger, this is often not possible. However, home, herbal and conventional treatments have been developed and have shown to be helpful.
POLLINOSAN Allergy Nasal Spray, eye drops & tablets
A. Vogel Pollinosan Nasal Spray is a medical device for the treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms including hayfever symptoms such as runny nose, itchy nose, and nasal congestion. Pollinosan Allergy Nasal Spray contains Ectoin which is a natural, cell-protective molecule with inflammation-reducing and membrane-stabilising properties.The spray also supports the regeneration process of irritated nasal mucosa caused by allergens such as pollen and dust. Pollinosan Hayfever tablets are available for the relief of hayfever and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops are for quick relief of red and itchy eyes. Contains Chamomile and Soothing Hyaluronic Acid
LUFFA by A. Vogel is a tincture containing Sponge Cucumber (Luffa), Heartseed, American Spikenard and other tropical herbs. It is effective against hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis.
QUERCETIN is a powerful antioxidant found in foods such as onions, turmeric, dark berries, apples and green tea. It’s been shown to reduce the release of histamine in the body by stabilising the cells that release it. Quercetin also increases the effectiveness and activity of vitamin C in the body. While quercetin may be consumed through diet, many find that regularly taking a concentrated quercetin supplement season may be effective.
BLACK SEED OIL (Nigella Sativa) has been widely used for more than 3,000 years in health and beauty regimes. Black seed has shown to have anti-allergenic activity which is thought to come from its primary active component; thymoquinone. Studies have reported a reduction in allergic and inflammatory markers in response to black seed supplementation, which makes it a great herbal during hay fever season. Black Seed – Viridian Nutrition
NETTLE TEA has natural antihistamine action; nettle tea can help reduce symptoms such as itchy eyes and nasal congestion.
STAY HYDRATED – this is especially the case if you’re suffering from allergies. If your sinuses are blocked, it can cause you to breathe through your mouth, which will dry it out. Water helps to soothe the membranes in your mouth and throat when this is an issue.
ZEOLITE is a natural clay-like substance. It binds to histamine in the digestive tract and directly eliminates it via the stool. By reducing levels of histamine in the body, zeolite helps to reduce common allergy symptoms that appear when suffering from hayfever, such as itchiness and a runny nose. It’s best to use a Zeolite powder made with Clinoptilolite
PYCNOGENOL (pronounced (‘pic-noj-en-ull’) is a natural supplement extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. Pycnogenol naturally contains a wide range of plant compounds with studies in over 400 clinical publications. Pycnogenol antioxidants are particularly effective for maintaining the healthy functioning of blood vessels and the eyes and can help to support a normal response by the body to an allergic or inflammatory challenge including hayfever. For best results with hayfever, Pycnogenol should be taken for five weeks at the beginning of the allergy season.
