Hay fever sufferers have faced a tough time over the last week after the pollen count hit record levels.
Typical symptoms are sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, an itchy throat, mouth nose and ears, and a headache, according to the NHS.
While these only last for weeks or months, usually between the months of March and September when it’s warm and humid, symptoms can make how you go about your daily life difficult.
Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays are often recommended, but if these don’t do the trick, what’s an alternative remedy?
Experts say there are certain foods that can help you fight back against your hay fever – one being stinging nettles.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, preliminary studies they carried out showed stinging nettles help to reduce sneezing and itching in people suffering with hay fever.
So what’s the best way to take your stinging nettle remedy? Brewing nettles in tea is the recommended method.
While you can buy nettle tea from your local supermarket or health store, making your own nettle tea is thought to be more effective.
First, wear a pair of rubber gloves to pick some nettle leaves.
Add water to your collected nettle leaves and heat the water to a near boil.
All you have to do next is remove the leaves and enjoy.
If nettle tea isn’t for you, then you can try adding foods rich in beta-carotene to your diet, which your body then uses to make vitamin A.
Holland & Barrett explains: “This can help keep your mucous membranes healthy rather than dry and irritates, as well as boosting your immune system.”
Five foods that are rich in beta-carotene are carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, spinach and kale.
But if none of these foods take your fancy, the high street health shop also recommends taking a daily vitamin A supplement.
One of the hardest things to contend with when you have hay fever is sleep. So how can you ensure some well-earned shut eye?
According to Myhayfever.com.au, hay fever symptoms tend to be worse at night because pollen from the day settles back down to earth as the temperature drops.
This means, if you’ve been outside during the day, or had your window open, there’s high chance the pollen will nestle in your clothes, hair and bedsheets.
There are some simple tips you can follow, as recommended by Sealy UK – one of these is showering at night.
“At the end of a long day, your hair, skin and clothes will be covered in micro-particles of dust and pollen, especially if you’ve spent long periods outside enjoying the sunshine,” says Sealy UK
“A quick shower before settling down for the night can help remove these allergens before you sleep, reducing night time symptoms.”
TV doctor Dr Ranj recommended a way to relieve hay fever symptoms.
