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• Proteins in the pollen of trees, mold, grasses, and some plants can affect some people causing an allergy known as hay fever (allergic rhinitis).  The allergy can agitate mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and air passages, causing red, itchy eyes; sneezing; watery discharge from the nose; fatigue; and nervous irritability.  A person my think they have a common cold, except a cold usually has symptoms of a thick secretion nasal discharge which can become yellow-greenish as the illness progresses.  A cold is often associated with mild fever and usually goes away within a week, whereas allergy symptoms of feeling “wiped out” can last for weeks on end.
• There are at least 50 million Americans who suffer from hay fever.
• There are three hay fever seasons which has different types of pollen present at different times of the year.  Hay fever may be present during the following times of the year:

1. February through May: Alder, hazelnut, and elm trees.
2. March through June: Birch, maple, and oak trees.
3. April through June: Beech and spruce trees.
4. April through August: Horse chestnut trees.
5. April through September: Asters, pine trees, plantain, sorrel, stinging nettle, and various grasses.
6. May through July: Buttercups.
7. June through September: Goosefoot.
8. July through September: Mugwort.

• Animal hair, fungus spores, molds, feathers, dust, and/or other environmental agents may trigger symptoms.  If a person suffers throughout the year it is said they have perennial rhinitis.
• People who suffer from hay fever can also suffer from asthma and dermatitis (so called atopic disorders).  Susceptibility to hay fever can tend to be inherited.

Some suggestions that are beneficial for hay fever are listed below.  A person who suffers from hay fever should always choose hypoallergenic supplements.

1. Bromelain – 1,000mg 3 times daily, between meals reduces inflammation associated with symptoms of hay fever.
2. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids – 3,000-10,000mg 3 times a day is a potent immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory.  Use an esterified or buffered form.
3. Vitamin B complex – take as directed on label.  All B vitamins are important for proper functioning of the immune system.
4. Zinc – 50-80 mg daily.  Do not exceed a total of 100mg daily from all supplements. Zinc boost immune function.  Zinc gluconate lozenger or OptiZinc are the best forms for absorption.
5. Calcium – 1,500 mg daily, and magnesium 1,000 mg daily have a calming effect on the system.
6. Garlic (Kyolic from Wakunaga) taken as directed on label is helpful for sinus inflammation.  Use a liquid formula.
7. Vitamin E – 200IU daily or 400IU every other day helps boost the immune system.  Use the d-alpha-tocopherol form.

Recommendations:

• For red itchy eyes try putting slices of cool cucumber over the eyes.
• Avoid putting laundry outside, as pollen can collect on the fabric.
• If you must work in the yard consider wearing a mask or goggles to keep pollen from getting into your eyes.
• Use a car air conditioner to avoid pollen collecting in the car.
• Showering before bedtime can be helpful in removing pollen from the skin and hair.
• The safest and best way to control allergies is using a natural way.  Making changes in your diet, lifestyle, and mental state can help control allergies.

• I personally have hay fever and find the best relief using freeze dried stinging nettle which has no side effects.  I sometimes use a combination of eye bright and nettle leaf loose tea to sip.

Reference:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

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