​5 Hayfever Hacks

For many the warmer weather will come as a welcome relief, but if you’re one of the 15 million people in the UK affected by hayfever, you may not want to hang up your hanky just yet. Hayfever can cause a whole host of unpleasantness that can literally leave your eyes watering. Swelling, mucus formation, and itching and burning in localised areas such as the throat, nose and eyes, are just some of the symptoms we associate with hayfever. Give hayfever the heave-ho with the following suggestions:

1. Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets (£10.50, 120 tablets) from A.Vogel contain seven tropical herbs, including Luffa operculata and Galphimia glauca, to help with allergy to grass and tree pollen, two of the most common hayfever triggers in the UK, as well as allergies to dust, animals and pets, known as allergic rhinitis. Both conditions give rise to symptoms such as itching and watery eyes, sneezing, tickly nose or throat and a blocked nose. Pollinosan tablets are non-drowsy so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery. They can be used alongside other hayfever remedies and there is no restriction on use with asthma.

2. Eye problems can be the most irritating symptom of hayfever. When pollen comes into contact with your eyes, they can become inflamed, itchy and watery. This can obscure your vision and cause an enormous amount of discomfort.  A.Vogel Eye Drops (£9.99 for 10ml) contain Euphrasia and can be used to relieve dry, irritated or tired eyes. The drops help to soothe and maintain lubrication of the eyes and are suitable for use whilst wearing contact lenses. They are also suitable for use during pregnancy or whilst breast-feeding, and for children from two years and above.

3. Blocked or runny nose?  Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray (£7.99 for 20ml) is a herbal nasal spray which, unlike many chemical nasal sprays, can be used over a prolonged length of time to help clear a blocked or runny nose. It cleanses the nasal passages and also helps to protect against hayfever-inducing pollen and other allergens. Free from nasty preservatives, Pollinosan Nasal Spray is suitable for people with asthma and children over the age of six.

4. Keep an eye on your diet. Many people with hayfever are also likely to have sensitivity to certain foods, the most common being dairy produce. Dairy foods are mucous-forming which can make hayfever symptoms worse. Try to keep dairy products to a minimum or seek out dairy-free alternatives such as rice or oat milk. Sugar can also be problematic in that sudden surges and drops can cause adrenalin production, which involves the production of histamine. Quercetin, found naturally in onions, apples and black tea, is noted for its antihistamine activity.

5. Stay one step ahead. A bit of detective work will help keep you one step ahead of your pollen-shaped foe: check prevailing winds and pollen counts, and remember that wind-dried clothes can become pollen catchers. Hanging clothes inside will keep them pollen free. Limiting outdoor activity during the early morning hours, which is when pollen counts tend to peak, can also help.