As we head into spring, the majority of us welcome the warmer weather with
open arms. Yet for millions of families around Australia, spring marks the
beginning of the dreaded hayfever season.
Clinically known as Allergic Rhinitis, seasonal hayfever is one of the most
chronic respiratory conditions in the country. The symptoms of hayfever can
be incredibly unpleasant, and will often send suffers running to the pharmacy
for over the counter anti-histamine medication. This can be especially true for
parents, as no one likes to see their kids unwell.
However, there are a variety of natural family-friendly options that can be
extremely useful in providing relief from hayfever. The best part is, they’re all
perfect for the little kids too. No drugs or medications are required!
1. Try using a nasal barrier
A tried and tested method of prevent symptoms of hayfever is by creating a
nasal barrier. Simply apply a small amount of an ointment or balm like
Vaseline or Pawpaw Ointment around the nostrils and entrance of the nose.
The barrier then traps and collects the pollens, and prevents them from
entering the system through the nasal passage.
While it might feel strange at first, you’re likely to forget about it in a few
minutes. If you’re applying it on your little ones, you may need to apply it a few
times throughout the day as they do have a tendency to wipe it away!
2. Monitor the pollen count
Did you know that the pollen count of your local area can change not just from
season to season, but day to day as well? The higher the pollen count, the
more likely you and your family are to experience hayfever symptoms.
The good news is you can easily monitor the daily pollen count online. For
families living in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane, some of the
more prominent areas of high pollen counts, there are even mobile apps you
can use to track the pollen count of your city.
On days where the pollen count is expected to be particularly high, chronic
hayfever suffered can reduce the onset of symptoms by staying inside and
keeping windows closed. If you have the kids at home, get creative and
consider some indoors alternatives rather than playing outside.
3. Load up on vitamin C
One of the many benefits of vitamin C is the fact that it is a natural antihistamine.
Studies show that not only does it help to boost your immune
system, but that it can also rapidly calm down allergic reactions such as
hayfever.
Fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C include lemons, limes,
grapefruits, blackcurrants, mangoes, kiwifruits, tomatoes and strawberries,
cabbage, capsicum, spinach, broccoli and of course, oranges! Many of these
also happen to be spring seasonal fruits and vegetables, so we like to take
that as mother nature looking out for us!
Keep in mind, vitamin 6 leaves our bodies approximately 6 hours after
consumption, so for the best results be sure to make sure your family are
keeping up their intake throughout the day.
4. Pay close attention to your pets
Think your pets couldn’t possibly be the cause of your family’s hayfever
symptoms? Think again! While you may not necessarily be allergic to animals
in general, tiny pollen spores can stick to your pet’s fur, bringing traces of
pollen into your home when they come inside.
This doesn’t mean they need to stay outside during the spring months, a
regular brush and a wipe down with a damp cloth before coming inside is
enough to rid them of anything that might bring trigger an onset of hayfever.
5. Embrace essential oils
Our final tip to help your family avoid the symptoms of hayfever is to embrace
the use of essential oils. Different essential oils have a variety of healing
properties, and many of these include aiding in respiratory function. Top
essential oils for allergies include Lavender, Peppermint, Chamomile, Tea
Tree, Lemon and Eucalyptus.
At Bubbalove, we stock a range of beautiful essential oil blends and stylish
diffusers that can help your family say goodbye to the signs of hayfever this
spring. To find out more about our range, visit us at home.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for reading purposes only, please see your doctor or pharmacists for hayfever treatment.