Those of us who have already switched our bathroom cabinet to organic skincare may also want to take a peek inside their medicine cabinet to see what help plants can be at this time of year. With Spring in the air and allergy awareness week underway, we have picked out our favourite herbs, supplements and treatments which may just provide you with some much needed relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of Hayfever.
Formulated from an array of botanicals traditionally used to help support healthy mucous membranes and relieve the symptoms of hay fever and airborne allergens, Content’s Hayfever Tea contains a potent blend of Nettle , shown to inhibit the key inflammatory agents that cause allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and sneezing, Elderflower and Eyebright found to possess antioxidant and immune stimulating properties to assist in the reduction of mucous and nasal congestion. It also contains Lime Blossom, which while making it pleasant to drink is also anti-catarral, helping reduce the production of mucous and alleviating runny ‘hayfever’ noses.
How to use: Use 1-2 teaspoons of the herbal blend per cup of boiling water. Allow to steep for 5 – 10 minutes. Alternatively use a teapot or cafetiere and increase the quantity of tea accordingly. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day. For a more medicinal effect steep 15-30 minutes. Can be refrigerated for 24 hours.
Professor Peter Molan at the Honey Research Unit of Waikato University, New Zealand, discovered that what makes Manuka Honey so effective in remedying respiratory infections and inflammation is the presence of Methylglyoxal. This non-peroxide ingredient is what gives the honey its unique antibacterial, anti microbial, antiviral, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti fungal properties. A Methylglyoxal level of 400 mg/kg and higher in the honey gives it the power to destroy a very large number of destructive microorganisms, viruses and bacteria.
How to use: Make a lemon and honey drink with a dash of coconut oil (also anti-bacterial) to soothe a sore throat or take a teaspoon a day for respiratory support.
Ministry Of Herbs Organic Herbal Sinus Rub
Formulated by our medical herbalist Jennifer herself the Sinus Rub Balm works to help relieve congestion around the sinus area making it ideal for hay fever suffers. It’s ideal used a night to relieve problem breathing.
How to use: Massage a small amount into the affected areas – nose, cheeks and forehead both morning and night
A combination of nature’s best anti-inflammatories including Turmeric; a powerful inhibitor of certain inflammatory chemicals associated with allergies, Freeze Dried Nettle to assist in healthy inflammatory response to environmental allergens and Elderberry, a potent anti-inflammatory particularly beneficial in supporting the respiratory tract.
How to use: As a food supplement for adults, take 1-2 capsules 1-2 times daily, preferably between meals.
The Synergy Company Pure Radiance C
A vibrant, living blend of wildcrafted camu camu, one of the worlds richest sources of vitamin C along with a propriety formula consisting of organic acerola, blueberries, amla berries, raspberries, lemons, cranberries, cherries, rose hips, and sprouts —this 100% natural source of vitamin C provides highly beneficial co-factors and bio-flavonoids to assist in the alleviation of allergy symptoms
How to use: Take 1 – 4 capsules daily or as instructed by your Naturopath or health professional. Try opening the capsules and adding to your green juice or smoothie for an extra shot of vitamin C.
Whilst over-the-counter herbal tinctures and supplements are a good first port of call for relieving the symptoms of stubborn allergies, if you feel you may require additional support, schedule yourself a Herbal Medicine session to have a bespoke tincture prescribed for additional benefit.
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