The evenings are always lighter – leaves on the trees are unfolding – the promise of summer is in the air!
Most of us look forward to the arrival of the warm season, but for some unlucky season brings misery in the form of hay fever and seasonal allergic rhinitis, often caused by pollen from trees and grass.
Proteins in the pollen irritate the sensitive membranes of the nose and eyes, causing inflammation. Symptoms include red, itchy, watery eyes and runny or stuffy nose.
Not all allergy sufferers react to the pollen of the same, therefore the timing of symptoms should be noted. In general, tree pollen is present from February to May with the first peak in April. Grass pollen in June and July, and weed pollen (eg nettle) will be worse still widespread in July and August. Hay fever, which begins in late summer and into autumn can be a mold allergy. It is possible to have allergy tests to locate the plants sensitive to pollen you – ask your doctor or therapist are.
So what can be done to alleviate the symptoms? As always warned is forearmed: a few simple preparations now can reduce the severity of attacks later in the season.
If you are lucky enough to be able to buy honey produced locally, you take one teaspoon per day. It has been suggested that the use of small molecules of pollen in honey is believed from the region, contributing to resistance to pollen when they appear in full force later in the season.
Among the many natural remedies is an herb butterbur, scientific studies show significant health benefits for the discharge has experienced hay fever.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been shown that blood vessels and various smooth muscles to relax the body. It contains chemicals that are known to reduce inflammation, as demonstrated in human studies. Some studies have also shown that butterbur and extract taken out of a common antihistamine drug allergy, but without the drowsiness.
Bioflavanoids are plant compounds which have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity have shown. Together with vitamin C may help prevent the formation of these additions of histamine – the chemical that the common reactions of streaming, itchy eyes and runny nose caused. Foods rich in bioflavanoids Quercitin includes onions, garlic, green tea, red wine and dark chocolate (70% cocoa +). Vitamin C is found in broccoli, green pepper, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cabbage and cauliflower.
Plant sterols (phytosterols) are fats found naturally in plant foods. Phytosterols are versatile materials, which have shown to be useful in the management of several conditions are immune disorders. Phytosterols inhibit the release of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) so that the production of histamine and related symptoms such as itchy eyes and sneezing. Plant sterols are in all plant foods with soy and whole grains, particularly whole oats, as rich sources.
Omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seeds and cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel, can affect chemical pathways in the body to relieve allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin E during the pollen season with other anti-allergy treatments was taken showed that reducing the severity of hay fever symptoms by 23%. Good sources of vitamin E are cold pressed wheat germ oil and sunflower oil, hazelnuts, sweet potatoes, avocados and spinach.
A strong immune system is important to help to combat allergic symptoms. Vitamins A, C, D, E and minerals zinc and selenium are all additions, the antioxidant function of the immune system can help.
Vitamin A is found in veal liver, egg yolk, watercress, squash, and oily fish such as mackerel and herring. Also among top sources of vitamin D mackerel, herring, sardines, eggs and cheddar cheese.
Zinc can be extracted from pumpkin seeds, whole grain bread and red meat. Eating only four fifty-six Brazil nuts, your daily recommended intake of selenium, but other sources include fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, whole grain bread and cashew nuts.
There are other measures to avert the worst effects of pollen:
• A thin layer of Vaseline around and just inside the nostrils can trap pollen and particles from minutes that they breathed in and start an allergic reaction.
• Steam inhalations help to reduce the “stuffy nose” feeling.
• Most national weather forecasts now include a pollen so take note and keep windows and doors closed to the opportunities of the invading pollen to reduce your home!
If you are taking any medication, always check with your doctor or therapist before taking herbal or vitamin supplements.


Growing up with parents who grew their own vegetables and led their children to a variety of foods from around the world, Pippa has considerable personal experience of diets based on the principle of healthy and genuine food.

She has always understood how this can have a dramatic impact on a person’s health, vitality and energy, and this was that they asked to share as an alternative practitioner train to share their knowledge with their customers and help them, their to improve lives and their well-being.

Pippa traveled extensively throughout Asia, Far East, Australia and New Zealand, will make his return to the UK on a career in PR and later established a family. She is married and mother of three hungry boys. Her interests include art and literature, and climbing. She is passionate about food, cooking and the benefits of a healthy and nutritious diet.

She is fully insured to practice as medical practitioners. For more information, visit www. Pippa-Mitchell. com.