It’s
that time of year again-
“Summertime, and the living is sneezy,
Fish are jumping and the pollen count is high”
to paraphrase the Gershwins. Such a bore, if you happen
to be a hay fever sufferer! I was, for many years, although a series of
measures have helped to alleviate it to the extent that I haven’t yet sneezed
this year. It is now far too late to take preventative action, like eating a daily spoonful of local honey from February onwards. (Tried this, didn’t work for me!)
However, if you are suffering now, you need instant relief. My hay-fever
survival prescription includes the following:
Eye Solace is the most soothing eye treatment I
know! It is best applied on two cool damp cotton wool pads, half an ampoule
for each eye, and then having a little lie down, which enables the Euphrasia (Eyebright)
extract to calm and heal sore, itchy eyes. Refreshing for tired or sore eyes, its soothing herbal formula also reduces puffiness. As well as euphrasia, it contains chamomile, fennel and black tea extract, all of which help calm and revive. In fact, don't just keep it for the hay fever season, as it is handy all year round, for reducing eye bags and relieving itchy eyes! 
If you have time, a facial steam
with the Dr Hauschka Steam Bath added to it, will help clear the nasal
passages, calming inflamed tissue with witch hazel and nasturtium as well as
helping soothe sore eyes with the steam and the herbal extracts. Of course, it is great for your skin, too, so you are giving your pores a deep cleanse at the same time! Multitasking at its best, ladies!
Using Eye Balm much thicker than usual will help
to trap pollen before it enters the delicate eyes, thus avoiding some of the
problem. Containing carrot, soothing calnedula and apricot oil as well as the signature herb Anthyllis, not only does this soften fine lines, but also protects the delicate skin around the eyes. Warm it gently, before applying it.
Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Bath essence can be
really helpful for bathing your face, once you come in from outside, as the
Lavender soothes skin and airways, and the application of warm water, then cool splashing
afterwards, can help one feel calmer and better. Lavender helps calm the mind and soul as well as being physically soothing so it is worth taking a few minutes to use it.
Dietary measures can help to some extent: increase your vitamin C intake, via fresh fruit and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, leafy
greens and even nettles, which are also supposed to be good for reducing the
histamine reaction which gives rise to so much misery. Vitamin A foods like
carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, watercress and spinach help to maintain
healthy mucus membranes. Obviously, cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and
dairy products can also help, as many hay-fever sufferers also have a
sensitivity to some or all of these. (You can also up your vitamin intake by
supplementing with extra vitamin C tablets.) It is always worth experimenting with what you eat to see if your diet ameliorates or exacerbates your symptoms. The internet is awash with articles, so do some research if this interests you.
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| Look here for an interesting article on gluten and hayfever: http://tonywrighton.com/wp-content/uploads/20_Hayfever.jpg |
Obviously, avoiding pollen is the answer, though this is
generally not practical, but simple measures such as changing clothes when you
come in from outside, and getting undressed in the bathroom, rather than your
bedroom can help reduce your exposure to a lower level.
All of these products are available from me and really do help allay the misery, but for total relaxation, try booking a Dr Hauschka treatment, which will relax and de-stress you, thus also helping to alleviate your hay fever!
All of these products are available from me and really do help allay the misery, but for total relaxation, try booking a Dr Hauschka treatment, which will relax and de-stress you, thus also helping to alleviate your hay fever!
