This week, UK searches for “Pollen Count” have surged to a six-month high, with “how quickly do hayfever tablets work” peaking on people’s search engines. The Met Office has officially announced the start of the hay fever season, cautioning that this year may be more severe than usual due to the warm weather last spring.
With warmer weather settling in over the past fortnight and temperatures expected to reach up to 21°C in parts of the UK, the 21 million Brits who suffer from hay fever are bracing for allergy season. Whilst many turn to over-the-counter antihistamines, these can be costly, cause unpleasant side effects, or interact with other medications.
To help allergy sufferers, Stuart Hazledine a tea specialist from Char Teas, has revealed five natural and affordable hay fever remedies that may already be sitting in your kitchen cupboard – without the need for daily pills.
- Green Tea
“Green tea contains compounds like gallic acid and quercetin, which help stabilise immune cells that release histamine. This means it can be effective for reducing symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes. Quercetin is an antioxidant also found in citrus fruits, apples, and onions, so consider adding these ingredients to your plate too.”
- Turmeric tea
“Turmeric contains curcumin, an active ingredient that blocks histamine release and reduces inflammation. Whilst often known for easing joint pain, turmeric can also help relieve the congestion, coughing, and itchiness caused by hay fever. Allergy sufferers could add it to meals or mix it with hot water, lemon and honey to create a soothing turmeric tea.”
- Ginger tea
“Studies show that ginger extract improves the nasal symptoms of hayfever. Not only is it a natural antihistamine, ginger supports the immune system while also alleviating headaches caused by allergies. Enjoy it as a tea by pouring boiled water over fresh or dried ginger root, or add it to curries, stir-fries, and baked goods.”
- Honey
“Despite limited scientific evidence, local honey is often praised anecdotally for alleviating hay fever symptoms. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce congestion, being rich in antioxidants, and bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids. The spread also has prebiotic properties that support beneficial gut bacteria, which emerging research suggests could play a role in managing hay fever symptoms. Try a spoonful in your tea or drizzle it over breakfast.”
- Chamomile
“Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that may help soothe hay fever symptoms. Drinking chamomile tea can reduce irritation in the eyes and nasal passages, and inhaling its steam will also help to clear congestion. Try sipping on a warm cup of chamomile tea before bed for an allergy-fighting boost.”
What to Avoid
- Pineapple: High in histamine, it can worsen allergy symptoms.
- Strawberries: Known as histamine liberators, they can trigger histamine release in the gut and exacerbate allergies.
Before trying herbal remedies, always consult with a doctor to check they won’t interfere with existing medications.