Hay Fever and Allergies – What Can We Do?

Spring for all of its freshness, wonder and glory brings its own set of problems in the form of allergies, from mild bouts of hay fever and itchy eyes to full-on respiratory attack. Here are some of the things you can do to minimise or alleviate these unpleasant conditions.Instant relief can be at hand at your local pharmacy in the form of antihistamines and eye drops. However I prefer to leave these as a last ditch stand in my quest for relief, but on those days where all else is still not providing relief, they are much better than heavy breathing, sniffling, sneezing and looking like you have been crying all day.Natural alternatives for the above can be obtained at your local health food shop – herbs like Horseradish, Fenugreek seed, Marshmallow, Garlic and Echinacea are very effective at providing relief and in helping to boost your immunity. These are usually made up in effective combinations and sold in convenient tablet or capsule form. Another thing to look at is the use of a natural Nasal Spray. Saline (salt) solution is very effective used as an eye drop or wash to overcome itchiness and excessive watering of the eyes.Watch what you eat! Be observant of your diet and look out for reactions. Sometimes our allergies are exacerbated by certain foods, so if you notice a connection between what you’re eating and an increase in allergy reaction, you can modify your diet for some relief.Another thing to consider is drinking a glass of clean sea water daily. This will provide a complete mineral pill in natural proportion to help build your bodies defences. Or make your own solution by dissolving rock salt in water, called Sole(So-lay).Look into your environment- Do that spring clean! Even though it creates allergy havoc while you are doing it, the removal of dust and mites etc can only improve the situation for the better. Plus it has a strong psychological effect.Tip; clean or replace your air conditioner filter, and replace your vacuum cleaner filter. Take down your fly screens and wash them free of all dust and dirt.Introducing an environment of negative ions can be quite effective. Look to utilising Himalayan Salt Lamps. Bring a big fresh improvement to your inside air quality by using these around your home and office. One in your main living area is good start, but one in every room is even better. Elanra & trade; negative ioniser machines are also very beneficial. These are also sold as a personal pendant that can be worn at all times.Aromatherapy can provide positive assistance and perk up the surrounding area at the same time. Oils like Lavender, Eucalyptus, Camomile and Melissa dispersed into your space make an enormous difference in your reaction to irritants. It is especially helpful to use these in a steam inhalation. If this is inconvenient or you don’t like the heat, try a little oil placed on a tissue or pad and sniff it as required. Sometimes it seems that an oil looses its effectiveness quite soon, so it is a good idea to alternate them throughout the season to maintain effective relief. Specialist suppliers also sell oil blends suitable to the occasion, or try blending your own combinations.Allergies can also be related to stress and some other oils that can be used are Bergamot, Clary, Neroli, Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.NB Only pure essential oil will provide therapeutic benefits – fragrant or scented oil only provides odour.Massage with any of these oils mixed into a massage oil can also be very helpful, as the oil absorbs into the bloodstream and often decreases the severity of allergic response.Crystals.Try carrying or wearing the following stones for relief from hay fever: Amber, Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Jet, Tigers Eye, and Zircon. Allergy relief can also be obtained with Apophyllite, Danburite, Iolite, Lepidolite, Muscovite, Carnelian, Red Jasper, Chrysoprase and Cat’s Eye.These same stones can be strategically placed around the home and office for beneficial effect. Use them in decorations, we took an old serving tray and filled it with clean sand and then placed various stones into an eye pleasing pattern that also provides the desired therapeutic result.All of these can also be made into an elixir and sipped through-out the day.If you are a real sufferer, you may need to use the whole lot to get on top of it. And one last tip is to remember to breathe. When the irritation is getting on top of you and your stress levels are building, stop, take in a few deep breaths and do your best to relax, and remind yourself that this too will soon go away.Disclaimer:The metaphysical and healing properties outlined in this article are for inspiration and reference and educational purposes. These alleged properties are gathered from writings, books, folklore and various other sources. They are dependent upon the attitude and beliefs of the individual. In no way are they meant to replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified therapist or physician.