Are you dreading hay fever season and all it brings with it? Runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat?

Hay fever tends to respond well to herbal treatment and with various suitable herbs to choose from, the right formula for you can be found to suit your unique set of symptoms. A herbal remedy for hay fever will most likely consist of herbs targeting the allergic response in the body as well as supporting the immune system and lowering stress levels.

To get the most effective results from the herbs, it is recommended that the treatment starts up to 2 months before hay fever season is due to commence. For most people this will be in February/March. However, you can still start treatment once the hay fever season is in full swing to alleviate your symptoms. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help yourself:

1.  Make sure your immune system is strong by eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, possibly supplementing with a multivitamin complex for this period. Regular exercise also helps to strengthen your immune system and to lower stress levels. Keep alcohol/smoking/caffeine to an achievable minimum in order to minimise toxic stress on the body.

2.  Ingesting local honey has been shown to be helpful for improving the severity of hay fever symptoms. Many areas even in London produce local honey, often available in local health food shops or delis. Take one teaspoon per day of local honey for 6-8 weeks before hay fever season begins.

3.  Nettle is a gentle herb with anti-allergic properties which can be useful when drunk as a tea before and during hay fever season. Make sure you get a good quality nettle tea (ideally loose rather than tea bags) and drink up to 3 cups per day – you can sweeten it with local honey!

If you are curious about Herbal Medicine but are unsure whether it is suitable for you then why not book a 15 minute free consultation with our herbalist Marion. Herbal Medicine can be helpful in a wide variety of conditions from the common cold to complex chronic health issues. It is well tolerated by most people and suitable for all ages. Any current medication or supplements you are on will be taken into account when formulating a treatment plan.

During Herbal Medicine Awareness Week (18-26 June) Marion is offering a 20% discount on all initial 60 minute consultations.