It's June the 6th and the pollen count is high! When I first met my husband Steve 20 years ago I was amazed by the severity of his hay fever symptoms. I didn’t know it was even possible to react so strongly to pollen. To give you an example he would get nosebleeds at night if any windows in the house were left open. His symptoms can still be significant however over the years he has tried lots of things to minimise the disruption from the pollen at such a beautiful time of year.
1. Get adjusted.
I was studying chiropractic when Steve and I met so this was one of the first things Steve found made a big difference. Not that chiropractic is a treatment for hay fever but removing interference from the nervous system improves overall health. Chiropractic has been shown to boost the function of the immune system in a number of studies.
2. Help your immune system out.
Avoid things that may add to the stress load of your immune system. These are different for different people but could include alcohol, sugar, dairy, processed foods. Consume loads of antioxidants from fresh fruit and veg. Perhaps supplementing with a high dose vitamin C supplement will help you. We stock this one from Cytoplan. click here to view
3. Homeopathic remedies.
Many people use homeopathic remedies as an alternative to taking antihistamines. A great one to try is from Helios www.helios.co.uk/shop/helios-hay-fever
4. Cold flannel.
If an itchy face is driving you crazy try washing your face and relaxing with a cold flannel over your face to cool and reduce inflammation.
5. Discover which pollen irritates you.
Different types of pollen are released at different times of year. 95% of hay fever sufferers react to grass pollen which is released between June and August. 25% People react to tree pollen from March. Weed pollen can be released throughout the season from early spring to late Autumn
6. Check the pollen count.
If you make checking the pollen count part of your routine you can be prepared for the day using the methods that you find most beneficial. Pollen count is usually lowest between 11am and 4pm.
7. Pollen defences!
You can minimise the amount of pollen that hits your eyes by making sure you have sunglasses with good eye coverage. You can use Vaseline around your nostrils to catch some of the pollen before it goes up your nose. We love the more natural alternative of using lip balm from essential care. https://www.odylique.co.uk/organic-lip-balm-multipack.html
8. Exercising indoors.
When the pollen count is high getting hot and sweaty and breathing deeply is likely to increase hay fever irritation if you are outside when the pollen count is high.
9. Get to the beach.
We are lucky to live close to the beach – the sea breeze often blows pollen inland and if you’re sat on your surf board in the sea it takes you further away from the irritation of pollen. Steve likes to get his exercise paddling and surfing in the sea.
10. Avoid pollution.
You may think you would have more hay fever symptoms in the countryside however you are twice as likely to experience hay fever in the city as the country due to irritation from pollution.
11. Wash your clothes
Frequently washing your clothes and dry them indoors to minimise the pollen trapped in the fibres of your clothes
12. Taping for hay fever.
Steve has been using this taping method for the last couple of years and he’s certain (a long with many other people) that this is really beneficial. We use sports tape in the distribution shown around he shoulder blades. I have spoken with Master Tui Na practitioner Vanessa Charles about this and she confirms that this will stimulate the major points on the lung meridian.
If you are not feeling your best due to the high pollen count make sure you come in for an adjustment and we can show you the taping above. Call us on 01271 814 067