Hayfever:

It’s that time of the year where hayfever sufferers clog up the pharmacies for their annual fix of antihistamines. But are there any non-drug alternatives to treating this common allergy? One common suggestion is to identify which pollen you are allergic to (usually ‘local’ flowers within close vicinity) and then take at least one teaspoon of the honey made from that pollen. For more immediate relief, one reader suggests coating the interior of the nostrils with a viscous oil, such as olive, peach or apricot kernal oil, as this protects the sensitive mucous membranes from the pollen. Other ways to lessen your contact with pollen is to drink lots of water throughout the day to flush them out of your system; taking a quick shower before bedtime; and keeping your pillow or bed covered during the day. A reader who was initially put on a special diet (no dairy, no soya, no sugar, no caffeine, no yeast) for her menopausal symptoms not only found relief from the hot flushes, but she also got rid of her life-long hay fever. Acupuncture and kinesiology may also help to strengthen immune system and desensitise the body. Supplements that are good all-round anti-allergens include quercetin (found in onions and apples) and stinging nettles.