Natural Relief for Hay Fever: Home Remedies & Holistic Tips

How to treat hayfever naturally - by Louise Avery

As spring bursts forth, many of us who suffer from hay fever brace ourselves for the familiar onslaught of symptoms. If you're like me, itchy eyes and a runny nose can be frustrating and even debilitating at times. Due to the drowsy side effects, I stay clear of conventional antihistamines - preferring to choose home remedies for hay fever. 

My discovery of natural allergy relief began a few years ago, coinciding with the rediscovery of foraging. The more spring weeds I incorporated into my diet, the less my hay fever flared - especially when using common stinging nettles. From March to June, when young nettle shoots are at their peak potency, I try to consume them as often as I can, incorporating them in teas, as well as meals. 

Whilst nettles are my go-to, daisies also work as a natural remedy for itchy eyes. Making a quick and simple eye compress brings lovely relief. 

Our Natural Hay Fever Remedies: 

Nettle tea:

Stinging Nettles are famed for their anti-histamine properties. Whilst you can easily wilt young nettles and add them to your soups, pesto and stews, you can also make a very simple tea by steeping nettle tops in near-boiling water.

If you consume this regularly in hayfever season, it will help your symptoms. Do wear gloves when picking nettles and only pick the top 4-6 leaves of young green plants. When the leaves are turning grey-green, curling up at the sides, and producing seeds, they are no longer as effective.

Recipe:

1. Steep two nettle tops in near-boiling water for 5 minutes
2. Enjoy once it’s cool enough to drink 

Daisy eye compress: 

Daisies have anti-inflammatory and cooling properties to soothe sore and tired eyes. If you pick a handful of fresh daisies and infuse them in hot water until the infusion goes cold, you can then soak 2 cotton wool pads and lay them gently over your eyes for 5 minutes for instant relief. I learnt this top tip from Dr Sam Watts, who makes regular videos on Instagram about herbal medicine. One to follow if you’re interested in natural remedies and wild herbs.