Allergic Rhinitis (hayfever)

What you need to know

This condition, as its name implies, is caused by allergies, either seasonal or all the year round, when it’s called perennial rhinitis. It’s often accompanied by hayfever, when all complementary remedies and therapies should include the treatments advised for both conditions. Lifestyle changes are essential to reduce exposure to allergens.

The most useful Supplements:

A good hi-potency multi-nutrient (a strong multivitamin) formula taken daily is useful to assist in correcting dietary deficiencies caused by a poor or restricted diet. Many supplements can reduce inflammation and have antihistamine-like effects.

Bioflavanoid complex	500mg to 3,000mg per day
Bromelain	2,000G.D.U to 3,000G.D.U per day
Evening primrose oil	20ml as liquid or 4,000mg to 5,000mg capsules per day
Acidophilus and fructo-oligosaccharides	1 capsule after each meal or 250gm of Bio or BA yoghurt
Quercetin	400mg to 500mg up to 3 times per day
Zinc with Copper	15mg to 30mg and 1mg to 2mg per day

Other supplements which might be helpful:

Fish-oil
Flaxseed oil

The most useful Herbs:

Several herbs can help reduce histamine and inflammation:

Elderflower	500mg 3 times per day
Ginger	500mg 3 times per day
Nettle leaf	500mg 3 times per day

Other herbs that may help include:

Cinnamon
Echinacea
Garlic
Peppermint
Sage
Thyme
Yarrow.

Aromatherapy

For inhalations, try these essential oils:

Eucalyptus
Tea Tree
Rosemary

The same oils used in a fragrancer at night will improve the quality of sleep and a compress of lavender oil and warm water over the nose will relieve congestion.

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

You should avoid mucous-forming foods such as:

Dairy foods
Chocolate
Eggs
Refined carbohydrates (cakes, biscuits, white bread)
People with inhalant allergies are also likely to have food sensitivities. Seek professional guidance to discuss being tested or following an elimination diet.
Drink large amounts (2 litres per day) of fluids such as water, diluted juices, soups and herb teas, especially Green Tea, as it contains Quercetin and other Bioflavanoids which are anti-inflammatory.
Reduce sugar intake as it impairs immune function
Sometimes taking a daily teaspoon of locally produced honey can relieve symptoms if pollen allergy is the cause
Eat plenty of oily fish for the anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids
Eat plenty of onions and apples- as they contain Quercetin which is an anti-histamine

Other useful advice:

The most helpful therapies are

Acupuncture
Aromatherapy massage
Naturopathy - The naturopath will also use breathing exercises as an aid to prevention.

If restricting Dairy products it is advisable to supplement the diet with Calcium and Vitamin D. This is also important if you are using a corticosteroid nasal spray as it affects Calcium absorption.

Allergic Rhinitis often causes catarrh, please refer to this section to find more information.

Back

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.