When spring and summer begins, are you jumping for joy or are you dreading the onset of sneezing, runny eyes and itching? If you can relate to the latter and are a sufferer of seasonal allergies, keep reading as we are going to share with you our recipe for a homemade cooling and soothing tea to help keep hay fever symptoms at bay.
But first, what causes hay fever?
A number of New Zealand native trees, grasses and weeds are known to release tiny pollen particles into the air during the warmer months. These particles are picked up by the wind and dispersed far and wide. Unfortunately, even staying indoors wouldn’t help protect us from the irritating pollens all together.
When these pollen particles come into contact with the mucous membranes of or nasal passages, eyes and throat, they can trigger an inflammatory allergic response that is initiated by the immune system.
The common symptoms of hay fever include:
- sinus congestion
- sneezing
- watery eyes
- clear-watery mucus production
- itchy nose and throat
Some people also experience headaches, itchy ears and/or wheezing.
Nature’s hay fever support
- Elderflower
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) is an excellent fragrant herb that helps to soothe the nose and throat when they are itchy and irritated. It has been used widely as a traditional remedy for allergy sufferers, helping to strengthen and tonify the mucus membranes.
- Chamomile
Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) is nature’s alternative to an anti-histamine. It can help calms the body’s over-reaction to environmental allergens and quiet the inflammatory cascade that is driven by the release of histamine. Chamomile is a soothing, cooling and calming herb that has long been used both internally and topically for itches and irritations.
- Nettle
Urtica dioica or commonly known as stinging nettle had powerful counter effects on mucus membranes and body tissue that is inflamed and irritatingly itchy. Like chamomile it can be used both topically and internally and has a known historical use for those suffering from pollen allergies.
- Black Seed
Black Cumin Seed is particularly supportive when the nasal secretions increase and congestion develops as a result. Thanks to its high quantity of antioxidants, it is likely also to be helpful in supporting the healthy function of the immune system and histamine responses.
Iced Hayfever cooler
Makes 1 serving.
*Can easily be doubled or tripled and left to infuse in the refrigerator overnight.
Ingredients:
- 1tsp dried organic Elderflowers
- ½ tsp dried organic Chamomile flowers
- ½ tsp dried organic Nettle leaves
- 2-4 drops Green Trading Organic Black Seed Oil
- Honey or sweetener to taste if required
Directions:
- Let dried ingredients steep in hot water for 10-15 minutes then strain.
**Discard herbs into compost bin or straight onto garden** - Once infusion has cooled, add to a glass filled with ice cubes.
- Add drops of Green Trading Black Seed Oil and sweetener if desired.
Drink 1-2 times per day starting a few weeks before initial hay fever season and continue throughout.
Seek advice from general practitioner before beginning any new herbal supplements and if symptoms persist.