Herbal Comfort for Summer Allergies
Summer's Here (well almost)! Let's Keep Those Pesky Allergies at Bay
Ah, summer! Sunshine, longer days, and the great outdoors beckon. But for many of us, this beautiful season also brings the unwelcome arrival of rising pollen counts and the familiar woes of hayfever, sinusitis, and rhinitis. Instead of feeling refreshed and energized, we can often find ourselves battling itchy eyes, a perpetually runny nose, that annoying fuzzy head feeling, and a general sense of being irritable and uncomfortable. Sound familiar?
As a medical herbalist, I understand how these allergies can disrupt your daily life. That constant battle with congestion, sneezing fits that seem to come out of nowhere, and the sheer exhaustion of feeling under the weather can really put a damper on enjoying everything summer has to offer. It's not just a sniffle; it's the brain fog that makes concentrating difficult, the scratchy throat that makes talking a chore, and the pressure in your sinuses that can lead to real pain.
Understanding the Summer Allergy Picture
Hayfever (Allergic Rhinitis): Think of it as your body having an overenthusiastic reaction to pollen. This can lead to those tell-tale itchy eyes, a nose that seems to have a mind of its own, endless sneezing, and sometimes even a nagging headache that just won't quit. Pollen levels tend to peak at certain times of the day, often in the early morning and evening, so being aware of these patterns can be helpful.
Sinusitis: When allergies flare up, they can cause inflammation in your sinuses – those air-filled spaces in your skull. This inflammation can trap mucus, leading to that blocked-up feeling, pressure, and sometimes even pain in your face and head. Summer humidity and pollutants in the air can also make things worse.
Rhinitis: This simply means inflammation of the nasal passages. When it's allergy-related, it shares many of the same culprits as hayfever, like pollen, but can also be triggered by other airborne irritants and last all year long. The result is that familiar stuffy or runny nose that can leave you feeling pretty miserable. Luckily we also address this issue here, as the treatment of all 3 conditions is fairly similar.
Herbal Comfort for Summer Allergies
The good news is that nature offers us some wonderful allies in our fight against these seasonal sniffles. For centuries, herbs have been used to soothe and support the respiratory system. Here are a few key ways herbs can help, and some examples from my herbal toolkit:
Clearing Congestion: Some herbs can encourage your body to gently move out that excess mucus. Think of Thyme and Eucalyptus, which have a refreshing quality, while soothing. Marshmallow leaf can also help if things feel a bit dry, or if the mucus is too sticky.
Easing Irritation: When your airways feel tense from all that coughing or just general irritation, herbs like Liquorice and Wild Lettuce can help to relax those muscles and bring some calm. Wild lettuce is also a sedative, so best taken in the evening. Whilst liquorice is also helpful for supporting the adrenal glands when you are stressed, and in relieving digestive allergies and IBS.
Soothing and Protecting: Herbs like Slippery Elm and Marshmallow leaf are rich in a substance called mucilage, which feels a bit like a soothing gel. This can coat and protect those sensitive mucous membranes, reducing that raw, irritated feeling. Make sure you filtered or spring drink lots too!
Reducing Runniness: Certain herbs can help to gently reduce the overproduction of that annoying nasal catarrh. Elderflower, Golden Rod, and Eyebright are often go-to herbs for this. I find they work best as a tea.
Taming Inflammation: Inflammation is at the heart of many allergy symptoms. Herbs like Liquorice, Marshmallow leaf, and even humble Plantain (not the banana - the herb Plantago spp.) can help to calm this down. Syrups of marshmallow and liquorice are deliciously soothing, and great for kids who may need encouragement to take a herbal flavoured medicine if they have a fussy palate.
Supporting Your Body's Defences: While not directly targeting the allergy itself, herbs like Echinacea and Elderberry can help support your overall immune system. Everyday herbs you can buy in the supermarket like Ginger, Garlic, and Peppermint can lend a hand. Fresh peppermint tea should be made very strong to be effective - Moroccan style, add a little honey for its extra soothing action on the throat. As you drink the tea, inhale the aroma; this will help the essential oils in the tea work on the sinuses, bringing relief immediately.
Calming the Allergic Response: Herbs like Nettle and Chamomile have antihistamine properties that can help to dial down the body's histamine response, which is a key player in allergic reactions.
Simple Steps for a Happier Summer
Alongside the power of herbs, a few simple tweaks to your daily routine can make a real difference:
Keep an Eye on Pollen: Try to limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high.
Create a Pollen Shield: A little dab of natural balm around your nostrils can trap pollen before you inhale it.
Sunglasses are Your Friend: They're not just for sunny days; they can also help protect your eyes from airborne pollen. Wear blue lenses to allow in the light that helps trigger serotonin production.
Keep Your Space Clean: Regular cleaning can help reduce indoor allergens.
Gentle Nasal Rinsing: A simple saline rinse can help clear pollen and irritants from your nasal passages. Neti pots are readily available and very easy to use, although it does feel weird squirting water up your nose at first, but it is worth it, and is especially helpful if you have a foggy head!
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough fluids helps keep everything flowing smoothly. Your body needs water to create the healthy mucus secretions that trap pollen and clear it out of the system.
Consider Your Indoor Air: If possible, using air purifiers can help remove allergens from the air inside your home. Placing one in the bedroom, so the air you breathe as you sleep is clean, can really help relieve the load the body has to deal with daily.
Your Herbalist Ally This Summer
While these tips and herbal suggestions can offer significant relief, sometimes allergies can be stubborn and really impact your quality of life. That's where personalised herbal support can be invaluable. As a medical herbalist, I can work with you to understand your specific symptoms and triggers and create a tailored herbal protocol to help you feel better and enjoy the summer months. If you're tired of feeling fuzzy-headed, irritable, and in pain due to allergies, please do get in touch. Let's work together to help you thrive this summer!
