Hayfever season is here, and if you’re one of the millions in the UK who struggle with sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose, you know just how frustrating it can be. While antihistamines are the go-to for many, they often cause drowsiness and don’t always work as well as we’d like. The good news? There are plenty of natural remedies for hayfever that can help ease your symptoms and keep you feeling great. Read on to discover the best natural hayfever relief options you can try today.
Hayfever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. When pollen enters your nose, mouth, or eyes, your immune system overreacts, releasing histamine, which causes symptoms like:
Unfortunately, there’s no permanent hayfever cure, but there are plenty of natural hayfever remedies that can help you manage your symptoms.
For those looking for expert hayfever consultations, check out our Private Hayfever Treatment Services.
Many people swear by local honey as a natural remedy for hayfever. The idea is that by consuming small amounts of local pollen, your body gradually builds a tolerance, much like immunotherapy. Manuka honey is particularly good due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Bee pollen supplements may also help reduce symptoms over time.
Vitamin C is known to reduce the amount of histamine your body produces, helping to control hayfever symptoms. Try eating more citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens, or take a vitamin C supplement for extra protection.
Drinking herbal teas is an easy and enjoyable way to get natural hayfever relief. Some of the best options include:
Garlic is a powerful hayfever remedy thanks to its quercetin content, a natural antihistamine. Eating raw or crushed garlic regularly before hayfever season may help reduce symptoms. If the taste is too strong, garlic supplements are a good alternative.
Breathing in steam can help clear a blocked nose and soothe irritated nasal passages. Simply fill a bowl with hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale deeply. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil can boost the effect.
Pollen sticks to your hair, skin, and clothes, making your symptoms worse when you come indoors. Taking a shower and changing your clothes can prevent pollen from spreading around your home and reduce your exposure.
Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce hayfever symptoms by calming the immune response. If you're open to alternative therapies, it could be worth a try.
Saline sprays and ectoin-based nasal sprays create a barrier against pollen, keeping your nasal passages hydrated and reducing irritation.
Yes, while results vary from person to person, many people find relief using natural hayfever remedies alongside conventional treatments. Vitamins, herbs, and lifestyle changes can all make a difference.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for hayfever, but natural remedies can help control symptoms and make hayfever more manageable.
Some of the best hayfever relief natural remedies include:
Some foods, like dairy, processed sugar, and alcohol, can make hayfever symptoms worse by increasing inflammation and mucus production.
Hayfever season typically runs from March to September, with different pollen types peaking at different times. Tree pollen starts in early spring, followed by grass pollen in summer and weed pollen later in the season.
You don’t have to suffer every spring and summer! Whether you try honey, garlic, herbal teas, or acupuncture, there are plenty of natural hayfever remedies to help ease your symptoms. Pairing these with simple lifestyle changes—like showering after being outdoors and using pollen filters—can make a big difference.
If your hayfever symptoms are severe and persist despite using these remedies, consult your GP for further treatment options. Our Private GP Services can provide personalised medical advice to help you manage your allergies effectively.
Give these natural remedies for hayfever a try and breathe easier this allergy season!
