Best remedies for hay fever and allergies in the UK
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For some, summer means carefree frolics out in the sunshine. For others, it equals puffy eyes, itchy skin and violent sneezing fits, all due to the higher pollen count that triggers the seasonal misery of hay fever.
Approximately 20 per cent of the population – some 13.2 million people - have some form of hay fever. If you’re one of them, you’re well aware of the symptoms that come with this largely summertime scourge. It’s magnified for anyone with asthma or respiratory problems.
The severity of your reaction can depend on many factors, such as the type of pollen you’re most allergic to (tree, grass, weed), the weather (heavy thunderstorms can push up pollen count) and pollution levels, which are likely to be higher than the national average if you live in the capital.
To give you some respite from the symptoms, we’ve rounded up some over-the-counter remedies that could help lessen the reaction. We’ve deliberately omitted the majority of tablets and antihistamines as they are widely known and easily available.
From adding local honey to your daily diet to clearing your nose with steroid nasal sprays, here are some of the best solutions to your hay fever woes.
Please note: If you have a respiratory illness or are unsure of the best course of treatment, please consult a medical professional. The below list is intended as a guide for people with mild allergic reactions to hay fever, dust and pollen.
HayMax Pure Organic Drug-Free Allergen Barrier Balm 5ml
If you like the idea of an all-natural product that doesn’t need to be ingested, you’ll love this balm.
Just rub a bit around the rim of each of your nostrils and the sockets of the eyes - but not too close or actually in the eye - and any approaching particles of pollen, dust and pet allergens will be trapped in the balm. Take care to reapply regularly, especially after blowing your nose.
The fragrance-free balm is suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children and adults.
Beconase Hayfever Nasal Spray 180 Sprays
A great all-rounder for a smorgasbord of allergies, this non-drowsy nasal spray soothes eight symptoms, such as nasal congestion and itchy eyes.
Spray twice in each nostril every morning and before bed, not suitable for under 18s.
Boots Allergy Eye Mist 10ml
If your eyes bear the brunt of your allergies, an eye mist could help ease your pain. Boots’ own-brand allergy eye mist offers comforting relief for irritated, itchy eyes thanks to soothing ingredients like calendula and hamamelis natural plant extracts.
There is a light scent but it’s nothing overpowering and at 10ml, the spray is flight-safe so ideal for taking on trips away. Suitable to use with waterproof makeup.
Gold Standard Organic Spanish Bee Pollen
While it’s unlikely to completely eradicate your symptoms, adding bee pollen to your breakfast yoghurt or smoothie may help ease them at the very least. These crunchy granules come from Spanish bees and have a similar taste to honey.
There are lots of ways to eat them: raw, mixed with water and refrigerated overnight or with cacao nibs and a drizzle of honey on yoghurt. As well as potentially easing hay fever symptoms, the pollen is a superb source of energy, protein and vitamins, so you should end up feeling healthier in more ways than one.
Bee pollen supplements should not be taken by people who are allergic to bee stings, honey and other bee products. This product should also be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
British Golden Honey
It’s thought that eating local honey a few months before peak hay fever season can desensitise the body to the effects, so you should feel fewer symptoms when spring and summer roll around.
We have no scientific proof about exactly how effective this method is, but it sounds delicious so for that reason alone, surely it’s worth a shot.
The Local Honey Man sells raw local golden honey made from pollen and nectar collected by bees in London and beyond. It comes in three sizes – 340g, 1kg, 5kg - and is delivered straight from the beekeeper, so there’s no middlemen to go to or marketing to pay for, unlike supermarket-bought honey.
Hayfever Relief Wipes
Like a barrier balm, hayfever wipes are designed to trap pollen. However, they also work to remove it, unlike a balm. Extra gentle on the skin, these wipes contain natural ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera and calendula which help to soothe hayfever-inflamed skin.
Sterimar Hayfever and Allergy Relief Water Based Nasal Spray, 50ml
This isn’t your classic hayfever nasal spray. Made from 100 per cent sea water and chock-full of therapeutic marine minerals, Sterimar’s option helps to clear and cleanse your nasal passage with the help of the ocean. It is also enriched with copper salt to help stimulate the body’s defence mechanisms.
We know the concept of having seawater entering your nostrils doesn’t sound like the most pleasant experience, but it provides incredibly effective hayfever relief thanks to its ability to eliminate pollen, dust and pet hair allergens. This nasal spray is steroid and preservative-free, making it safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Maoever Sinus Rinse Kit
No matter how many preventative measures you take to combat hay fever, you cannot always guarantee a decent night’s sleep after a long day in the great outdoors during the summertime. In order to achieve genuine relief and a significant decrease in sinus pressure before bed, try using an automated nasal irrigation kit. It’s far easier than trying to do a rinse by yourself and clears away any pesky, lasting allergens that have become trapped in your nasal passage over the course of a day.
This particular kit comes equipped with five pressure modes, three nozzles and a 300ml water capacity.
Fexofenadine (generic Telfast)
If all other over-the-counter antihistamines have failed you, it might be worth considering getting a prescription for a stronger, non-drowsy option. The most common prescription-strength hayfever medication is called Fexofenadine, which contains the same active ingredient as Telfast. Favoured due to the fact that it is less likely to cause drowsiness, Fexofenadine has been considered very successful in treating allergin rhinitis. You can book an easy and super speedy online consultation via Lloyds Pharmacy to see whether you’re eligible for a prescription.
Clarityn Allergy 10mg Tablets
A tried and true classic, mild sufferers of Hayfever are usually set with some good ole Clarityn tablets. The active ingredient in these tablets is Loratadine, an antihistamine which helps to relieve allergic symptoms such as rhinitis and hives without that pesky drowsy effect. Clarityn has also produced a nifty syrup, which can be taken by those who find tablets and pills difficult.