10 tips to improve the effects of hay fever

Hay fever can be a real menace during the summer months, especially if the symptoms hit you hard. Here we take a look at 10 things you can try to get you through:

1. Antihistamines

This is probably the obvious choice, but antihistamines can be incredibly helpful to anyone suffering from allergies such as hay fever. They can help to reduce the symptoms, leaving you to get on with your day without the irritation of itchy eyes and a runny nose. Non-drowsy ones are also now available to reduce the impact on your daily routine.

2. Eye drops

Itchy eyes are an annoying by-product of hay fever which many find to be particularly unpleasant. Try soothing the pain and irritation of dry eyes with some eye drops, and add some moisture back to those dried out eyes.

3. Honey

Honey can help allergy sufferers as it works to suppress your sensitivity to other pollens and allergens. Try to integrate a spoonful of honey into your routine and see if you feel the benefits.

4. Reduce your dairy intake

If you drink a lot of cow's milk, you might want to consider reducing your intake if you are also suffering from hay fever. Dairy can increase mucus which affects your respiratory tract and ultimately irritates any nasal congestion you might be experiencing.

5. Nasal sprays

If you want to try something easy to use with minimal side effects, how about trying some over the counter nasal sprays? They can be sprayed into the nose to create a protective layer creating a barrier for any potential allergens. Also, they get to work fast so can provide speedy relief.

6. Garlic

Garlic is great for any diet as it works as an antioxidant. It's also great for hay fever sufferers as it can help to reduce that blocked nose feeling. Try two raw garlic cloves a day and see how you get on.

7. Ginger tea

There are many different teas which might help to relieve different allergy symptoms, but ginger tea specifically is said to act as a natural antihistamine whilst also breaking down any congestion.

8. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also supposed to be another natural antihistamine which is great for allergy sufferers. It can be found in oranges, lemons and grapefruits. Alternatively, you can take a vitamin C supplement.

9. Avoid drying washing outdoors

Having your washing dry on the line outdoors in the summer might also be causing you some hay fever troubles too. The pollen and allergens can cling to your clothes and bedding whilst they are drying, which will affect you when you come to use them.

10. Vaseline

Some find that using vaseline, and putting some just inside the lower nostrils can help to block pollen. Try a thin layer of vaseline and see if it works for you!