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Aromacaring Fact sheet HAY FEVER |
Hay fever is an allergic condition caused by hypersensitive of the eyes, nose, throat and sometimes the upper respiratory tract and skin to allergens such as pollen, dust, grass and flower particles. It is usually at its worst during May and June and can cause other complications such as asthma.
Symptoms include persistent rhinitis which is the inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose, itchy eyes, nose and mouth, nasal discharge, sneezing, sore throat, conjunctivitis, and even deafness from blocked ear passages.
Rhinitis-type symptoms can also be caused by allergic reactions to animal fur, strong perfumes, vapours from household cleaning agents, and also as a reaction to cows milk or other food additives. Obviously the best form of treatment is to avoid the allergen - specialists can perform a simple scratch test for the more common allergens and chemists supply home kits for this purpose.
The inflammatory response
Allergic reactions are as a result of the body's over response to a particular allergen (trigger). While the triggers can vary, the response is the same - the over release of histamine and other chemical causing local irritation, excessive mucous discharge, itching and swelling. This is why anti-histamines and steroids are often used to treat allergies by suppressing the body's over-reaction.
Essential oils which have been reported as stimulating the adrenal gland are Basil (adrenal) and Rosemary (cortisone-like). The herb Ginkgo biloba suppresses platelet activity which is also involved in the excessive release of histamine, while garlic is a powerful anti-histamine and also a vasoconstrictor which would further inhibit inflammation.
Essential oils |
Basil and Rosemary (adrenal and
cortisone-like) Black pepper, Cajaput, Eucalyptus, Hyssop, Lavendin, Niaouli, Pine, Sweet Thyme (bronchial/sinuses) Marjoram (Spanish), Niaouli (catarrh) German Chamomile, Sandalwood (skin irritation) |
Herbal preparations |
Garlic, Ephedra sinica, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Lobelia inflata, Tylophora asthmatica |
Supplements |
Vitamins B6, B12, C and E Magnesium, Quercetin, Selenium, Ginkgo biloba |
Diet |
Low salt, vegan, dairy-free, animal-free |
Self help |
Dust-free environment, wet dusting, anti-allergy bedding, short pile carpets, air filters, elimination diet |