What’s wrong?
Allergic symptoms are signs that the immune system is overreacting to normally harmless substances such as pollen (which causes hay fever), dust, pet dander (tiny flakes of dried saliva, skin and hair from pets) or mould. Usually, the immune system ignores these ‘triggers’ and focuses on protecting you from real threats, such as viruses or bacteria. But when someone has an allergy, the immune system cannot distinguish some harmless substances from dangerous ones. Triggers can be ingested (such as wheat and peanuts), absorbed through the skin (such as plants or base metals), inhaled (such as mould or pollen) or received by injection (such as a penicillin jab). Sensitivity to allergens tends to be inherited. Nature’s antihistamines
• Nettle contains a substance that works as a natural antihistamine. Capsules of the freeze-dried leaf are available from most health food shops and some supermarkets. Take the capsules according to manufacturer’s instructions. • Ginkgo biloba has become renowned for its memory-boosting properties, but it can also be an effective allergy fighter. Ginkgo contains substances called ginkgolides, which can halt the activity of certain allergy-triggering chemicals (platelet activating factor, or PAF). Choose a supplement that is standardised for content of ginkgo flavones (the active ingredient) and take according to manufacturer’s instructions. • Quercetin, the pigment that gives grapes their purple hue and puts the green in green tea, also inhibits the release of histamine. Take according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Caution Do not take this if you are already taking nettle capsules, as nettle contains quercetin.) • Eyebright is an astringent herb that helps to strengthen mucous membranes and relieve irritability and inflammation, and plantain is rich in a soothing substance called mucilage, which helps soothe sore, dry eyes and relieve sneezing. They can be taken together as a tea or a qualified herbalist can make up a tincture of them for you. • Vitamin C, readily available from supermarkets and pharmacies, is known to have a natural antihistamine effect in the body and there is some evidence to suggest that it can help control unpleasant hay fever symptoms. Take up to 500 mg a day in tablet or capsule form while symptoms persist, or more if professionally prescribed. Try something fishy
• Omega-3 fatty acids help to counter inflammatory responses in the body, such as those triggered by allergies. Salmon, sardines, fresh tuna and trout are good sources of these fats. If you prefer the idea of taking fish-oil capsules, take a supplement that provides 1000 mg combined EPA/DHA (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) a day. • Flaxseed oil (or linseed oil) is another excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Take 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day. You can add it to salad dressings or a glass of juice, or blend it into a smoothie, but avoid heating it. Try these simple soothers
• To soothe red, itchy, swollen eyes, simply dampen a face washer with cool water and place it over your eyes as often as you wish. Always use a clean face washer each time to avoid the possibility of introducing infection into your eyes. • Saline nasal sprays have long been used to clear nasal mucus and can also help keep your nasal passages moisturised. But a recent study has shown that overuse of some nasal sprays can actually damage the cells of your sinuses, so it may be safer to make your own. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of warm water. Fill a bulb syringe, lean over the sink and gently squirt the saline into your nose. • A quick and easy way to relieve pain and encourage drainage of mucus is by applying a hot compress to your sinuses. Eucalyptus, tea-tree and peppermint essential oils all help to clear congestion and have antiseptic and antiviral properties into the bargain. Add 2–5 drops of the essential oil of your choice into a bowl of steaming hot water, tent your head with a towel and inhale the vapour. | 
