the rest of the week. Airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balms, Max Wiseberg, comments, “Hay fever is estimated to affect almost half the UK population, with 95% of sufferers affected by grass pollen. So this is probably the worst week of the year so far for hay fever in the North West, as many sufferers start to experience symptoms when the count reaches ‘medium’, even more so when they are ‘high’. Counts will be higher near to large sources of pollen, including parks and hay meadows.”

Avoiding the allergen. “This is key to any allergy sufferer,” says Max. “But for hay fever sufferers this can be quite difficult, as pollen is in the air we breathe.”

“Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to prevent pollen particles coming in contact with your eyes and tie your hair up and wear a hat, cap or other head covering to prevent pollen particles being caught in your hair. Use an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm such as HayMax, applied to the nostrils and bones of the eyes in the morning and throughout the day. HayMax balm has been proven to trap over a third of pollen particles before they enter the body [1] where they can cause symptoms. 80% said it worked [2].”

“Close windows and doors to prevent pollen blowing into your home. Vacuum the house regularly (especially beds and fabrics) to remove pollen particles. If you own a pet then ensure that it is well groomed and shampooed as much as possible to remove pet allergens and pollen particles. Shower at night before sleeping to remove pollen particles and pet hair from your hair and body. Dry clothes indoors rather than on a clothes line to prevent pollen particles being blown onto the clothes by the outside wind.”

Try a natural hay fever product. “As well as drug-free allergen barrier balms, there are many natural options for hay fever sufferers, especially those who wish to avoid drugs, for whatever reason.”

“Air filters and air purifiers help filter toxins, including pollen, out of the air in your home. Some air conditioners come with a ‘hay fever filter’. A sneeze beam uses phototherapy to combat allergy symptoms; two light beams are inserted into the nostrils and they block the receptors which react to pollen. Practitioners use both acupuncture and acupressure to treat hay fever. Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted in the skin at very specific points of the body (acupuncture points) along channels known as meridians. Acupressure is a non-invasive form of acupuncture, achieved by applying physical pressure of hands, elbows, feet or devices to the same acupuncture points.”

What you eat and drink can help. “There are many plants and herbs that may help with hay fever,” says Max. “Aloe Vera has mild antihistamine properties. You can drink the juice diluted in water. Calendula and chamomile tea are both reputed to relieve hay fever symptoms. Ginger, peppermint and green tea are all said to reduce hay fever symptoms; ginger and green tea work as natural anti-histamines whilst peppermint reduces congestion. Horseradish is a pungent root vegetable which acts as a decongestant, helping to clear nasal passages. Liquorice root can ease inflammation and redness in the nose and is also believed to have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that can help boost the body’s immune response to hay fever. Reishi Mushrooms are thought to be rich in beta-glucans which positively affect the immune system and reduce inflammation and supposedly have anti-histamanic properties. Turmeric is a spice containing curcumin, which has been found to have anti-allergy properties.”

Use a Conventional Medicine. “Antihistamine tablets and capsules can relieve hay fever symptoms,” explains Max, “such as sneezing, itchy, runny eyes, skin irritation, itchy nose and throat, but are less effective for nasal congestion. Antihistamine nasal sprays can quickly ease itching, sneezing and watering but are generally only proof against mild symptoms. Steroid nasal sprays and drops reduce inflammation in the nose; work best for clearing nasal symptoms – itching, sneezing, watering and congestion – and sprays sometimes clear eye symptoms too. Eye drops may reduce itchy, watering, swollen eyes.”

Create a Hay Fever First Aid Kit. “With pollen counts very high, one product may not be enough for severe hay fever sufferers. So create your own Hay Fever First Aid Kit by taking tablets, sprays or drops in combination with one or more natural product, such as an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm, to help combat the symptoms of your allergy, depending on which symptoms you suffer from and how severe they are. And, just as with other drugs, there are many different brands of each type of hay fever treatment, so don’t give up if the first one you try doesn’t work for you; you may well find another version that works better. Always ask your GP or pharmacist before combining treatments and never use more than one antihistamine or more than one steroid nasal spray”