Independent health store advice on hay fever

Looking for advice on natural health and wellbeing? Your local independent healthstore can offer a wealth of expertise. This month we talk to Beth Leopold, a naturopathic nutritionist and co-manager of Archie Browns health food shop in Truro, Cornwall

Each year, towards the end of March and the beginning of April, we start to see an increase in customers asking for advice about hay fever. As a hay fever sufferer myself, I’ve tried pretty much everything! Here are my top suggestions.

Potent and effective
One of the best things I’ve found, and highly recommend, is Living Nutrition’s Fermented Reishi Spores. Reishi contains triterpenes,which are highly anti-inflammatory and histamine-modulating (balancing) compounds.The fermented version of reishi in its spore form is even more potent and effective. This is perhaps not as well known as some of the other traditional remedies, so I’m giving it some airtime here! CBD also contains beneficial terpenes for modulating inflammation and allergic response. We have seen some really positive feedback from the broad spectrum oils we sell: Bristol CBD, KIKI Health and Themptation. Note CBD as an isolate will not have the same effect.

Powerful natural antihistamines
Another product that I recommend, which can be used either on its own or alongside the reishi spores, is Terranova’s Quercetin Nettle Complex. This collection of plant extractions, led by a nice level of quercetin, works synergistically. The bromelain is a powerful anti-inflammatory and the nettle and elderflower (like quercetin) help reduce histamine levels nicely. I also love using Viridian’s Quercetin and B5 complex. This is another beautiful combination of vitamins and plant compounds that work on reducing inflammation, regulating immune response and again, modulating histamine release.

Certain strains of probiotics, like those found in Optibac Extra, have been shown to help with modulation of histamine levels. That’s a good one to take all year round, but they’re especially useful just before hay fever season starts.

Dietary tips and home remedies
In terms of other natural tips or home remedies, I would recommend trying cold chamomile tea bags on the eyes. If your eyes get itchy and irritated, keeping chamomile tea bags in the fridge and placing them over your eyes can be incredibly soothing.

Fresh nettle tea is another good home remedy.It’s great if you’re able to make your own tea by picking fresh nettles. It can be drunk throughout the day and is really tasty. I like to think that nature has a way of providing what we need: nettles flourish just as pollen levels rise!

Dietary changes can certainly help with hay fever. Following an anti-inflammatory diet can make a big difference. The Mediterranean diet is one of the best for reducing inflammation, so this means plenty of olive oil, fresh vegetables and herbs. Minimise processed foods and try to keep your diet as close to nature as possible. Eating omega-3-rich fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel can also help. Increase plant diversity in your diet by eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. This supports gut health, which plays a huge role in immune function and histamine regulation. If you need any further advice on hay fever, just pop into your local independent health store as they will be able to offer more tips and advice as well as product recommendations.

Read articles from our latest issue here...