Herbal Help for Hayfever!

When pollen clouds begin to rise and launch attacks upon your eyes.

Before you sneeze so hard and say … you’ve scared a flock of crows away.

The drips that start inside your nose will soon gush like a leaky hose.

You’ve tried the pills and nasal sprays but wandered round in drowsy haze.

Let’s keep it simple – keep it calm – some teas, some tinctures, soothing balm.

Let’s use some herbs to ease the pain – you’ll soon be feeling great again!

First – some stinging nettle tea that looks like swampy misery.

But try a sip, then two, then three and soon your breathing will be free.

Next – peppermint in misty steam to get your sinuses squeaky clean.

Sweet little daisies join the mix - for itchy eyes, they do the trick.

Liquorice root comes out to play – a chewy twig with much to say.

It soothes your throat and helps you cope although it tastes a bit like rope.

Raw honey from some local bees will soothe your throat and curb the sneeze.

Mix in some ginger – add some thyme – your immune system will start to climb.

Now every spring you proudly stand with natural potions close at hand.

While all around are feeling rough - your herbal defences make you tough!

Herbal recipes to help with hayfever symptoms

Stinging Nettle Tea Infusion

This dark green drink is widely recognised for being rich in calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and is often used for seasonal allergy relief. Nettle has a very earthy, grassy taste so, to make it more palatable, stir in a spoonful of local honey, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a pinch of dried peppermint.

Stinging Nettle Leaves

• 25g of dried stinging nettle leaves

• 1 litre of filtered water

• A 1-litre mason jar with an airtight lid

• Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth

1. Boil the water: Heat the water to a rolling boil.
   

2. Combine ingredients: Place the dried nettle leaves into your glass jar and pour the boiling water directly over the leaves then stir briefly to ensure all the herbs are submerged.
   

3. Steep: Cover the jar tightly with a lid to trap steam (which carries volatile herbal oils and minerals). Leave to infuse for 4 to 12 hours at room temperature. An overnight steep is perfect for extracting a robust, earthy flavour.
   

4. Strain: Pour the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a separate glass container.
   

5. Serve & Store: Drink the infusion at room temperature, gently reheated on the stove for a hot cup, or poured over ice. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 to 3 days.

If you choose to harvest fresh stinging nettles locally, this will give even greater support for allergy relief related to local pollens. Use the same method but, because fresh leaves can be slightly weaker, you will need to increase the leaf ratio to about 50g per litre of water.

Peppermint Steam Inhalation

Peppermint steam inhalation harnesses the menthol in peppermint as a natural decongestant to shrink swollen nasal membranes and thin mucus, which can provide temporary relief from sinus issues associated with allergies.

Steam Inhalation

1. Bring 2–4 cups of water to a boil, then pour it into a large, heatproof bowl and let it sit for about 30–60 seconds - it should still be steaming but not a burn risk.
   

2. Add 2–4 drops of peppermint essential oil directly to the hot water. Alternatively, you can use a handful of fresh or dried peppermint leaves.
   

3. Create a steam tent by draping a large towel over your head and shoulders, then lean over the bowl to trap the steam around your face.
   

4. Keep your face at least 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) away from the water to avoid steam burns and close your eyes to prevent irritation from the menthol vapours. Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose for 5–10 minutes.
   

5. Splash your face with cool water afterward to close your pores.

   
   

Daisy Soothing Eye Pads

There is nothing worse than itchy eyes and once you start rubbing them you simply can't stop! One of the simplest ways to ease the irritation is to create soothing cool compresses using common daisies.

1. Collect a handful of common daisies and rinse them thoroughly.
   

2. Bring 250-300ml of water to a boil in a pan then add the daisies to the hot water and simmer gently for about 5–10 minutes.
   

3. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
   

4. Strain very carefully so no plant particles remain and place in the refrigerator to chill slightly.

   
   

5. Soak a sterile cotton pad or gauze in the cooled infusion and place the pad over closed eyelids for 5 minutes.

   
   

6. Use a fresh pad for each eye and do not drip the liquid directly into the eye.

Because eyes are very sensitive areas, there are some important safety points to consider - make a fresh batch each time and do not store it - stop immediately if itching or redness worsens - and never add or use essential oils near your eyes.

Liquorice Root Supplements

Liquorice root contains anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic compounds that are often used to help soothe allergy symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and skin irritation. However, it is really not advisable to chew liquorice root!

Instead, for allergies, liquorice is typically taken orally or applied topically. Capsules, powders, or liquid extracts are commonly used when symptoms of congestion and sneezing are at their worst. For any skin rashes associated with contact allergy, topical gels and creams can be effective, or a steeped herbal wash may be applied directly to the skin.

When using raw, dried liquorice root, it can quickly and easily be prepared by simmering in water to create a tea. A safer option for most people is to select supplements labelled DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) because these have had the active compound glycyrrhizin removed, reducing the risk of cardiovascular side effects. However, it is really important to note that liquorice root can interact with some prescribed medications (particularly diuretics and blood thinners) and is definitely not recommended for anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease.

Ginger and Thyme Electuary

An electuary is a traditional herbal remedy that blends powdered herbs into a sweet paste using honey. A ginger and thyme electuary is a soothing, warming mixture perfect for calming coughs or sore throats, including those associated with seasonal allergies.

• Dried Thyme: 2 tablespoons (finely powdered)

• Dried Ginger: 1 tablespoon (finely powdered)

• Raw Honey: 3 to 4 tablespoons

1. Use a mortar and pestle or a clean coffee/spice grinder to grind the dried thyme and dried ginger into a fine powder. Sift out any large chunks.
   

2. Combine the powdered herbs in small bowl and mix thoroughly.
   

3. Slowly pour the raw honey into the herbal powder - add it slowly and stir thoroughly until you reach a thick, scoopable paste that doesn't drip off your spoon.
   

4. Transfer the mixture into a clean, airtight glass jar. It will typically stay fresh and usable for up to 6 to 12 months if kept in a refrigerator.

Electuaries can be used by the spoonful (take a half-teaspoon directly off the spoon as needed) or add to a warm drink by stirring a spoonful into a mug of hot water or herbal tea. You could even try spreading some on toast or crackers for a sweet nutritious snack!