More than 3 million Australians are hayfever sufferers. If you’re one of them, you’ll be all too familiar with its characteristic symptoms:

• sneezing
• a runny and/or stuffed up nose
• itchy eyes, nose and throat, and perhaps most debilitating of all,
• the associated fatigue, sleeping difficulties and
• problems with concentration

Luckily, the following natural solutions may help to relieve your symptoms.

Help for Hayfever Sufferers with Chinese herbs

Hayfever is an allergic condition, and regardless of whether your symptoms are triggered by pollen, dust mites, mould, pet hair or something else, the physiological changes that occur in your body are the same. After encountering an allergen, your immune system releases a compound called histamine, which immediately triggers rapid inflammation of the mucous membranes and the copious secretion of watery discharges – the next thing you know, your eyes and nose are streaming and itchy! In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a particular blend of herbs called Minor Bupleurum Decoction (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) has been used to treat hayfever and other allergy symptoms for hundreds of years. This ancient allergy formula comprises seven herbs: Baical skullcap, Pinellia, Ginger, Bupleurum, Chinese Licorice, and Ziziphus. It’s believed to work by inhibiting histamine release and consequently reducing mild allergic and inflammatory responses. As a result, it may help to manage not only hayfever, but also other allergic conditions, including dermatitis, eczema and hives.

Take Vitamin C for additional antihistamine effects

For additional antihistamine activity (plus benefits for immune and skin health), consider taking a vitamin C supplement. For most adults, a suitable dose is 1000mg to 2000mg, taken once or twice daily. (Make sure to choose a formula that’s buffered to be gentle on the stomach, and that’s naturally sweetened and flavoured).

Elderflower eases nasal congestion

In Western herbal medicine, Elderflower is traditionally regarded as having decongestant properties, and has a long history of use for relieving hayfever symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sore throat and sinus congestion. It may also be beneficial when these congestive symptoms are due to other causes, such as colds and flu.

Herbs to ease sinusitis

Around one in four Australian hayfever sufferers also experience chronic sinusitis. That’s not surprising, because the nasal congestion that’s characteristic of hayfever creates an environment in which bacteria can thrive, increasing your risk of developing a sinusitis infection. If you’re experiencing a mild or uncomplicated sinus infection, consider taking a traditional blend of Chinese herbs that includes Xanthium, White Angelica, Magnolia flower, and Asian Wild Mint. Traditionally referred to as Cang Er Zi San, this formula has been used to help manage the symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis for centuries. It may help to relieve sinus congestion, sinus pain and pressure, headaches and low-grade fever. In modern herbal medicine, the Chinese herb Houttuynia is often added to the Cang Er Zi San formula as it has traditionally been used to help address infection.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Fusion Health, premium quality Australian-made supplements that combine the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and the science of modern Western herbalism, including:

• Fusion Allergy: Traditional Chinese formula with natural antihistamine properties for the symptomatic relief of mild allergies, including hayfever, eczema, hives and food intolerance
• Fusion Vitamin C 1000 Advanced: High potency vitamin C with zinc – boosted with Elderflower
• Fusion Sinusitis: Traditionally used to relieve sinus pain and nasal congestion

Find out more and and shop online for these Fusion Health product for Hayfever relief above Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.