Pollen Allergy: What Natural Treatment?
The sun is making a comeback between showers—no doubt, spring has arrived! While the prospect of milder temperatures excites us all, those who suffer from hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) are preparing to cope with their symptoms.
Itchy eyes, a blocked nose, runny nose, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, sinus issues, and sneezing—these daily discomforts directly impact the quality of life of allergy sufferers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 400 million people worldwide suffer from allergic rhinitis and 300 million from asthma. In Europe, 40% of the general population suffers from pollen allergies. In the US too, many people suffer from hay fever : 1 in 4 adults, and 1 in 5 children which represents more than 80 million people (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
While pollen allergies keep growing and more and more people suffering from them, what exactly is a pollen allergy? What natural treatments can help? Simple habits, diet, essential oils—here are a few remedies to ease your symptoms.
Understanding Pollen Allergy: Symptoms and Pollen Seasons
What is a Pollen Allergic Reaction?
Pollen, the Key to Plant Reproduction
Pollen is the male seed of seed plants necessary for plant reproduction. While essential for maintaining biodiversity, it can be very irritating for some of us, triggering allergic reactions upon contact. Some species are known to be particularly allergenic, such as ragweed, birch, plane trees, and grasses.
Source: French Aerobiological Data, RNSA 20232
Symptoms of a Pollen Allergy
Symptoms of a pollen allergy include itchy eyes, a blocked nose, and a strong runny nose, among others. These are linked to the production of histamine by our immune system. It produces histamine when we are exposed to an allergen to which we have become too sensitive (AAAC). Histamine is an inflammatory substance that affects sleep quality and causes fatigue.
Scientific studies have also shown that external factors can worsen pollen allergy reactions. This is particularly true for ozone and air pollution (Association of American Medical Colleges).
When Do Pollen Allergies Occur?
The pollen seasons
The pollen seasons depend on where you live. In most European countries, the peak pollen season lasts approximately six months, from spring to autumn, encompassing the release of pollen from various plant species. Its duration and intensity vary depending on the climate and local vegetation. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) defines the start of the pollen season for each species based on airborne pollen concentrations that affect human health.
In the US, the pollen season starts with tree pollen in February through April. Then the grasses pollen follow, sometimes overlapping the tree pollen season. The pollen season ends with the weeds pollen, from August to the first frost. However, it must be underlined that in the South of the US, tree pollen can last up until December or January (Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America).
Towards Intensified Pollen Seasons
Worldwide, pollen allergies are worsening as Global Warming intensifies pollen seasons. The Association of American Medical Colleges points out that warming temperatures and other environmental factors have exacerbated seasonal allergens in recent decades. Seasonal and regional variations in pollens have changed in the Asia Pacific region, as well as in Europe, and America (Allergy Asthma & Immunology Research). For instance, in some part of North America — pollen is reproducing at higher rates, intensifying allergy symptoms for many throughout the longer allergy season.
Global Warming also encourages the migration of invasive plant species such as Ragweed (Ambrosia) which is extremely allergic and releases its pollen late in the season (European and Climate Health Observatory).
Limiting Contact with the Allergen: The First Natural Treatment for Pollen Allergy
While the best way to permanently get rid of a pollen allergy is desensitization, or taking antihistamines to reduce the intensity of symptoms, there are good practices you can adopt at home or outdoors to limit the symptoms of hay fever. In any case, if symptoms persist, it is essential to consult your doctor.
Good Practices to Adopt at Home
Cleaning: The Best Anti-Pollen Reflex!
As you may have guessed, cleaning will be your best ally in preventing the spread of pollen in your home. Regularly cleaning your carpets and rugs helps avoid the spread of airborne pollen. By cleaning regularly, you remove these allergens from your home, thus reducing the likelihood of irritating your symptoms during the pollination period. You can also invest in an air purifier that eliminates pollutant particles and allergens from your indoor air.
Ventilate Early in the Morning and in the Evening to Renew Your Indoor Air
Although it may seem counterintuitive at first, it is important to continue ventilating your home, even during pollen season! Good ventilation helps renew your indoor air and ensures better air quality. The pollen concentration in the air is lower when temperatures are cooler: open the window before 9 AM or after 8 PM.
Of course, it is recommended to avoid adding other pollutants to your indoor air, such as tobacco smoke, cleaning products, dust from DIY activities, incense, or candles. These could worsen your symptoms.
Avoid Pollen Contact During Outdoor Activities
Limit Outdoor Activities with High Risk of Exposure
First and foremost, it is essential to avoid overexposure by limiting aggravating activities. While a sunny Sunday is a great invitation to spend time in your garden, especially in spring, mowing the lawn is not recommended as it could release a lot of pollen. Also, research the types of plants and flowers to plant in your garden, depending on your allergies. For example, plants that are pollinated by fauna and flora, rather than by wind, are less likely to release allergenic pollen into the air (American Association of American Medical Colleges).
Similarly, on a hot and sunny day, it might be tempting to hang your clothes outside to dry. However, by drying your laundry outdoors, pollen, dispersed by the wind, sticks to the fabric and can contaminate your skin.
Stay Informed and Use Protection if Necessary
Before you go out, you can check on the pollen levels in the air which are monitored by different organisations. For example, if you are in Europe, you can check the reports from the European Copernicus Organisation. If you are in the US, you can have a look at The Weather Channel which provides a local 15-day allergy forecast (AAMC).
Wearing a mask is also a solution to protect yourself from all types of pollution: fine particles, dust, and other atmospheric pollutants, as well as pollen! Glasses also help limit eye contact with the allergen.
Reduce Allergic Symptoms: Improve Your Diet and Use Essential Oils
Can your diet impact your hay fever? Yes! By adopting foods and plants that help reduce your allergic reaction, you can alleviate your symptoms. Dietary supplements and essential oils can also assist you on a daily basis.
Adjust Your Diet During Hay Fever
Consume Foods with the Right Nutrients
One of the best nutrients to limit your hay fever is a flavonoid called quercetin: studies have shown that it can suppress histamine production (a chemical your body produces in response to an infection). Foods rich in quercetin include plants such as green vegetables and citrus fruits (rich in vitamin C), berries, beans, and apples. Eating foods rich in beta-carotene (carrots, spinach) and omega-3 (fatty fish) will help relieve a blocked nose.
Focus on Herbal Teas and Plants to Support a Good Diet
The frequency of allergic attacks can be reduced by using many plants. Tarragon, for example, has anti-allergenic properties. Thyme can also be used to decongest the respiratory system.
Chamomile and nettle have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. They can be consumed in herbal tea to soothe your symptoms. You can also try elderflower and apple cider vinegar infusions. If you have a sore throat, don’t hesitate to add a spoonful of honey to your infusion.
Finally, extracts of petasite leaves in capsules can have positive effects for pollen allergies (Institut Pasteur de Lille).
Dietary Supplements and Essential Oils to Combat Pollen Allergy
Dietary Supplements to Help Your Body
To complement your diet, you can also turn to supplements: zinc, vitamin C, turmeric, probiotics, and natural prebiotics to boost your gut's immune defenses… Consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist to guide you towards the right supplements during allergy season.
You can also take quail egg-based supplements that help maintain the effectiveness of your immune system.
Essential Oils to Use for Hay Fever
First and foremost, be cautious with essential oils and seek advice from your doctor and pharmacist.
Here are some essential oils that can help:
- Eucalyptus essential oil: anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus essential oil helps with a blocked nose and nasal congestion.
- Roman chamomile essential oil: calms inflammation and itching caused by allergies. Inhalation: place 2-3 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil on a tissue and inhale throughout the day.
- Tarragon essential oil: orally: 1 drop of pure tarragon essential oil on half a sugar cube or in a spoonful of honey. Topically: 1 drop in 4 drops of carrier oil, massaged onto the solar plexus.
- True lavender essential oil: can help relieve congested airways and reduce the frequency of sneezing.
Pollen Allergies: Why You Should Use an Air Purifier
TEQOYA air purifiers are effective against allergens and can eliminate up to 99% of them, depending on usage conditions. They rely on over 20 years of research and on the technology of ozone-free air ionization: they produce negative ions that charge pollutant particles and eliminate them from the air through electrostatic precipitation. This principle is at work in the purest natural environments (rivers, mountains...)
Easy to maintain, energy-efficient, and without disposable filters, the TEQOYA air purifiers TEQOYA T200 (for small rooms) and TEQOYA T450 (for large rooms) are completely silent: you can install them in your bedroom or living room while keeping the necessary tranquility for sleep, reading, or watching your favorite TV shows.
Unlike some technologies, such as HEPA filters that need to be replaced regularly, a simple cleaning is enough to maintain the efficiency of TEQOYA air purifiers throughout their lifespan.
Conclusion
For pollen allergies, various natural treatments can be adopted to alleviate your symptoms. From simple habits to implement at home or outdoors, to dietary adjustments or using essential oils, solutions exist to help you better cope with this time of year.
Sources
- Pollen Report in France – RNSA
- Pollen Data 2024 – RNSA
- www.ameli.fr
- www.sante.gouv.fr
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, April 2022
- Association of American Medical Colleges: www.aamc.org
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