IF you’re struggling with hayfever, your symptoms are likely to have become even worse this week.
And while lots of people are turning to antihistamines to help, there are some other clever tips and tricks you can use to keep the sniffles and sneezes at bay – especially at nighttime.
One such hack is to chew gum before bed, which can “help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion by promoting saliva production and swallowing”, the sleep experts at Sleepseeker said.
This can then help “flush out allergens”.
And with a pack of a tub of 40 pieces of peppermint chewing gum at Poundland for £1, the hack works out at just 2p a pop – meaning it won’t break the bank either.
Another cheap as chips trick is to try drinking a cup of nettle tea before bed.
“Nettle is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory herb that may help relieve hay fever symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing,” they added.
You can get nettle tea for as little as £3.50 in Holland & Barrett.
If you’ve got a bit more money to spend, then a silk pillowcase could be a good option.
Using a silk pillowcase means they’re less likely to “attract and hold onto allergens”, when compared to cotton pillowcases.
They also have other benefits such as protecting the hair and retaining skin moisture.
Acupressure mats can also be helpful as they can stimulate pressure points in the body – to help “alleviate congestion and promote better sleep”.
And why not try a diffuser as well?
Popping essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint in a diffuser in your bedroom can work as a decongestant and help clear your nasal passages.
You can also dilute the oils with a carrier oil and apply them topically before bed if you prefer.
What other natural remedies do doctors recommend for hayfever?
IF you don't want to take antihistamines to keep hayfever symptoms at bay, there are a number of tried and tested natural remedies you can give a go instead. Here's some of the ones doctors recommend:
Saltwater nasal sprays
Sprays containing Ectoin can both relieve symptoms and prevent them too, expert consultant adult and paediatric allergist and immunologist Professor Adam Fox explained.
Steam inhalation
Another natural remedy, which is also safe to use during pregnancy as well, is steam inhalation. This solution has been used for centuries to help ease nasal congestion, and is as helpful at reducing hayfever symptoms as it is for sinusitis or a head cold.
Wear sunglasses
Investing in a good pair of wrap around sunglasses can be vital if you struggle with hayfever, as they can help reduce the amount of pollen that gets into, and irritates, the eyes.
Clean pollen away before bed
It’s also important to ensure you’re not taking pollen from the day to bed with you. Make sure you wash your hair and clean your face and eyelashes before bed to stop allergens rubbing onto your pillow and exacerbating symptoms.
“These unusual methods, combined with conventional hay fever treatments such as anti-allergy bedding and medicines, can help alleviate symptoms and promote better sleep during allergy season,” Sleepseeker pro Anush Pervez explained.
“As always, consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatments or remedies.”
