This is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
It is essential that you discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever - or allergic Rhinitis - is an allergy. It's most
associated with summer season pollen but can be triggered by household dust, animal hairs, etc.
Exposure to these cause the immune system to over-react in its production of
histamines. Some people react to a wide range of allergens, others find their symptoms
triggered only by very specific pollens.
Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, an itchy nose and runny eyes.
Like all allergies it can be dangerous if severe and you should first consult your doctor.
Treating Hay Fever Symptoms
There are many different over the counter hayfever treatments available to
buy from your pharmacist. These include anti-histamines, decongestants and
anti-inflammatory sprays.
Hay fever treatments are normally sold in the form of pills or nasal sprays.
Whilst many people - including me - take these routinely without problem, others are concerned
about possible long term side-effects, suppression of the immune system and building up of resistance.
Different people react differently to different treatments,
some people suffer side-effects from preparations that other
buyers recommend. I personally use a particular spray regularly whilst
a friend of mine finds the same spray causes extreme nose bleeds.
Using Garlic For Hay Fever
The first thing to point out is that a few people are allergic
to garlic itself! For these unfortunate people, garlic can actually
bring on symptoms akin to hay fever.
For those not allergic to it, garlic can sometimes help control
the reactions to pollen and other allergens. Garlic is not a cure for hayfever,
nor is it recommended as an alternative
to conventional treatment, especially if your symptoms are severe. However
as part of a holistic package of dietary and life-style measures, eating more
garlic might sometimes help to alleviate and bring some relief from
the symptoms.
Garlic is a generally useful food for health and helps to boost the
body's own systems. In particular garlic has anti-inflammatory and
decongestant properties. It is also a good source of quercetin,
a natural antihistamine.
Garlic requires no special preparation to release its health
benefits, however it is more powerful when eaten crushed and raw.
Studies appear to show that garlic supplements
can be effective in the treatment
of minor hay fever. Garlic is sometimes combined with other herbs such
as Echinacea in widely sold herbal preparations.
Garlic Central is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
Always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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