Here’s a little post to inspire your next tea break if you’re a Hay fever or Allergy sufferer.
So spring is in the air, and for many of us, impending doom exists in the form of Hay fever (allergic rhinitis). While there's no magic potion to completely eradicate this seasonal woe, a steaming mug of tea might offer some relief.
There are several herbal teas touted as natural remedies for Hay fever, and most varieties are easy to obtain online, or from good health shops. For the more adventurous it is possible to forage and brew your own herby concoctions. Crafting your own personalised tea blend can be enticing, so I’ve listed some readily available wild plants, which boast potential anti-inflammatory and soothing properties:
Plants to soothe Hay fever
Nettle (Urtica dioica): This prickly plant packs a punch with its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing allergy symptoms. Make sure you wear gloves when picking this wild plant, or buy already prepped Nettle tea to avoid the risk of the needles stinging your skin. Our specific Hay Fever Nettle Leaf Infusion Tea is sold in 50g Loose Leaf (approx 30 servings) will allow you to create your own dose depending on the severity of symptoms.
Mint: This refreshing herb offers a cooling sensation for irritated airways and may help clear congestion. While not directly impacting allergies, it can provide symptomatic relief.
Elderflower: A lightly floral botanical, benefiting healthy respiratory systems, in particular helping reduce runny noses (catarrh). Our Allergy & Hay Fever Aid Tea is what to reach for when you feel the Hay fever symptoms coming on. Made with pure, UK grown, wild Cornish Elderflower. Picked, dried and blended in Cornwall. Deliciously fresh Elderflower, calming Nettle, and invigorating Peppermint working together to soothe inflammation, and calm irritation when needed most. Drink regularly as an alternative to over-counter antihistamine medicines. Not keen on mint? Try our soothing blend of Chamomile, Nettle and Elderflower Tea, to calm irritation from grass/tree pollens.
How to brew your harvest
Take a couple of nettle leaves, and some mint leaves, and a freshly washed elderflowers (careful not to add any stalk) and place them all into a small tea pot or a mug. Cover with freshly boiled water and steep for 3-5minutes. The cooling minty vapours alone should help some symptoms, and the hot liquid should go down a treat!
What if you don't want to forage for your own natural remedies?
We have created two delicious Hay fever Tea blends for those who don’t have access to wild ingredients. Our medicinal blend of Nettle, Peppermint & Elderflower can offer defence, comfort and relief during allergy season. This blend is perfect in the day time, as it's refreshing and bright. Chamomile, Elderflower and Nettle is a slightly more soothing blend, better for night time, supporting good sleep and recovery.
How did we make our Allergy defence tea?
It's not just a random herby concoction - we were drawn to herbs and flowers with anti-inflammatory, soothing, and immune-supporting properties, keeping in mind taste and aroma, for a truly enjoyable drinking experience. Ensuring quality and purity, we experimented with different ratios, and brewing methods to find the ideal balance of flavour and effectiveness. The result: refreshingly good! It can be taken chilled too. So, brew a soothing cold version and sip your way to instant comfort.
You can further boost the potential health benefits by adding a teaspoon of local honey, which some believe may alleviate allergy symptoms. There is some evidence that early exposure to local pollens through honey and teas might desensitise the immune system and reduce allergy symptoms before the peak pollen season. The idea behind this approach is similar to sublingual immunotherapy, where you receive small doses of allergens to gradually train your immune system to tolerate them. Consuming local pollens early in the season might mimic this, potentially reducing subsequent reactions.
While teas might not be a magic bullet for all allergies, they can be soothing allies in your wellness arsenal. Stay comfortable, hydrated, and refreshed to fully embrace the vibrant beauty of spring! Luckily September marks the end of peak pollen counts. We can all drink Gin then.
Safety Concerns:
Interactions with medications: Some herbs can interact with medications you might be taking, potentially leading to adverse effects.
Side effects: Certain herbs can have side effects, especially for individuals with specific conditions or allergies.
Dosage and preparation: Using incorrect dosages or preparation methods can increase risks.
Recommendations:
Consult a healthcare professional: Before trying any herbal remedy, always discuss it with a qualified healthcare practitioner like a doctor or registered herbalist. They can assess potential interactions, side effects, and appropriate dosages based on your individual health status.
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