Allergies, Asthma, Eczema, Hay Fever Natural Allergy Treatment

Hay Fever in Winter

Do you struggle with hay fever in winter? You’re not alone!

It is a common misconception that hay fever only affects allergy sufferers during spring, but there are actually two types of hay fever, seasonal and perennial.

Hay Fever in Winter vs Spring

Seasonal hay fever is usually triggered by pollen, grasses and trees, so is usually experienced during spring time.

However, perennial (year-round) hay fever is triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites, mould and pet dander. Many perennial hay fever sufferers notice flare-ups in the cooler months as we spend more time indoors, with less ventilation.

The symptoms of seasonal and perennial hay fever are similar, including:

sneezing
runny or a chronic blocked nose
red, watery eyes
brain fog, tiredness and headaches (usually from blocked sinuses)
hives or itchy, red rashes

Many hay fever sufferers experience mild to moderate symptoms year round, with symptoms worsening during spring time.

Preventing Hay Fever in Winter

Use an air filter – air filters work by removing allergens like dust mites, moulds and pet dander that can float in the air, especially when there is less ventilation.
Try an air dehumidifier – air dehumidifiers can control the air temperature in the cooler months as well as the temperature in houses that have excessive moisture; this is very important to discourage mould growth.
Groom your pets more often – frequent bathing and brushing can help keep pet dander at bay. Investing in a groomer may be the way to go if grooming your pets yourself can cause allergy flare-ups.
Support your immune system to prevent colds and flu– colds and flu can compromise the immune system and lead to allergy flare-ups. Supplements such as zinc, vitamins C, vitamin D, elderberry, echinacea and olive leaf function to reduce the severity and length of colds and flu.
Keep things clean – tidy and vacuum areas where allergens like pet fur, mould and dust/dust mites can accumulate. For example, in carpet, curtains, clothing, animal beds, litter boxes. Wipe down walls and hard floors with with vinegar and a few drops of clove oil to remove dust, dust mites, mould and mould spores
Good sleep hygiene – a good chunk of our lives are spent in our beds and bedroom. Cleaning under the bed and keeping it clear of clutter, and using anti allergy pillows, mattress protectors, latex mattresses and pillows are all ways that you can reduce your exposure to allergens while you sleep
Start natural anti-allergy supplements – some supplements, such as probiotics (particularly Lactobacillus paracasei) are known to help reduce the occurrence and severity of allergy symptoms, especially when it comes to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust and dust mites. Also, Quercetin is a bioflavonoid (vitamin) that has many functions one of which is to reduce the allergic response by working as a natural antihistamine
Try PAT – Our natural allergy treatment, Positive Association Technique (PAT), may help manage your hay fever in winter. We talk a little more about this treatment below.

Natural Hay Fever Treatment

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), we use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help identify your reactions to a variety of food and environmental substances, to find out what may be causing your symptoms.

Following testing, you work with your practitioner to address these reactions using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).

PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:

draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
aims to re-train your body
aims to reduce your body’s reactions to food and environmental triggers

Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice, to help you achieve the best long-term results.

Send our PAT Practitioners a Question HERE
Request a FREE PAT Information E-PACK HERE

Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.