Hello Reader

Within the last week or two, I've seen people with itchy eyes, scratchy throats, and runny noses. Which all means that hayfever season is officially in full swing.

With hayfever, many people turn to local honey for relief, others take anti-histamines, and many people seek natural remedies for symptom relief. Here are five natural approaches to tackling hayfever.

1. Quercetin-Rich Foods

Quercetin is a natural antihistamine found in many fruits and vegetables. It helps stabilise mast cells, preventing them from releasing histamine—the compound responsible for allergy symptoms.

Best sources of quercetin:

• Apples (especially with the skin on)
• Red onions
• Berries
• Broccoli
• Green tea

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help reduce inflammation and lessen hayfever symptoms.

2. DoTerra Essential Oils for Hayfever Relief

Essential oils can be highly effective for easing hayfever symptoms, especially when used in a diffuser, steam inhalation, or diluted for topical application. DoTerra’s high-quality oils can help open up airways, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system.

Here are the top DoTerra essential oils for hayfever:

• Lavender – A natural antihistamine that calms inflammation
• Peppermint – Helps clear nasal congestion and improve breathing
• Lemon – Aids in breaking down mucus and supports immune function
• Air Blend – A mix of eucalyptus, peppermint, and other oils designed to enhance respiratory health

How to use:

• Diffuse a few drops of lavender, lemon, and peppermint in your home
• Add a drop of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale deeply for instant relief (careful with your eyes)
• Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the chest or behind the ears

3. Stinging Nettle Tea

Stinging nettle is a natural antihistamine that helps block histamine production, reducing sneezing, itching, and congestion.

How to use:

• Brew fresh or dried nettle leaves into a tea and drink twice a day.
• If you dislike the taste, nettle supplements are a good alternative.

For an extra immune boost, add a squeeze of lemon juice to your tea.

4. Nasya (Ayurvedic Nasal Therapy)

In Ayurveda, Nasya is the practice of applying medicated oil to the nasal passages to lubricate the sinuses, clear congestion, and prevent allergens from triggering hayfever symptoms. It helps soothe irritation and supports respiratory health.

How to use Nasya oil for hayfever relief:

• Lie down with your head tilted back.
• Place 2-3 drops of warm oil (such as plain sesame oil or ghee) into each nostril.
• Inhale deeply, allowing the oil to coat the nasal passages.

Practising Nasya daily, especially before heading outdoors, can act as a protective barrier against pollen and allergens.

5. Probiotic-Rich Foods

Gut health plays a crucial role in immune function, and research suggests that probiotics can help balance the immune response to allergens. A strong microbiome may reduce hayfever severity over time.

Best probiotic foods for hayfever relief:

• Yoghurt (with live cultures)
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso

Eating these regularly can support your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Hayfever doesn’t have to ruin your enjoyment of spring and summer. If you find these tips helpful, do let me know by replying to this email.

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Health & Happiness,

Varsha

P.S. I have now opened up some slots for new clients. If you are interested in having a 1:1 nutrition consultation, reply to this email and lets have a chat!