Mild cases of hay fever can be controlled with over-the-counter antihistamines. Some over-the-counter nasal sprays contain both a decongestant and an antihistamine. Be aware that over-the-counter nasal sprays and drops may be addictive and should be used sparingly. Another avenue to try is allergy shots. Alternative/Natural Treatments Aromatherapy - Inhalations of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), peppermint (Mentha piperita), or hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) may help to ease the irritation and pain. Inhalations of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), peppermint (Mentha piperita), or hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) may help to ease the irritation and pain. Chinese Herbs - Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) is a hay fever and allergy remedy. Chinese herbalists say that it is best used for short periods in combination with other herbs. A herbalist may combine ephedra with licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) is a hay fever and allergy remedy. Chinese herbalists say that it is best used for short periods in combination with other herbs. A herbalist may combine ephedra with licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis. In some people, ephedra can produce side effects and is best used under the supervision of a Chinese herbalist. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is compatible with ephedra as well. Commonly used expectorants include pinellia (Pinellia ternata), cynanchum (Cynanchum stautoni), and polygala (Polygala tenuifolia). Consult a Professional for more information. Herbal Therapies - The following mixture may help you - Infuse in 1 cup boiled water for 10 minutes: 2 parts elder (Sambucus nigra), 1 part ephedra (Ephedra sinica), 1 part eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), and 1 part goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). The following mixture may help you - Infuse in 1 cup boiled water for 10 minutes: 2 parts elder (Sambucus nigra), 1 part ephedra (Ephedra sinica), 1 part eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), and 1 part goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Be aware that ephedra may be too stimulating for children and may give adults certain side effects - always check before using. You may be able to slow down your body's mucus production with goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), garlic (Allium sativum), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), or agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria). Irritated eyes could be bathed with compresses soaked in either eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) or chamomile (Matricaria recutita); make a tea from the leaves and dilute it by 50 percent with water or saline solution before using to soak the compresses. Homoeopathy - For watery, hot eyes, a burning nasal discharge with sneezing, and symptoms that feel worse late at night, try Arsenicum album. For watery, hot eyes, a burning nasal discharge with sneezing, and symptoms that feel worse late at night, try Arsenicum album. If your eyes feel inflamed and very watery, your nose is blocked at night but has a watery discharge during the day, and you have a headache, consider using Euphrasia. Pulsatilla can help if your symptoms are - thick, yellow mucus accompanied by a loss of taste and smell and are made worse by warm rooms but are better outdoors. If your watery, itchy eyes and sneezing, runny nose with a burning discharge become worse in a warm room, try Allium cepa. You will need professional advice for proper doses of these remedies. Personal Care The best way to combat the allergens that are assaulting you is to avoid them. Keep windows closed and the air conditioning turned on. Avoid mowing your lawn or raking leaves since these activities stir up pollens. If you must do yard work yourself, wear a filtered mask and protective glasses. Wash your face, hands, and hair and rinse your eyes when coming in from outdoors to avoid leaving traces of pollen on your pillow. Keep your house very clean and wear a mask while cleaning to avoid breathing in any allergens. Dietary Considerations It is advised that refined sugar and the protein in dairy products, are mucus-producing substances that are best avoided during hay fever season. Some researchers believe that honey has a desensitising and anti-allergic effect that may relieve some hay fever symptoms. Also it is advisable to avoid certain foods - wheat, eggs, peanut butter, dairy products, alcohol, white flour breads, biscuits and cakes if you are allergic to them as well as any other foods known to cause you problems (chocolate, shellfish, cheese, fish). You may also try an elimination diet to pin point the particular foods which are the culprits. When to seek further professional advice
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