Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and dust. It can be seasonal, that is a person suffers from hay fever during a particular season. For instance, some people may show hay fever symptoms due to an allergic reaction to tree pollens that permeate the air during spring. Or some might be allergic to weed or grass pollens in the summer. Some even tend to suffer from perennial hay fever; this is mostly due to allergens such as animal dander, feathers, and dust mites that are found indoors.

Whether a person suffers from seasonal or perennial hay fever, symptoms of this allergy can cause a lot of annoyance and make it difficult to work through the day. Hay fever symptoms include the following:

• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
• A runny nose with eyes turning reddish
• Episodes of prolonged and violent sneezes
• Coughing and headaches
• Loss of appetite and smell
• Facial muscles ache and feeling of fatigue
• Irritability and insomnia

Mild hay fever symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications and by following certain natural home-based remedies. Here are some home remedies that can provide relief from hay fever symptoms:

Organic honey : The bee pollen present in honey can boost immunity against the pollens that cause seasonal hay fever. Organic, local honey should be made a part of the daily diet to reduce the intensity of hay fever symptoms. Also, having honey has other health benefits such as helping in weight loss, protecting against common cold and flu.

Steaming : Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water to help to ease congestion and give relief from itchy nose and throat and also alleviate headaches. Put a few drops of eucalyptus in the water for instant relief. Eucalyptus is not recommended if the person is on medications since eucalyptus can nullify the effect of those medicines.

Herbal tea : Sipping on freshly brewed tea alleviates hay fever symptoms to a great extent. An infusion of ginger tea and honey can clear chest congestion and boosts the strength of the immune system. Drinking peppermint tea provides relief from sinus and nasal congestion, thus healing runny nose and headaches. Chamomile tea is also effective in treating hay fever symptoms.

Antioxidants : Food high in antioxidants not only strengthen the immune system but also provide relief from hay fever symptoms. Fresh vegetables, especially those containing flavonoids and carotenoids, such as pumpkin, carrot, and sweet potatoes can open up congestion.

Garlic : With its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties, garlic is one of the best remedies for curing hay fever symptoms. If made a regular part of daily diet, garlic can protect the body from a lot of diseases and allergies that attack the body due to a weak immune system.