Veganism and Hayfever: Natural Remedies and Summer Saviours

Well, for those who suffer from hayfever, pretty much anything else. Hayfever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis to those in the know) is an allergic reaction to pollen – the powdery microscopic grains released from plants). People who suffer from hay fever react to pollen with a range of symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat. 

Whilst hayfever isn’t a life-threatening problem, anyone who has it will tell you how unpleasant it is. It can cause sleep problems, leave you stuck indoors and generally make you feel a bit miserable. 

There are lots of different remedies available nowadays to help you combat hayfever, but if you’re vegan or trying to be, it can be tough to know which ones are plant-based. Look no further than our tried and tested favourites below.

Probiotics

Eating foods with plenty of probiotics has loads of great health benefits, mainly as it aids digestion. But that’s not all – it also plays a key role in keeping your immune system healthy. Look for vegan products with probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, both of which help keep allergies in check. If you want an easy alternative, purchasing vegan probiotic pills is another option.

Apples and onions

The skin of both apples and onions contains the flavanoid quercetin (a natural antihistamine). Several studies have shown that when taken in supplement form, quercetin can be extremely helpful in reducing a variety of allergy symptoms. Combine it with a vitamin C supplement for extra oomph. 

Pineapples

As well as tasting great, this wonder fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain which helps to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, as well as stimulate healthy mucus production. It’s definitely a must when your allergies strike. A glass of pineapple juice counts as one of your five a day, too. Winning!

Folate foods

According to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, people with high levels of folate in their blood are less likely to suffer from allergies. What vegan foods are best for upping your folate intake? Things like spinach, lentils and chickpeas are perfect, and you could even combine all three in a delicious hay fever-busting salad!

Vegan-friendly relief sprays

Finding vegan-friendly medication can feel a little tough at times, but there are still plenty of options out there to help you deal with your hayfever. Holland and Barrett have a mix of tablets, creams and sprays you can try – just double check they’re suitable for vegans, and ask in-store or via their website chat if you’re unsure. We swear by this vegan hayfever relief spray. 

Air Purifiers

Particularly if a few people in your home are suffering badly with hayfever, it may be worth investing in an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air filter to prevent further allergies entering your house. These purifiers pull air through the filter, removing pollen, dust, spores, and smoke from the air. There are lots of different options out there including portable air purifiers and whole-house systems. 

Have we missed any ways to combat hayfever? Let us know in the comments.