Simple hay fever hacks to help soothe your summer symptoms
If you know....you know 🤧
Last updated 28th May 2022
Anyone with hay fever will know that pollen levels are extremely high in certain parts of Northern Ireland right now.
Don't get us wrong, it's always lovely to see the sun, it means we can all enjoy outdoor picnics, summer walks and beach days.
But when you spend the afternoon sneezing, and itching your eyes, it's a lot less fun!
And for some you don't even have to be outside for the pollen to hit your system, a lot of people start sneezing and coughing right through from April-September.
Symptoms include itchy eyes, headaches, tiredness, loss of smell and pain around the temples and forehead 24 hours a day.
We’ve compiled a list of helpful hacks that should ease your pain this summer.
Check it out:
Use Vaseline
Before heading outdoors, spread a bit of Vaseline on the inside of the bottom of your nose, this should act as a trap for at least some pollen particles.
Play with spice
To help ease congestion, simply adding spices like ginger, chilli and garlic to your meals can really help.
Eat some honey
So many of our listeners have recommended a spoonful of honey each morning. Science suggests that bee pollen in the honey desensitises the body to other allergens.
Wash your hair before bed
This will strip your skin and hair of any pollen that's settled on them throughout the day, it also means it doesn't end up on your pillow during the night.
Avoid alcohol 💔
Research suggests that beer and alcohol can worsen symptoms. Switching to Green teas might help, and don't forget you can re-use teabags as a cold compress for swollen eyes.
Keep eye drops and sprays in the fridge
Storing drops in the fridge means they're cooling when applied. After you've spent the day scratching and itching at your eyes, there's nothing more refreshing than a soothing drop/spray.
Try a nasal spray
It might not sound glamorous of things, but nasal spray's are popular for a reason.
Read more:
Warning for sea swimmers with the return of jellyfish to NI's coastline
The best ways to protect your pet from sunburn