Hayfever
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Spring in Canberra is a glorious time, with delicate blossoms and sunny wattle putting on a show, the days lengthening and warming up. Except, of course, if you’re a hayfever sufferer — in which case sneezes, red sniffly noses and teary eyes are the norm. If you’re one of the unlucky 15% or so who experiences hayfever, there are things you can do other than hide in your room to ease the discomfort.
What is Hayfever?
Hayfever is an immune system overreaction to stimuli in your environment. It can be triggered by dust mites or animal hair; however, if your hayfever is seasonal it’s likely to be airborne pollens which proliferate in spring and trigger an inflammatory response in the mucous membranes.
What Can You Do About It?
Steroidal nasal sprays and oral antihistamines are the standard drug-based approaches. However, if you’re curious about what else you can do to support your body alongside these options, this is for you.
Stress
Combating stress is one of the biggest levers you have at your disposal to support a healthy immune response. Hayfever reflects an immune system reacting strongly to otherwise harmless environmental triggers. Supporting nervous system regulation can play an important role in overall immune balance.
You might need help to tackle your stress, but equally you might be able to help yourself by improving sleep (for example, swapping phone scrolling for reading at night), exercising regularly (indoors preferably during peak pollen times) to clear tension, and nurturing your emotional health by talking to friends and family or seeking professional support.
Eat & Drink
Some people find that certain foods may aggravate their symptoms during allergy season. Reducing highly processed foods, excess sugar and alcohol can support overall immune resilience.
Dairy and gluten-containing grains are nutritious foods for many people, however some individuals notice improvement in hayfever symptoms when reducing them. This varies from person to person.
Spring can also be a good time to focus on fresh wholefoods — plenty of quality vegetables, adequate protein and good hydration. Staying well hydrated may support normal mucous membrane function during allergy season.
Another strategy some people explore is consuming local honey. Evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, but some individuals choose to include it as part of their seasonal routine.
More
Many people explore natural therapies alongside dietary and lifestyle changes during allergy season.
Acupuncture is commonly used to support relaxation and overall wellbeing. Some people report improvements in sinus comfort and symptom severity during allergy season, although individual responses vary.
Naturopathy may involve herbs and nutritional strategies traditionally used to soothe irritated mucous membranes and support immune health. It can also explore gut health as part of a broader approach to immune resilience.
There are many home remedies from ginger and garlic to fenugreek tea and more. If they work for you, that’s wonderful — but what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Seeking advice from a qualified practitioner can help tailor support to your individual needs.
Written by Wesley Smith
