Ways to get fast relief from hay fever & sinusitis

When sinuses flair up, fast relief is the only thing you can think about. Here's some ways to prevent sinus problems, and some home remedies to speed up your recovery.

Hay fever is a common allergic disorder caused by pollen in the air. In response, the body produces histamines — its defence against infection — leading to streaming noses and puffy eyes. Here's how to avoid it:

• As the hay fever season nears, start taking a daily spoonful of unpasteurized local honey. Traces of pollen in the honey can help to desensitize the body.
• Reduce exposure to pollen. Keep away from grassy areas and stay indoors with windows closed when the pollen count is high.
• Damp-dust and vacuum regularly.
• When you go out, wear sunglasses and keep car windows closed.
• If you suffer badly, consider fitting a pollen filter to the car's ventilation system.
• Change clothes and take a shower as soon as you get in.
• Spread petroleum jelly inside your nostrils to intercept the pollen.
• Eat onions. They are rich in quercitin, which is said to help to ward off hay fever.

• Try butterbur, a traditional herbal remedy that's been used for centuries and has shown promise in a Swiss clinical trial.
• Talk to your doctor about which prescription and over-the-counter treatments might help you. Make sure you tell them about any natural remedies you already take.
• If you find no relief, ask your doctor about immunotherapy. This highly specialized procedure introduces minute amounts of allergens to the body. Over time, the body adapts to them, lessening allergic reaction symptoms.

When infection causes the linings of the sinuses to become inflamed, it can cause fever, pain, tenderness and a blocked or runny nose. Sinusitis usually clears up on its own, but if symptoms persist you should see your doctor. Here's some simple ways to help with minor sinusitis:

• For a strong decongestant blast, try chewing and swallowing half a teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish root. To avoid stomach irritation, use this remedy only after a snack or meal.
• One of the quickest ways to loosen up blocked sinuses is to sprinkle cayenne pepper on your food.
• Use a ready-made steam decongestant mixture.
• Put two drops of tea tree, pine or eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl and pour in a litre of hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel draped over your head and breathe for 10 minutes. Inhale deeply through the nose.
• If you're having trouble breathing, rub a couple of drops of tea tree oil between your palms and inhale from your cupped hands.

Sinus problems can be overwhelming and you'll want relief fast. With the above tricks, you could get back to your old self much more quickly, and even be able to enjoy the outdoors again.