The Key To Successfull Relief... Start Early
Seasonal allergies, or hay-fever, can be uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when it happens year in and year out. It’s estimated that 10-20% of the western population suffers from hay-fever symptoms. The cause is usually plant pollens in the air, which can be a problem at different times depending on which pollens you react to. Some people are unlucky enough to be affected all year round by these irritating symptoms, due to reactions to dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander or fungi. Other allergic conditions such as skin allergies, asthma and food intolerances are sometimes an additional problem for hay-fever sufferers, as these conditions are produced by similar immune system reactions. There’s a range of natural supplements available to ease your allergy symptoms this season, and starting your treatment early can be the key to success.

Herbal Medicine
Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is a herbal medicine used in Asia for the treatment and prevention of allergy and hay-fever symptoms. Perilla seed has recently received attention for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy action. One clinical trial showed a significant reduction in hay-fever symptoms in up to 70% of individuals in the 21 days of treatment with Perilla. Compounds in Perilla seed slow the release of histamine by the body, which is how allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching develop. Perilla seed is also rich in alpha linoleic acid (ALA), an omega 3 essential fat and known anti-inflammatory.
Coleus (Coleus forskholii) is an Ayurvedic herbal medicine traditionally used in India. The main active ingredient forskolin, plays a role in most of the plants therapeutic actions. These include the treatment of allergic conditions, including hay-fever, eczema, psoriasis and asthma. The additional ability of Coleus to relax the bronchial muscles, which are constricted in asthma, makes it a very useful herb for people with respiratory system allergies.

Nutritional Supplements
Vitamin C (500mg-1000mg/day) is a preventative measure for allergies, as it also slows the body’s histamine release.
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in red wine, tea, onions and apples, which has also been shown to block histamine production and provide an anti-inflammatory effect for a broad range of conditions.
Magnesium (200-300mg/day) helps with muscle relaxation in asthma management, and is traditionally used as part of an allergy management treatment plan.
Vitamin B6 is also used to assist allergy management.
Probiotics can assist in allergy prevention and help to balance immune function.

Why Choose Natural Treatments For Allergies?
Natural treatments can provide an effective way of managing and preventing your allergy symptoms. These supplements are non-drowsy, non-addictive and very well tolerated by most people. A reduction in the severity of your symptoms can usually be noticed within 2-4 weeks of starting. For prevention start your treatment at least a month before your hay-fever season. For a personal recommendation on what supplements are best for your condition see the qualified team at your local Healthy Life store.