Seasonal Tips Part 1

A very good infusion to make is Goldenrod (Solidago Vigaurea). *pictured left

Take 1/2 cup or 125 ml up to four times per day.

An additional hot infusion of Lavender (Lavandula) , Hyssop (hyssopus Officinalis), Marjoram (Origanum Majorana) or Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) is very useful at soothing & relieving the irritated mucous membranes.

Applying cold compresses of Witch Hazel diluted in 4 parts of boiling water helps to soothe the eyes.

To aid in the elimination of excess mucous caused by hayfever or allergies take a HOT tea of Eyebright (Euphrasia nostkaviana) *pictured above or Mullein flower ( Verbascum thapus) to be drunk to three times daily.

Note: Eyebright is also useful for relieving the redness around the eyes.

Salty Solution

Whilst going through some aged Herbal Remedies the other day I discovered a very good recipe for a nasal irrigation.

These forms of "cures" for hay fever or allergies have been

making a comeback & here's how to do it from your home.

First add 1/2 a teaspoon of salt or sodium bicarbonate to 1/4 litre of warm, clean water.

[If you wish you could add some herbal tea to the mixture to further aid you. Herbs such as Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) or Oregon Grapefruit ( Mahonia aquifolium).]

You then need to irrigate your nose. This helps to flush out the pollens, moulds & other allergens that have accumulated in the nasal cavity.

It also helps to thin the mucous, making it easier to expel by gently blowing into a tissue.

• To use the nasal wash first, turn you head to one side & lower it over the sink.

• Keeping your forehead slightly higher than your chin, gently pour the solution into your uppermost nostril.

• The solution will then begin to drain out of the other nostril.

(Try not in inhale when doing this as some of the solution may run down the back of your throat & trust me it won't taste nice. Kind of like swallowing sea water.)

Repeat with the other nostril & keep using this process for the duration of hay fever season, once a day or until your feel you've expelled the allergens.

{ As always, this does not replace medical practitioner advice. Red eyes may also be symptomatic of other medical problems so please consult a qualified herbalist or G.P if you are unsure of any symptoms & certainly before you commence any form of treatment herbal or otherwise.}