Hay fever is the most common form of allergy, affecting up to 25 per cent of the population. Airborne allergies make summer a misery for at least 15 million people in the UK and are increasing at a rate of five per cent each year.

Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen which causes inflammation and irritation to the lining of the eyes, nose and throat. Pollen from trees and grass is a common allergen and can affect sufferers at specific times of the year.

In an attempt to rid the body of allergens the immune system overreacts and releases chemicals which cause inflammation. Hayfever causes itchy, watery, red eyes (known as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, or “allergic eyes”), frequent sneezing and a constantly dripping nose. Consequently, sufferers struggle to breathe through their nose properly and find it hard to rid the itchy sensation in the nose, ears and back of the throat.

Fortunately there are many natural remedies that can offer speedy and significant relief:

ALLER AID A herbal remedy traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of hayfever, catarrh and sinus congestion and for the relief of other allergy related symptoms. All ingredients have shown scientific potential in supporting the response of the body's natural defence system to seasonal allergen exposure. Click for more information

BUTTERBUR Butterbur comes from a herbaceous plant found in Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia and has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Research published in the British Medical Journal has shown that Butterbur has similar effects to over-the-counter antihistamines, and does not cause any drowsiness. Click for more information

PYCNOGENOL Pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, is as effective in preventing release of histamine as a commonly used hay fever drug, sodium cromoglicate. In fact, laboratory studies have shown pycnogenol can block as much as 70 per cent of histamine released from mast cells when they are exposed to airborne allergens such as pollen. Click for more information

ALLERGY SEASON FORMULA Zand Allergy Season Formula combines the optimum potency of key ingredients with a blend of supportive herbs to restore and maintain the body's natural state of balance. Zand Allergy Season is a gentle, ephedra-free dietary supplement for long-term use which supports the body's defences throughout the allergy seasons to combat symptoms of hayfever. The formula contains key ingredients such as Nettle leaf, Bromelain, Quercetin and Vitamin B5. Click for more information

EYEBRIGHT Eyebright has been traditionally used for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, conjunctivitis and itchy or inflamed eyes. Nature's Answer alcohol-free extracts are produced using their multi-extraction process, using alcohol and water to ensure maximum activity. All alcohol is then removed using our proprietary process. Click for more information

QUERCITIN Quercitin is one of several bioflavonoids with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antihistamine properties. Quercitin works as an anti- inflammatory agent by deactivating enzymes that produce inflammation and strengthening cell walls that would normally release histamines into the bloodstream Click for more information

These nutrients mentioned can be purchased online at www.discountvitaminsandherbs.com

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