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Urtica urens - This herb has been used for many centuries in folk medicine to treat inflammation and allergies. Modern research has recently supported its use as and effective anti-inflammatory and natural antihistamine. It is a rich source of quercitin, a flavonoid known to inhibit the release of histamine without the side effects of antihistamine drugs.

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Plantago lanceolata (also known as plantain) plantain is a common plant for Europe, found almost everywhere on the embankments and the waste fields, even in the lawns. Ribwort plantain has spear shaped upright leaves whereas greater plantain has a flat rosette of leaves at the base. Both have tiny flowers in cylindrical shaped spikes. Their leaves are rich in aucubin, an irridoid, and antioxidants along with mucilages. Together, these have fantastic effects of soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and blood vessels strengthening. Plantains are therefore used extensively for treating a number of allergies like asthma, bronchitis, catarrh and various other allergic reactions affecting breathing. They are also used very effectively for relief from itchy, chapped skin, cuts and grazes and insect bites. They are also helpful in treating pneumococcal and streptococcus infections as also sore eyes.

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Allium cepa C30 is a homeopathic remedy which quickly treats stinging, burning, streaming nose and eyes and stops violent sneezing attacks, while reducing inflammation in swollen itchy eyes.

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Ars. iod. C30 is also homeopathically formulated to assist with all the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis. It can also help to reduce irritability and to prevent sneezing and a wheezing chest.

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Kali phos. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that is often called ‘nature’s pacifier’. It has a relaxing effect on the nerves and throughout the body and helps to support healthy breathing.

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Mag phos. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that has a variety of uses, amongst these is the ability of Mag. phos to prevent spasms and tightness in the chest.

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Nat sulph. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that is classically used as a natural bronchial tonic and helps to soothe the respiratory tract.

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Citrus fruits and blackcurrants, which are rich in vitamin C have natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, should be taken more during hay fever. They relieve congestion.

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The oral administration of a thymus extract known as Thymomodulin has been shown to improve the symptoms of hay fever. Thymus extracts are extracts derived from the thymus glands usually of young calves (bovine). The thymus is one of our major immune system glands. Thymus extracts are found in capsules and tablets as a dietary supplement.

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Quercetin – Quercetin is an increasingly popular treatment for hay fever even though only limited preliminary clinical research has suggested that it is beneficial to hay fever sufferers. Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment responsible for the colors found in fruits and vegetables. Quercetin is supposed to inhibit the production and release of histamine which is responsible for your runny nose and watery eyes. Quercetin seems to work better when used in conjunction with bromelain.

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Fluid intake should be increased to retain moisture content in the mucous membranes.

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Bromelain – Bromelain supplements help in suppressing cough, reducing nasal mucus and relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever. This supplement is often administered with quercetin, a flavonoid. This digestive enzyme is richly found in pineapples.

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Essential Fatty Acids – Omega-6 fatty acids have a longstanding history of folk use for allergies. They are essential fatty acids (EFAs), meaning that they are needed by the body and must be obtained from the diet. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA; the only anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid) is the most important of the lot. In fact, women and infants who are prone to allergies appear to have lower levels of GLA in breast milk and blood. GLA is found in spirulina and seed oils of evening primrose, black currant, borage, and fungal oils. Try and eat foods rich an omega-3 fatty acids (such as cold-water fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts). Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and limiting foods with omega-6 fatty acids (found, for example, in egg yolks, meats, and cooking oils including corn, safflower, and cottonseed,) may reduce allergy symptoms in general. This is because omega-3 fatty acids tend to decrease inflammation while omega-6 fatty acids (other than GLA) tend to increase inflammation.

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Lactobacillus Acidophilus – Certain studies suggest that L. acidophilus, "friendly" bacteria found in the intestine, enhance the immune system. It is thought to have the potential to lower the risk of allergies, including hay fever. Yoghurt shall provide you with this friendly bacteria.

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Spirulina – Some other studies suggest that spirulina, an immune system stimulant, may help protect against harmful allergic reactions. It appears that spirulina prevents the release of histamines, which contribute substantially to symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

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Install an air cleaner and a dehumidifier in your home. Clean and dry air should minimize the presence of pollens, molds, pet dander and dust mite. Regularly clean the filters of your air conditioner.

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Clean regularly all the humid areas with fungicides.

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Whenever possible, keep all the rooms of your house well ventilated to reduce the risk of mould and fungus spores growing.

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Wrap up the mattresses and pillows in plastic to keep dust mites away. Also, use polyester filled pillows instead of feather stuffed ones.

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Use throw rugs instead of carpets as throw rugs can be washed at high enough temperatures to kill dust mites.

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If possible, remain inside air-conditioned building during peak periods of pollen.

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Take shelter indoors before a thunderstorm - and for up to 3 hours afterwards. Storms are preceded by high humidity, which makes pollen grains swell, burst and release their irritating starch, triggering a hay-fever attack.

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Protect your eyes from pollen when you are outdoors. Additionally, although you may have to compromise on your appearance, wear a face mask when you know you might be exposed to pollen. Small air-filter masks will do the job perfectly.

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If your problem is really acute, you should even wash your hair before going to bed so that you do not transfer a headful of dust and pollen to your pillow.

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If you cannot give up gardening, grow bird-pollinated plants such as grevilleas and bottlebrushes. Also, replace the lawn with a paving and do away with compost heaps which produce mould spores.

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Be very careful while taking antihistamines and decongestants as some have been found to have serious side effects and some others are a definitive no for people already having other problems like high blood pressure.

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If animal dander is the cause of your problem, stay away from furry animals and birds.

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You should avoid respiratory irritants such as cigarette smoke.