This weekend, the UK is expected to be hit with a huge pollen bomb, likely causing vast amounts of nuisance, itchy eyes, blocked noses and sneezing for all you hay fever sufferers out there. 

Many of us suffer from hay fever, especially during the summer months when grass and flower pollen is rife which can be controlled using over-the-counter medication, however, they aren’t always effective and it means relying on medication. 

With pollen bombs expected throughout the summer, it’s always best to get on top of it now, in a bid to keep symptoms at bay as much as possible in the coming months. To help, health and wellness expert, Tyler Woodward at Eden’s Gate has detailed seven of the most effective ways to curb any first signs of allergies ahead of the weekend.

7 effective ways to curb hay fever:

1. Wearing wraparound sunglasses

Wraparound sunglasses can help with hay fever by shielding the eyes from pollen, dust, and other allergens in the air. The wraparound design of the sunglasses helps to keep the allergens from getting in the eyes and causing irritation. The sunglasses also provide UV protection, which can help to reduce eye irritation and discomfort.

2. Closing windows

Closing your windows is an easy way to keep pollen out of your home, which is a common trigger for sufferers. Keeping windows closed can also help to keep the air temperature inside your home consistent, which can make breathing easier.

3. Quitting smoking

Quitting smoking can help reduce hay fever symptoms as it improves air quality and reduces the amount of pollen and other allergens in the air. Removing smoke from the air you breathe reduces inflammation in the nose and throat, making it easier to breathe and reducing the severity of allergy symptoms.

4. CBD

CBD can help relieve hay fever symptoms by reducing inflammation in the nose and throat, making it easier to breathe. It can also reduce the production of mucus, which is often triggered by hay fever, and act as an antihistamine, which helps to reduce the body’s allergic response.

5. Put Vaseline around your nose to trap pollen

Vaseline on the nose can provide relief by acting as a barrier and trapping pollen and other allergens in the air before they can reach the nose and cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, Vaseline can help to keep the nose moisturised and reduce irritation.

6. Vacuum regularly

Vacuuming can alleviate symptoms experienced by trapping pollen and clearing all dust and allergens in the air before they can cause an allergic reaction. Adding to this, vacuuming in diagonal and zig-zag lines first, followed by a thorough vacuum is a great way to ensure all dust particles are picked up, reducing the risk of hay fever.

7. Purchase anti-pollen fresheners for your car

Using anti-pollen air fresheners in your car can help reduce hay fever symptoms by magnetising any pollen or dust before it can reach the nose and eye, therefore making your drive around more comfortable.