Allergy season is in full swing and if you are one of the millions of people[1] who suffers from hay fever, you’ll likely be familiar with the symptoms of itchy eyes, annoying sneezing fits, a persistent runny nose and even painful headaches.
According to research by Puressentiel[2]– uk.puressentiel.com – the brains behind the evidence-backed plant-based health products for everyday wellness needs, 32% of Brits suffer from hay fever, while 18% have asthma, which can be triggered by various factors including allergies, such as pollen.[3] Plus, a sixth of Brits have a dust allergy, while one in ten are allergic to pets.
Despite a third (35%) of Brits claiming that their allergies are worse in the summer and 18% saying they’re worse in the spring, Dr Tim Bond, natural health specialist and researcher from the Puressentiel expert hub, says that allergies can be a burden for a large majority of the year.
“Tree pollen is common from Spring into June and July, with alder, birch, hazel and horse chestnut most likely to release pollen that triggers hay fever. Birch tree pollen is actually one of the most potent allergens[4] and researchers have revealed that birch trees growing in heavily polluted areas have higher levels of a key allergen in their pollen.[5] Grass pollen becomes an issue from May to July and weed pollen is an issue from June to September or beyond into early autumn.”
Explaining the science behind allergies, Dr Tim Bond adds: “Any allergy is caused when the body makes allergic antibodies (IgE) to specific substances. In terms of hay fever, pollen from trees, grass or flowers are the triggers. Some people are allergic to just one type of pollen, others may react to multiple types.”
The research by Puressentiel has even found that the annoying symptoms that come with hay fever and other allergies are getting in the way of Brits simply going outside as a quarter of Brits admit to skipping exercising outdoors due to allergies. Half of the allergy sufferers avoid outdoor exercise such as walking, as they don’t want to make their allergies worse. Over a third (35%) say that a lack of energy, caused by allergies, stops them from exercising outside whilst 33% blame nasal congestion.
Dr Nisa Aslam, GP and part of the Puressentiel expert hub says: “Getting outside in the sunshine is one of the perks of our warmer, sunny months, so it’s a shame that Brits are having to avoid the great outdoors. And this year, experts predict that 2025 will be the worst allergy season on record, with seasonal pollens being a real issue —and that, sadly, it’s not going to get much better from now until the autumn months.[6]”
But, staying inside the confines of your home might not actually do your hay fever symptoms any favours. “Indoor air can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air[7],” says Dr Nisa Aslam.
“Pollen can find its way indoors through windows, on clothes, with pets, in your hair and on your skin. Despite 61% and 53% of Brits believing that coughs and colds respectively are affected by poor air quality in the home and 59% thinking it can cause breathing problems, you’d think that more of us would be doing something to keep indoor air fresh.”
But, only a quarter (27%) have thought about the air quality inside their home a lot. Plus, a mere 42% of Brits have taken steps to improve the air quality in their home with 71% of these choosing to open windows, 37% using dehumidifiers and 27% spraying air fresheners.
“Opening windows however can lead to pollen flying in and causing more problems,” adds Dr Nisa Aslam. Of those that haven’t taken any steps to improve their indoor air, 34% simply don’t think that they can.
Dr Nisa Aslam adds: “But, there are ways you can improve air quality and there are a number of natural products that can help to relieve some of the symptoms that allergies can cause.”
The natural products you need to conquer allergy season
Doing what you can to help lessen the impact of respiratory symptoms associated with allergies can make your life so much more comfortable. Dr Nisa Aslam says turning to Puressentiel’s natural aids is ideal as plants produce many beneficial natural health and wellness compounds.
Only a third (35%) of Brits have tried natural solutions to help with respiratory problems, like allergies, yet, of those that have tried this natural solution, one in four said they were very effective, so if you’re someone who struggles with allergies, natural could be the way to go.
To help beat allergens in your home, try Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray, which combines 41 essential oils – including two species of lavender, eucalyptus, lemon and geranium (pelargonium), to combat airborne bacteria and viruses, fungal spores, and house-dust mites.
“This is ideal for those suffering from allergies and can be used to help prevent viruses, bacteria and mould, as well as improving the air quality,” says Dr Tim Bond.
Banishing the allergy cough
If a cough is getting you down or set off by pollen, whether from trees, hedgerows to flowers, grass, weeds etc then Puressentiel’s Respiratory Soothing Syrup provides 100% natural, fast, effective relief, soothing irritated mucous membranes that line throats and cause coughing.
Dr Tim Bond adds: “This syrup, which is available from Holland & Barrett, has a pleasant honey taste, and also provides lasting protection for the upper respiratory tract thanks to a natural, effective, special formula with a blend of three aromatic honeys, marshmallow extract, elderberry and propolis.”
Dr Tim Bond continues: “There is also the Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup, available from Holland & Barrett, which contains mullein as well as a number of other natural ingredients to help clear a cough and make breathing a little easier. Absolutely vital when trying to bust an allergy cough or allergy congestion which often comes with an irritating cough keeping most of awake at night.”
Dr Nisa Aslam notes further: “Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup also contains three aromatic honeys – propolis, marshmallow and elderberry – to help soothe sore throats and supports the body’s natural defences. This combination of natural ingredients helps to clear the upper respiratory tract by hydrating mucous membranes, reducing irritation and providing a lasting protection to reduce cough frequency.”
- 100% natural containing plants including Mullein, essential oils, honey and propolis.
- Contains the essential oils Peppermint, Eucalyptus radia, Rosemary cineole, Lemon.
- Helps calm and reduce the frequency of coughs from the first day
- Sweet honey taste
- Reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the mucous membrane
- Suitable for ages 7 and above.
Mullein – The Facts: Verbascum thapsus, more commonly known as mullein, has been around for thousands of years and is a member of the snapdragon plant family. Mullein grows in the United States but originated in Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat. It is also a demulcent. As a result of its health properties, Mullein is a great hack for busting allergy challenges such as coughs and congestion as well as summer colds.
All Blocked Up?
Dr Tim Bond explains: “Blocked and congested can stop you breathing comfortably. To help relieve a stuffy, blocked and congested nose, Puressentiel’s Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray, which is made using a 100% natural and organic relief, needs to be in your hay fever first aid bag.
“This completely natural, sterile saline solution softens blocked nasal mucosa with organic rosemary floral water along with soothing and decongestant essential oils of eucalyptus radiata, rosat geranium, niaouli, ravintsara, as well as propolis.
“The New Puressentiel Respiratory Nasal Hygiene Hydrating Spray also soothes and clears the nasal cavity. It combines soothing calendula and sea-water in a 100% plant-based formula.
The user-friendly nozzle and multidirectional spray makes this ideal for sensitive and irritated noses.
“For a stronger spray, go for New Puressentiel Respiratory Nasal Hygiene Strong Jet Spray. Made with organic calendula, this deeply cleanses your nose and helps in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngitis as well as summer colds.
“This spray is three times more powerful and ultra effective at clearing very blocked noses. It also offers deep cleansing, eliminating impurities and reducing the viscosity of mucus and restoring natural moisture.”
Dr Tim Bond adds: “Plants are powerful and they can really go a long way in relieving you of symptoms this allergy season. I recommend keeping the Puressentiel range close by, whether you’re at home, travelling or out and about, so your day-to-day life can carry on as normal, no matter what allergens might be floating around!”
