Natural Remedies For Hay Fever | Pukka Herbs

Natural remedies for hay fever



  • Turmeric & Ginger : Naturally hot, spicy and stimulating, these herbs either in combination or separately will stimulate the system, warm the digestion and improve nutrient assimilation. The combination of these two herbs is a specific remedy for allergic rhinitis, hay fever and colds. Histamine is by nature inflammatory, so adding plenty of anti-inflammatory spices into your diet could be helpful in alleviating nasal swelling.

  • Nettle: Nettles are thought to have the ability to block histamine activity and other pro-inflammatory molecules involved in hay fever. Pukka Herb’s Cleanse tea contains nettles and aloe vera which has a natural cooling effect, helping to calm any irritation. Histamine, a key player in allergic response, is broken down by the liver, so supporting liver function with cooling and cleansing herbs can be helpful for managing hay fever symptoms. Pukka’s Clean Greens Superblend is a combination of 11 nutrient-dense plant superfoods including nettles, chlorella and spirulina, which can be taken in the lead up to Spring to ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

  • Mushroom gold: All medicinal mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, powerful polysaccharides renowned for their profound effect on the immune system and on inflammation. The symptoms of hay fever are often caused by an over-response of the immune system within local tissues. Medicinal mushrooms are known for their immune-balancing properties, which help to retrain the immune system to have a more appropriate response to potential allergens.

    Reishi mushrooms, known as the ‘King of Mushrooms’, display strong anti-histaminic and anti-inflammatory actions. It can be taken daily to support allergic conditions and reduce the symptoms of hay fever. In addition to their immune modulating properties, mushrooms contain significant levels of vitamin D2. Low vitamin D status is linked to development of allergies, so mushrooms can provide a helpful boost of vitamin D throughout the year. Pukka Herb’s Mushroom Gold formula contains reishi, maitake and shiitake for maximum benefit.


  • Peppermint & Licorice : An excellent herb for releasing stuck congestion and mucus around the nose and a ‘heavy head’. Licorice soothes the lung and throat and acts as expectorant.


  • Elderflower : The elder tree is traditionally known as ‘’nature’s medicine chest’. Elderflowers can dry and tone mucous membranes which line the nose and throat, reducing sneezing and a runny and blocked nose from hay fever. A comforting herbal tea such as Pukka’s Elderberry and echinacea tea could provide relief from those irritating symptoms throughout hay fever season. It contains elderflowers, elderberries and licorice which are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and have a soothing effect, helping to reduce any feelings of irritations in the nose and throat. Drinking 1-2 cups of elderflower or licorice tea may to help reduce the symptoms of mild hay fever during those particularly troublesome weeks. 

  • Chamomile : A chamomile inhalation (steaming hot water) could be helpful technique for those suffering with hay fever in high pollen season. It works by clearing excess mucus from the lungs as well as reducing inflammation.

  • Vitamin C : Well known for supporting the immune system, it is thought that vitamin C may help to reduce histamine levels. In order to support the balanced functioning of your immune system, consider taking a vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids to help reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms. Pukka Herbs and Power Immune capsules contain organic plant-source Vitamin C rich in bioflavonoids and polyphenols which optimise absorption and bioavailability of this important nutrient. 

Other diet and lifestyle tips to help ease hay fever symptoms



  • Minimise the time you spend outside on high pollen count days.

  • Keep windows closed at night when you sleep.


  • Wash your face and hands after being outside.

  • Dry washing inside on a high pollen count days.

  • Use a saline nasal spray to rinse out your sinuses, at least twice a day.

Why does hay fever occur?

Hay fever is often seen as a reflection of the change in seasons that occurs during the transition from winter through to spring. As the warmth of spring increases, it also warms the body influencing a ‘melting’ of congestion and toxic accumulation that has occurred over the winter period. Hay fever is an allergic reaction (an immune system overreaction) to pollen released primarily by grasses, but can also be triggered by pollen released from trees. You can have an allergy to tree, grass, or weed pollen, which all have different times of release throughout the year, with grass pollen allergy being the most common. 

Pollen particles contain a protein that causes inflammation, irritation and swelling of the nasal passages, but can also affect the eyes and the throat. The pollen causes the release of a substance known as an inflammatory mediator called histamine. It is the histamine that influences the symptoms of ‘hay fever’ in the body such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages. 





To minimise hay fever symptoms, start taking natural remedies 2-3 months before the pollen season kicks in as the beneficial properties of the plants need time to take effect on the body. 

However, for those that are susceptible and highly sensitive to hayfever attacks, it’s best practice to start hay fever support during the winter before the trees and blooms begin the bloom.

Hay fever and the doshas




