The Hour

As winter wanes and the unsteady hand of spring takes up the reins, the country once more blushes back to life – the birds begin to clear their throats and fill the still uncertain air, the insects noise hungrily from bud to bud, and every spare inch of green starts to bloom, bold and brash and beautiful. 

And for those who suffer from hay fever all this feels like a slap in the face.

Primarily triggered by wind-pollinated plants the resulting allergic reactions cause discomfort, runny noses and the sudden purchase of questionable sunglasses; the length and breadth of the country. 

The bales become the bane of walkers and cyclists everywhere, tall grasses are suddenly something to be feared and even the sight of a rose (or any flower other flower by any other name) is enough to bring you out in a rash.

Currently there are huge variety of over-the-counter and prescription treatments available for people who suffer from the condition.  Antihistamines are the most common treatment and generally work effectively once the right one is found; however there are downsides to these types of medication. 

Varying degrees of drowsiness are often associated with antihistamines and increasingly people are looking elsewhere for remedies.

Homeopathy treats a patient’s illness by trying to acclimatise the body to the very thing that is causing it distress.  Eating honey, sourced from the local area, is said to enhance your immunity to the pollens that cause hay fever, for example. 

The plus side to this avenue of treatment is that there are no nasty side effects; drowsiness etc.  The downside is that there is very little scientific evidence that homeopathic remedies are little more than pleasant tasting placebos.

However, after a winter full of running noses, colds and sneezes, the last thing you want is another six months of suffering.  Under these circumstances you might just be forgiven for turning to the natures larder apposed to the medicine cabinet to find your relief.

Just remember to keep a handkerchief on hand, just in case.