Hay Fever – arriving early in 2026
I’ve never thought I’d be writing about hay fever this early, but this year hay fever is already all over the news, and clients are already getting in touch to ask for help.
According to Hay Fever UK, the British hay fever season is "starting earlier and lasting longer" due to climate change. Leading to warmer, drier, and longer growing seasons, is extending the duration of allergy seasons by 4 to 6 weeks.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is a common allergy to pollen that can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms for sufferers.
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, happens when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air, and as well as pollen, it can be triggered by house dust mites, mould spores and pet dander.
Pollen is the fine powder produced by the male parts of trees, flowers and grasses.
Different types of pollen tend to peak in different seasons, and late February to early March falls in the middle of the tree pollen season.
Tree pollen levels are currently "very high" in London, according to University of Worcester's National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, while levels are "high" in areas including Birmingham, Brighton, Derby, Manchester, and Oxford.
So, if you are already feeling the effects of the high tree pollen at the moment, you’re definitely not alone. With this in mind, here are some self-help tips that you can do at home to calm things down. I often suggest thinking in terms of soothing and strengthening: nettle tea can act as a natural antihistamine, local raw honey (if tolerated) may help your body adapt to local pollens, and adding quercetin-rich foods like apples, red onions and berries can be wonderfully supportive. Omega-3 rich foods such as flaxseed, chia seeds can help moderate inflammation, and a handful of organic pumpkin seeds daily for extra zinc. Reducing dairy and heavily processed foods will also reduce mucus symptoms flare-ups and keep hydration high to help your body clear irritants.
When mucous membranes are soothed and supported, the whole system often feels less reactive. Small daily care rituals can make a big difference during intense pollen spells.
Tips for easing eyes, nose & throat symptoms
Rinse eyes with sterile saline eyewash to flush out pollen - add 2 or 3 drops of Euphrasia tincture to 30ml cooled boiled water and a tiny pinch of Himalayan Salt (keep the level of salt close to our tears, to not further irritate the mucus membrane).
Use a cool compress (clean flannel soaked in cold water) over closed eyes for 5–10 minutes.
Gentle saline nasal rinses or sprays can wash pollen from nasal passages. You can use a neti pot, as often as needed.
Steam inhalations (plain water or with a few chamomile flowers) can soothe irritated membranes.
Tiny amount of natural balm around the nostrils can act as a physical pollen barrier.
Stay well hydrated to keep mucus thinner and easier to clear.
Honey and lemon in warm water can coat and calm irritation (if tolerated).
Gargle with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
Homeopathic remedies
These are the remedies that you can find in first aid kits, which you can purchase from Helios or Ainsworth’s Pharmacies. Though there are many other remedies for hay fever, so if these don’t fit your symptoms or you try them and they don’t work, seek professional support.
It’s generally suggested that you take one pilule of the indicated remedy 3 times daily.
Allium Cepa 30c
The focus with this remedy is on the nose with lots sneezing, rawness and a watery nasal discharge which can burn the skin & lips. The eyes might stream but the tears are bland. Often symptoms begin on the left side and go to right. Sensitivity to the smell of flowers and the skin of peaches & kiwi fruit.
Euphrasia 30c
Profuse burning tears, with profuse bland nasal discharge (the reverse of Allium Cepa). Sneezing. Eyes are worse open air, and wind. Eyes can feel prickly and really uncomfortable.
Mixed Pollens 30c
A remedy made from the actual pollens which has had a good rate of success. Definitely worth a try if you have the kit. Can be combined with other hay fever remedies.
Natrum Mur 30c
Hayfever with a watery discharge from eyes and nose. Violent and frequent sneezing. Loss of sense of taste and smell. Cough from tickling in throat pit. Worse in the sun, desire for salt, better at seaside or from a swim in the sea.
Nux Vomica 30c
Distressing & prolonged bouts of sneezing. Really irritated in nose, eyes & face. Itching extends to throat, larynx and trachea. The nose is often alternately blocked and running freely. The Nux Vomica patient is very irritable and easily tired.
Some of you will have had deeper acting remedies from me over the winter, with a view to reducing the symptoms in the actual season, and there is still time to prescribe at that level so book in to see me soon if you suffer badly.