Hay fever? Here's 5 drinks you have at home that could help 'wash out' symptoms

KITCHEN cupboard staples and juice in your fridge could be the answer to helping “wash out allergens” to alleviate hay fever symptoms, expert say.

As the majority of the UK is still under a “high” or “very high” pollen count, the Met Office has warned that changes in temperature and rainfall may lengthen the UK pollen season.

This can lead to a higher pollen concentration, increasing the risk for hay fever sufferers.

Dubbed as the “pollen bomb” in recent weeks, the majority of the UK has been triggered by tree pollen.

Hay fever - also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis - affects nearly half of people in the UK, putting us among the countries with the highest prevalence of hay fever in the world, according to the World Allergy Organisation.

And with hay fever season in full swing, public health nutritionist Dr Frankie Philips explains how home remedies – including teas and fruit juices – are easy and affordable ways to alleviate pesky hay fever symptoms.

Herbal teas could help you hay fever. (Image: Getty)From sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose – who knew that peppermint tea or orange juice could be the answer?

Dr Phillips said: “Allergic rhinitis is linked with raised levels of inflammatory markers.

“Since evidence from scientific reviews suggests that drinking 100 per cent fruit juice reduces the concentration of some inflammatory markers, it makes sense to include this in your diet as a tasty and enjoyable way to help keep inflammation in check.”

5 drinks to alleviate hay fever

Orange juice: Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory, and few drinks can provide you with as much bang for your buck as 100 per cent orange juice.

Camomile tea: Studies show that drinking camomile tea can lead to higher levels of the anti-inflammatory hippurate, which may help with inflammation caused by the immune system’s response to allergens.

Peppermint tea: The production of histamine can cause swelling as the body attempts to wash out allergens.

Peppermint tea can act as a decongestant, thinning mucus to allow it to flow more easily from the nose. The steam produced by hot beverages can also help loosen mucus to further ease congestion.

Pineapple juice: Another juice rich in vitamin C, plus the juice and the core of the fruit also contain bromelain — an enzyme with natural anti-inflammatory properties - which is particularly useful for allergies.

Ginger shot: Ingredients such as ginger can lessen symptoms of sinusitis and may also be helpful in alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

It helps alleviate symptoms by acting as an anti-inflammatory while supporting immunity, helping to reduce inflammation.