The sneezin' season

Medical herbalists might recommend a package of herbal remedies, such as feverfew as a decongestant and plantain to depress mucus production, but they work best and exert their maximum effect when you start taking them at least three months before the pollen season.

Elderflower is an anti-inflammatory, and infusions, or teas, of the flowering tops may help to relieve symptoms. Camomileis considered a natural antihistamine and as a relaxing tea or infusion can also help to soothe the emotional problems surrounding allergies like hay fever. However, you may react badly if you have an adverse reaction to ragwort, which is a related plant.

A course of Echinacea (as tincture or tablets), ginseng or garlic (Lichtwer Pharma's Kwai One-A-Day odourless capsules.; visit www.Lichtwer.co.uk for details) may boost resistance to allergens and (in the case of garlic) reduce catarrh. Try steam inhalations containing a few drops of essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender or pine to clear congestion.

Standardised herbal products available in health stores include Bioforce's Luffa Complex, which contains extracts of seven tropical herbs, including spikenard, heart seed, thyrallis, sponge cucumber and okoubaka, recommended for allergies and hay fever type conditions (£6.94 for 120 tablets or £7.49 for 50ml tincture).

American trials suggest that rye plant extract may also reduce allergy symptoms by strengthening resistance and supporting respiratory function. A standardised extract, Oralmat Drops, is available at health stores or from www.oralmat.co.uk

Euphrasia, or eyebright, contains tannins that relieve eye irritation and itchiness and help to reduce wateriness and inflammation in the mucous membranes. Place cotton wool pads soaked in an infusion (pour boiling water over the fresh or dried herb, soak for ten minutes and strain) on the eyelids. Bioforce's Euphrasia fresh herb tincture is taken by mouth only and never on the eyes (£7.49 for 50ml).

Homeopathy
A homeopath may recommend homeopathically potentised pollens taken daily before the hay fever season begins as a kind of inoculation. In a study in the Lancet in 1986, Dr David Reilly and his team at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital found a preparation of mixed grass pollens effective in treating hay fever.

The most commonly recommended remedy for hay fever is Allium cepa (common onion). Ideally, you should consult a homeopath to determine which preparations best suit your individual constitution, but if you're buying over the counter, ask yourself which symptom you would most like to remove to guide you to the most appropriate remedy. Try Euphrasia if your eyes are more irritated than your nose; Natrum mur if you lose your sense of taste and smell and your nose streams; Nux vomica for sneezing; Arsenicum album for a hot, irritating nasal discharge; Pulsatilla for a blocked nose and Kali iodatum for severe symptoms.