Understanding Hayfever 

As spring and summer approaches most people look forward to seeing the trees and flower blossom and bloom. However, for those who suffer from Hayfever this time of year is often filled with a slight dread for the symptoms that will occur with the blooming of the plants. Hayfever is also known as Allergic Rhinitis and approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK suffer from this issue. Hayfever can cause lots of uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms such as, watery and itchy eyes, blocked sinuses, sneezing and coughing. But why does this happen? What triggers this reaction to plant pollen to cause such unpleasant symptoms? The first step is understanding the underlying pathophysiology of the issue.

Hayfever – How does it work?

The underlying cause of hay fever lies in our immune system. When we are exposed to allergens (e.g. the plant pollen floating in the air), our immune system overreacts and erroneously identifies the harmless plant pollen as a threat to our body. Therefore, the immune system decides to respond and trigger immune responses to help to protect ourselves. The immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E, otherwise known as IgE, to neutralise the threat. The IgE antibodies then attach themselves onto a type of immune cell, known as Mast cells, which are found in the nose, eyes and lungs. The mast cells then release histamine and other chemicals. Histamines are essential chemicals in our bodies that play a significant role in the immune response, and it is these chemicals that cause the symptoms that we associate with hayfever, such as:

• Swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages
• Increased mucus production
• Vasodilation, which leads to sneezing and itching

But why do so many people get hay fever, while others don’t?

Genetic predisposition: 

Hayfever can be hereditary. If you have one parent with an atopic condition, which refers to a group of allergic diseases, such as eczema, asthma or hayfever, (which are conditions characterised by an excessive immune response) this doubles your risk of developing hayfever. If you have two parents with an atopic condition, then this further increases your risk. However, the genetic predisposition may not be to hayfever, but to atopy - a tendency to immune sensitivity to environmental allergens.

Allergen exposure and sensitization:

A contributing risk factor to the development of hayfever, could be sensitization to allergens, due to repeated exposure, for example after a few years of pollen seasons. The risk of developing an atopic condition, such as hayfever, is highest in childhood; nonetheless it can develop in adulthood too. However, sensitization itself is not thought to be the cause of hayfever it is probably thought to be a marker (epiphenomenon), of an underlying disease process which eventually evolves into hayfever.

The Hygiene Hypothesis:

The hygiene hypothesis is a potential explanation as to why hayfever is rising so quickly and is so prevalent within the population. The hygiene hypothesis proposes that reduced exposure to diverse microbial environments, such as exposure to bacteria, parasites and infections, in early childhood reduces the development of the immune system. This can leave the immune system prone to mounting inappropriate responses to harmless environmental substances, such as pollen. However, why is this so prevalent now? Urbanisation, reduced outdoor exposure and our obsession with sanitisation and cleaner living environments are reducing children’s exposure to microbes and therefore influencing their early immune system development and causing the increase in development of allergic diseases (Atopy). 

There is no definitive one size fits all into the cause of why certain people develop hayfever whilst others do not. However, the above suggests a few potential contributing and influencing factors.

Herbs to help support hayfever:

Echinacea - Echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea is quite a famous and widely recognised herb for supporting the immune system, it is frequently used and taken at the beginning of the development of colds and flus etc. However, in herbal medicine it can act as an immunomodulator in cases of hypersensitivity to allergens. An immunomodulator is a herb that can help to balance the immune system, which can be beneficial when there is inappropriate immune responses, such as the overreaction to pollen. However, Echinacea is a herb to be used carefully and should only be used acutely and for a short duration when the immune system feels overworked and reactive. But how does Echinacea help with Hayfever? Well if the immune system is not as reactive to allergens, then it will not trigger an overreaction causing the release of chemicals, which cause inflammation and the usual symptoms of hayfever, such as watery eyes, sneezing and runny noses etc. 

 Eyebright - Euphrasia officinalis

As the name suggest, Eyebright is a herb for the eyes and it has an affinity for the mucous membrane of the eyes (conjunctiva) and the mucous membranes, which line the upper respiratory tract. Eyebright has an antihistamine activity. This means that it prevents histamine release, which helps to prevent the effects of histamine on the respiratory passages, such as inflammation, swelling, mucous production etc all associated with hayfever. Eyebright also has an astringent action, which helps it to dry up excess mucous, specifically the watery secretions, that you get from your eyes and nose in hayfever season. Overall, this herb helps to reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages, and it is fantastic for helping to dry up catarrh, whilst reducing inflammation in the eyes, sinuses and throat. This helps to reduce the symptoms of hayfever. 

 Nettle leaf - Urtica dioica fol

Nettle is one of the most recognised herbs around! It grows practically everywhere and the majority of users have respect for this plant, as we especially know not to touch it or else we will be stung! However, did you know that Nettle leaf is one of the most recommended herbs for hayfever support? Nettle is thought to help reduce the body’s histamine response, as it is able to bind to H1 Histamine receptors, which block their activity. This reduces histamine activity, which lessens symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. In addition to its traditional use for allergies, nettle is highly nutritious and rich in minerals that support overall wellbeing. Herbalists often suggest taking nettle regularly throughout allergy season, particularly before pollen levels reach their peak, as a preventative tonic for hayfever.

Elderflowers - Sambucus nigra flos

Elderflowers are very opening and dispersive, they open the airways, clear catarrh and resolve sinus issues. Elderflowers have an astringent action, which means that they are drying and toning to the tissues. They help to dry up the sinuses and the lungs, when there is a lot of catarrh. Elderflowers are also an expectorant, which means that they help to bring up catarrh and sputum, which will help to clear the lungs. Furthermore, elderflower has an inflammation mediating activity, this is because Elderflower contains phenolic compounds which results in a strong anti-inflammatory action on our tissues. Due to its anti-inflammatory activities, Elderflower is indicated for all manner of catarrhal inflammations in the upper respiratory tract, which can help it to be beneficial in cases of hayfever. Inflammation in hayfever is the common culprit for causing swelling, runny eyes and noses as well as itchy and sore throats. An Elderflower infusion makes a fabulous wash for inflamed and itchy eyes for topical support in hayfever. 

 Marshmallow Root - Althaea officinalis radix

Hayfever can cause a dry and sore throat, which is usually accompanied by an irritating cough that effects its sufferers. Marshmallow root is high in mucilage, which is a cooling and slimy substance. The mucilage in marshmallow will form a protective soothing layer over inflamed and damaged mucous membranes, which allows them time to heal and for cellular regeneration. This herb is beneficial in helping to soothe and heal a sore throat and reduce the occurrence of a barking cough that can occur in hayfever.

Natural Practices to help to manage Hayfever

Reduce Pollen Exposure – Keep windows closed during high pollen days, shower after being outdoors, dry clothes indoors when pollen counts are high.

Support Gut Health - The gut plays a major role in immune regulation. Fermented foods, fibre-rich diets, and probiotics may support resilience.

Stay Hydrated - Adequate hydration helps thin mucus and support healthy respiratory function.

Manage Stress - Stress can worsen inflammatory responses. Gentle exercise, breathing practices, and adequate sleep can make a noticeable difference.

Thank you for reading our Hayfever blog, hopefully it has provided some insight for you into the underlying mechanisms of hayfever, potential causes and how to tackle it naturally! Try making this Hayfever infusion recipe below!

 Hayfever infusion – 50g blend:

Ingredients and amounts:

Nettle leaf - 20g

Elderflowers – 20g

Eyebright – 10g

 How to make:

Weigh out all your individual herbs and blend them together in bowl. Then place your herbs into an airtight container and place out of sunlight.

 How to take:

Add 1tsp to a mug of hot water and allow the herbs to steep for 10 minutes.

Drink 3 to 4 times per day.

*The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only & is not intended as medical advice. If you are considering using herbal products, you should seek advice from a qualified professional before doing so.

 Reference list

Grieve M. A Modern Herbal.; 1984.

Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism – the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press; 2003.

Hedley C, Shaw N. Plant Medicine. Aeon Books; 2023.

Mcintyre A. Complete Herbal Tutor : The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine (Second Edition). Aeon Books Limited; 2019.

The Independent pharmacy (2024) Hay Fever Treatment Statistics UK: How Many People Have Hay Fever? [Online]. Available at https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/hay-fever/guides/hay-fever-treatment-statistics-uk-how-many-people-have-hay-fever (Accessed 1 July 2026).

Thomsen, S. F. (2015) ‘Epidemiology and natural history of atopic diseases’, European Clinical Respiratory Journal, Informa UK Limited, vol. 2, no. 1, p. 24642 [Online]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/ecrj.v2.24642 (Accessed 4 July 2026).