It’s that glorious time of year again… The birds are chirping, the lambs are bounding, the blossoms are blooming and….oh yes, how could we forget? Hayfever!

For many of us, hayfever is the frustrating blight on an otherwise beautiful time of year. Just when we feel like throwing open those windows and getting outside for some much needed post-winter fresh air, our senses are set upon by a host of allergens. Here in the US, the Centers for Disease control and Prevention report that 19.9 million people were diagnosed with hayfever in 2018, with most of us reaching for over-the-counter remedies like nasal sprays and eye drops to get us through the day.

One of the most common (and irritating!) symptoms of hayfever is, of course, the dreaded eye-itch. When we are exposed to allergens (like pollen), our bodies release chemicals that turn on their inflammatory responses, causing itching, watering, and puffiness around the eyes.

As lucky as we are to have a plethora of antihistamine-based treatments available just a pharmacy stroll away, there are some natural ways we can relieve the symptoms of itchy eyes.

Here are just a few of our favorite home remedies for keeping those itchy eyes at bay:

• Kiwi fruit
  Kiwi Fruit is high in vitamin C, which is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
• Nettle Tea
  Studies have shown that nettle tea can help relieve inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and ease nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.
• Ginger
  Ginger is another amazing anti-inflammatory helpful for relieving hay fever symptoms.
• Fish oil
  Try increasing the amount of fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids) in your diet. One key health benefit of fish oils is their ability to reduce inflammation by blocking the inflammatory pathway, effectively putting a halt to those pesky hayfever symptoms,
• Dust mites.
  The reality is, we’ll never be able to stop Mother Nature from throwing up those natural allergens. But one thing we can do is make our lives easier inside the house. Dust Mites contribute to hayfever, so keeping your house and workspace dust-free can help enormously.
• Resist the rub
  It’s so tempting, but rubbing those itchy eyes will irritate them even more and make them more inflamed. Instead of rubbing, try applying a cold compress to relieve irritation and bring down inflammation.