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Page 74
membranes well before the hay fever season arrives as well as supply remedies to provide symptomatic relief. Beginning in January or February, drink a cup of the herbal tea given here each day for six weeks.
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Hay Fever Prevention Tea
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2 parts each ribwort plantain and elderflower
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1 part each chamomile and sage
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Mix the herbs and use 1 teaspoon to a cup of water.
To relieve symptoms during the hay fever season, use a tea containing equal amounts of sage and eyebright (1 teaspoon to 1 cup, up to four times a day) or take two 200-mg capsules containing powdered eyebright each morning. A steam inhalation (p. 53) made from 1 tablespoon of chamomile or yarrow flowers or 10 drops of thyme oil to 1 quart of boiling water can help relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion and watery eyes.
Avoid all dairy products, coffee, and alcohol during the hay fever season; try a fruit fast once a week (no food except up to twelve pieces of fruit each day), and eat a raw vegetable salad at least once a day.
In allergic rhinitis the hay fever symptoms can continue for much of the year and may be due to dust, house mites, or animal hairs. Use anti-allergenic bedding, mattress and pillow liners, and vacuum mattresses, upholstery, and carpets at least once a day. For allergic skin rashes see p. 78.
Headaches and Migraines
Herbalists tend to regard the headache as a symptom of some underlying disorder rather than an illness in its own right; those that seem centered behind the eyes suggest a digestive disturbance while headaches that seem to start at the back of the neck and creep forward are generally tension headaches. Pain and sensitivity around the eyes or above the nose can be due to a sinus problem (see p.62).
Muscle strain in the shoulders and neck can also contribute to head pain. Sitting or working awkwardly hunched

 
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