Itchy, Scratchy and Sensitive - Five Natural Ways to Relieve the Irritating Symptoms of Hay Fever

April showers bring forth May flowers…which in turn bring forth the misery of itchy eyes, a congested nose and blotchy, sensitive skin.

If you are one of the UK’s estimated one in three adults who suffer with allergies or hay fever, then keep reading for some plant-based natural remedies available through me as your Neal’s Yard Independent Consultant.  

Mother Nature has a habit of providing us with just what we need when we need it, and it’s no different when it comes to seasonal Spring irritations like hay fever and hyper-sensitive inflamed skin. The plants and flowers that can help are coming into their own at this time of year too, and Neal’s Yard cultivate and harvest many of them on their organic farm in Dorset. Two in particular, Calendula and White Tea, are particularly helpful for soothing seasonal irritations.

Calendula: The Sunshine Flower

Known better as Marigold or as the "herb of the sun", calendula boasts vibrant, daisy-like blooms that resemble miniature suns. Its golden petals not only add a pop of colour to your garden but also serve a multitude of purposes. Traditionally used for its medicinal properties, (it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties) calendula petals can be infused into oils, creams, and salves, offering soothing relief for skin irritations and minor wounds.

If your face is feeling tight, inflamed or is sensitive to other products, try the deeply luxurious Calendula Cleanser* from Neal’s Yard. With it’s subtle yet captivating aroma, it’s a firm favourite with many of my clients who have sensitive skin or who simply love how deeply soft and nourished their skin feels after using this unctuous cream cleanser. It is the one I use in my Wild Rose Glow Holistic Facial. It is also nut-free if you have a nut allergy or sensitivity. **

If you prefer a lighter textured cleanser, then the Comfort & Hydrate Micellar Cleanser* is also from our sensitive skin range and is the one I use during the Spring months for the Seasonal Wellbeing Package.

You ‘ll also find calendula extract in the Almond Moisturiser* if you don’t have a nut allergy.

For eczema, dermatitis or itchy, irritated skin on the body then try the Calendula and Oat Lotion*

White Tea: Soothe Itchy Eyes with Nature's Elixir

As spring blooms in all its glory, so too does the pollen that triggers allergic reactions, including itchy, watery eyes. Step forward ‘White Tea’ (Camellia sinensis) which now emerges as a gentle yet effective solution to alleviate discomfort and restore clarity to tired eyes.

Renowned for its antioxidant-rich properties, white tea extract can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritation, providing much-needed relief during hay fever season. Combine this with green caffeine, to reduce the appearance of dark circles and brighten the whole eye area and you have the perfect solution for tired, itchy eyes in the form of the Reviving White Tea Eye Gel*. Cooling, soothing and brightening, it’s your seasonal eye saviour and as it comes in a tiny tube, the perfect product for on-the-go relief.

To harness the benefits of white tea for your eyes, you could also craft a simple, homemade eye compress. Steep a few white tea bags in hot water, then allow them to cool to a comfortable temperature. Gently place the cooled tea bags over closed eyes for several minutes, allowing the soothing essence of white tea to calm inflammation and refresh tired eyes.  

Finally, protect your skin from air-born pollens by using the Reviving White Tea Facial Mist*. A quick spritz will ward off any unwanted irritants and leave the face feeling cool and refreshed – it can even be used over make-up. A top tip is to always keep one of these in your handbag for on-the-go relief and a second in the fridge so you can have a cooling and refreshing spritz on a hot Summer’s Day. Some women also find that inhaling the soothing scent helps to manage feelings of anxiety and hot flushes.

Experience both White Tea products for yourself as part of the Seasonal Wellbeing Package or the Menopause Wellness Treatment.

Don’t Let Hay Fever Stop You

As we embrace the beauty and vitality of spring, let us also honour the restorative power of nature's botanical treasures. Whether soothing sensitive skin with calendula or finding respite from itchy eyes with white tea, these floral allies offer a holistic approach to seasonal wellbeing, nurturing both body and spirit. Amidst the blossoms and blooms of spring, may we discover the healing embrace of nature's bounty, restoring balance and vitality with each petal and leaf.

*Please note that any link marked with a * is an affiliate link and I will receive a commission on any purchases you make via this link

**For allergy information, always check individual product ingredients yourself.