10 Best hayfever remedies that help to relieve itchy eyes, nose and throat

With the return of the warmer weather comes high pollen counts and hayfever, many sufferers will be heading to their nearest pharmacy for a remedy, but which is best? Read on to find out

With around 18 million hayfever sufferers in Britain, the warmer months can be a dreadful time for sufferers as itchy streaming eyes and noses take hold.

Dr Subashini M, Director of Science, Health & Wellness and Clinical Lead at Holland & Barrett says: “In the UK, hayfever symptoms are mostly triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as environmental moulds. The time of year your symptoms flare up can give you an idea of which type of pollen you’re reacting to.”

Different types of pollen will be more prevalent than others at differing times throughout the summer months. From February to June, tree pollen will be the main culprit, and from May to July – grass pollen, which is the most common hayfever trigger. And then from June to September, weed pollen will kick in.

As spring goes into summer and the good weather continues, many hayfever sufferers will be forced indoors to avoid being affected by a high pollen count.

Thankfully, there are a number of remedies that can be bought over the counter at your local chemist, online or at your local supermarket, helping many affected deal with their allergies more effectively.

Beconase Hayfever Relief Nasal spray

Best for nasal congestion

This Beconase nasal spray offers an 8-in-1 instant hayfever relief, working within minutes to relieve a blocked and stuffy nose for several hours.

Optrex Soothing Eye Drops

Best for itchy eyes

Optrex soothing eye drops provides relief from irritation caused by pollen, pet hair and dust mites. It contains natural plant extracts and formulated with purified water.

Best hayfever remedies for 2022

1. Weleda Hayfever Relief 20ml

Best for Rhinitis

Weleda hayfever relief is ideal for the symptomatic relief, particularly those who suffer with allergic rhinitis, which is the allergy that causes sneezing, blocked nose, itchy, red and watering eyes.

It’s a homeopathic medicinal product used within the homeopathic tradition for symptomatic relief and it’s also vegan friendly.

Buy now from Holland & Barrett (£11.49).

2. HAYMAX Pollen Barrier Balm

Best for dust and pet allergies

One of the best ways to stop hay fever is by not inhaling pollen and a simple balm can help act as a barrier against pollen getting up your nose.

HayMax is a natural, organic allergen barrier balm, sometimes referred to as a nasal balm that is applied to the rim of the nostrils. It can also be applied to the bones of the eyes. HayMax has been proven to reduce dust and pet allergens and more than a third of pollen from entering the body.

Buy now from Amazon (£4.99).

3. Beconase Hayfever Relief Nasal spray

Best for nasal congestion

This Beconase nasal spray offers an 8-in-1 instant hayfever relief, working within minutes to relieve a blocked and stuffy nose for several hours.

Effectively soothe symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy nose, red eyes, and sinus discomfort with this nasal decongestant that works directly where the problem starts, in the nose.

Buy now from Amazon (£3.60).

4. Ultra Chloraseptic Antiseptic Throat Spray

Best for scratchy throats

If you suffer from a sore or scratchy throat a spray can help relieve your symptoms – fast.

This Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray is used to relieve sore throat pain.

The product contains local anaesthetics that work fast to numb the pain of a sore throat. It comes in the form of a spray with a swivel head applicator to help deliver the local anaesthetic directly to the throat.

Buy now from Boots (£5.99).

5. Piriteze Antihistamine Allergy Relief

Best for long lasting relief

Just one Piriteze Allergy Relief Tablet relieves allergy symptoms for up to 24-hours.

Treat symptoms of hayfever and allergies from pets, house dust mites, mould spore allergies and skin allergies that may cause you to suffer with itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, hives and some itchy skin rashes.

Buy now from Amazon (£7.00).

6. Pycnogenol

Best natural remedy

For a natural alternative, try Healthspan Pycnogenol which is made from a pine bark extract that can reduce histamine release to ease your allergy symptoms.

Buy now from Healthspan (£16.95).

7. Optrex Soothing Eye Drops

Best for itchy eyes

Red itchy or streaming eyes are a tell-tale sign of hayfever, so effective drops can help relieve discomfort and combat inflammation.

Optrex soothing eye drops provide relief from irritation caused by pollen, pet hair and dust mites. It contains natural plant extracts and formulated with purified water.

Buy now from Amazon (£5.35).

8. Sterimar Breathe Easy Daily Nasal Spray

Best for ear, nose and throat disorders

Sterimar Breathe Easy Daily Nasal Spray is 100% Natural Sea Water and GP’s number one recommended brand. that suitable for vegans & vegetarians

The nasal spray helps to improve breathing that can also help enhance the quality of sleep. It cleanses and eliminates impurities such as dust, mucus, and allergens in the nasal passage.

It can also help to prevent ear, nose and throat disorders by strengthening the nasal lining’s defense.

Buy now from Holland & Barrett (£4.99).

9. Hay Fever Relief Kit

Best for all symptoms

The hayfever relief kit includes the sneeze-away tincture – a soothing combination of Chamomile, Elderberry and Nettles.

The natural homeopathic combination treatment of Euphrasia, Allium Cepa, Nat Mur, Arsen Alb and Histamine work together to combat your hayever symptoms and ease irritating symptoms such as itchy eyes, nose and throat, streaming eyes, running nose and sneezing fits.

The Quercetin & Vitamin C complex works to reduce allergic and inflammatory reactions, skin allergies and general allergic reactions including pain control associated with inflammation.

Buy it from The Organic Pharmacy (£45.00).

10. Avamys Hayfever Relief

Best for allergy inflammation

Avamys nasal spray treats hayfever symptoms such as house dust and animal fur.

Fluticasone furoate, the active ingredient of Avamys nasal spray, belongs to the corticosteroid (steroid) group which works to decrease the inflammation in your nasal passages that is caused by allergies.

Buy it from Chemist Click (£12.89).

For more on allergies and beating the sneezes in summer see here.