I get the worst hay fever and I am always looking for solutions. It is not fun being allergic to summer. Always looking for drug-free solutions, I came across the following. Great help for my poor eyes.

Soothing & Natural Gel for Sore Hay Fever Eyes

Dry, inflamed skin around the eyes is a common side effect of hay fever. The constant tears coupled with frequent eye rubbing causes the skin around the eye to become dry, itchy and inflamed. Anti-histamine eye drops also have a drying effect on the skin around the eye, which can add to the problem.

While plenty of products help with hay fever symptoms, very little is offered to treat the skin around the eye. 

Hydrosil’s Dry Eye Gel is a light natural gel that contains a plant extract of Cardiospermum. 

Two UK trials and more than 12 published research trials have been carried out on cardiospermum due to its anti-inflammatory effects on skin. 

The gel delivers the anti-inflammatory anti-itching benefits of the cardiospermum extract without irritating the delicate skin around the eye.

Dry Eye Gel has been tested on dry skin sufferers and is an extremely gentle and light and non-greasy formulation suitable for very sensitive, itchy, inflamed and dry skin around the eye. 

For maximum effect, leave gel in the fridge and apply to eyes when cold. This product can also be worn under make -up.

Dry Eye Gel is vegan and FREE from SLS, MI, paraben and perfumes. £10.95 (15ml). Visit www.hydrosil.co.uk

Stay one step ahead of hay fever with hay-band

Affected by hay fever? Apply some pressure. The principles of ancient Chinese acupressure have been used for centuries to help treat the symptoms of allergy, including hay fever. 

hay-band, a family favourite, works by applying pressure to the acupressure point on either arm, called the LI-11 point. 

Acupressure is believed to increase the flow of natural energy through the stimulation of various pressure points and in doing so, help unblock energy pathways to the nose and throat, and promote wellbeing. 

The LI-11 point can be found at the end of the crease at the elbow. Once located, simply slide a hay-band into position so that the button faces inwards over the pressure point, with the bands passing either side of the elbow.

The band is fast-acting and may be worn on either arm or if symptoms are acute, one can be worn on both arms. Drug-free, natural and discreet, hay-band can also be worn as a preventative.

There is no drowsiness or other unwanted side-effects and the band is suitable for adults and children over the age of three, but not suitable for use during pregnancy.

hay-band costs £13.09 per (washable) band and is available online from hay-band.co.uk.

Stay one step ahead of your pollen-shaped foe with A.Vogel 

If you’re one of the 20% of people in the UK affected by hayfever, you’ll be aware that the season is just around the corner. 

An allergic reaction such as hayfever can be explained as an excessive reaction to a normally harmless substance. The immune system identifies the harmless substance, in this instance pollen, as dangerous, and produces an antibody called IgE, which triggers the production of histamine. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical that causes an array of unpleasant symptoms, including running nose and eyes, itching and burning in localised areas such as in the throat, nose and eyes, puffiness, swelling and mucus formation. 

Eye problems can be the most irritating symptom of hayfever. When pollen comes into contact with your eyes, they can become inflamed, itchy and watery. This can obscure your vision and cause an enormous amount of discomfort. Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops combine hyaluronic acid and chamomile for quick relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever. Suitable for vegans and preservative-free, they can be used with contact lenses and glasses, and by children from the age of seven (after consulting an optician or healthcare professional). 

£13.99 for 10ml, from local health shops nationwide and www.avogel.co.uk. 

The Pollinosan range is available from health shops nationwide, and online from www.avogel.co.uk. Stay up to date with the latest pollen information in your local area by checking your 5-day pollen forecast.