As Spring envelops the south west, everyone is beginning to dig out their shades, iron their shorts or dresses and debate whether or not it is too early for sandals, whilst dreaming of the endless barbecues, tall glasses of Pimms and the smell of freshly cut grass... For others, like myself, Spring is the beginning of the end for their sinuses. It's the penultimate season of runny noses, itchy eyes, non stop sneezing and wheezing lungs with no respite from nature's bellows of pollen that are the flowers, trees and grasses.
If only there were ways of avoiding the effects!? Well... Short of stocking up on antihistamines, nasal sprays and fabled local honey we have a few tricks up our spice covered sleeves to help combat the effects of hay fever.
First up: Fresh Ginger!
A bit of background info on how this works; A study has shown that ginger has an effect on the levels of Immunoglobulin E (or IgE for short), the antibody responsible for causing mast cells in your body to release histamine (AKA an allergic reaction). Antihistamine is the chemical that, in large amounts, causes swelling, itching, rashes and excess fluid to be produced. Ginger actually helps to lower the amount of IgE in your body and as a result the symptoms of mild allergic reactions can be reduced! For those interested, here is the link for the study. Science lesson out the way, lets make some tasty ginger tea. The addition of the local honey helps your immune system get used to the pollen in the local areas and the coconut milk and lime give this hot drink a distinctly Mediterranean taste!
Ginger Tea
This particular tea is fresh and zingy thanks to the large amount of fresh ginger and lime. I found the honey and coconut milk added some viscosity to the drink so if it's too thin for you, add some more!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
Heat rating:2/5
Ingredients
A thumb sized root of fresh ginger
500ml Water
Honey (the local(er?) the better)
A couple of tbsp coconut milk
1/2 a Lime
Method
Start by slicing the ginger and adding it to a pot with the water.
Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Then stir in the coconut milk, 2 tbsp of honey and the juice of a lime and you're good to go!
Pour through a sieve to remove the whole ginger and serve in your best mug.
Next: Turmeric & Pepper
In Ayurvedic medicine Turmeric is among the top contenders for the 'most useful root' award. Google it, and it would seem like there is nothing the humble spice can't do... Short of curing every ailment ever, we're going to look at it's ability to reduce the effects of hayfever. Turmeric contains a chemical called 'circumin' which helps to stabilise those pesky mast cells and stops the cells from degranulation (the release of histamine). The addition of black pepper increases the bio availability of turmeric giving it more efficacy in fighting hay fever symptoms as well as acting as an expectorant to clear out your sad, sad sinuses!
Turmeric & Pepper Tea
This particular drink packs quite the punch with the addition of the black pepper, with turmeric's subtle yet complex flavour as the base. If milk isn't your thing, substitute with coconut milk!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
Heat rating: 3/5
Ingredients
500ml Milk
Local honey
1/2 tsp Turmeric
Ground black pepper
Method
In a pan, bring the milk to a simmer and add the turmeric, honey and a pinch of ground black pepper.
Stir until everything is mixed together and serve in your next favourite mug. Save the rest for later on!
The key to both of these recipes is regular intake. Drink 2 - 3 mugs a day and it will help alleviate hay fever symptoms! If you need some turmeric and black pepper, head on over the Spicestore to stock up before it's too late!
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