Summer is undoubtedly my favourite time of the year. The glorious sunshine, long, light evenings and wall-to-wall warmth are marred by only two things: hay fever and mosquitoes. Both of these can make the summer months a trial, so we’ve tried out a few natural hay fever remedies and mosquito repellents that could help to combat those joy-killing issues.
This year, allergy sufferers are really feeling it, so anything that can give a little extra relief is going to be a must. Natural hay fever remedies are widely available, with some mixed results.
Pollinosan eye drops
£13.99
Constantly watering, sore eyes can be so exhausting when it’s day after day. Pollinosan eye drops are a drug-free option that can be used with contact lenses up to 5 times a day for adults, or up to twice a day for kids over 7.
The drops contain hyaluronic acid and chamomile to soothe irritated eyes and add moisture to reduce that gritty feeling. The push-base dropper makes them easy to use, dispensing just one drop at a time.
If you use drops periodically during hay fever season and find yourself throwing away barely used bottles after just a few weeks, these are for you. With a whopping 6-month shelf life after opening, you’re going to get relief from itching eyes and not waste your money – a real win-win!
Hydrosil dry eye gel
£10.95
The first thing to note about this product is that it isn’t for the dry eye relief you’re probably expecting. Rather than for lubricating your eyeballs, as you might well need during hay fever season. It’s actually for the dry skin around your eyes, caused by the constant dabbing at them as they water readily in reaction to pollen particles.
Whether it’s allergies, eczema or even the menopause that has caused the skin around your eyes to become itchy, dry or inflamed, this cooling gel can help. Applying a small amount twice a day can improve symptoms and provide relief, becoming part of your daily routine to keep things in check even beyond the summer allergy season.
Hay-band
£13
For those hay fever sufferers who are really determined to go drug-free, the Hay-band is worth trying. The band works using acupressure, which has been part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
The elasticated fabric band is worn at the elbow, with a plastic nodule that should stimulate the LI11, or “QuiChi” point, which, according to the manufacturer, should help relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis.
I should point out that it hasn’t been clinically proven that stimulating the LI11 point provides hay fever relief, but given the non-invasive nature of the product, it can’t hurt to give it a try! I can’t say it was overly effective for me, but perhaps the more sceptical part of my brain managed to override any benefit the band may have provided.
Incognito natural mosquito repellent
From £5.99
If you’re out and about and you find that mosquitoes seem to queue up to bite you, then the Hero Trio
is perfect for you. The pack comprises natural hair and body wash, insect repellent and a room refresher.
Using all three products, you’re giving yourself a more comprehensive level of protection from those thirsty little critters, making your evenings more comfortable and way less irritating.
The hair and body wash is infused with scents of organic bergamot, tea tree and java citronella, and using it removes fragrances and scents that might attract insects, and replaces them with these fresh, herby scents, which will ward off would-be biters. It might not be the wonderful flowery scents you might usually use, but it’s pleasant and vibrant.
The next step is the mosquito repellent. It’s natural, DEET-free and suitable for vegans, but in fragrance terms, it’s definitely bug spray. Having said that, once it is absorbed into the skin, the scent fades a little, leaving you with just a faint citronella hint, but fully protected.
This one can also be used on children over 6 months of age, so it’s a nice option for the whole family.
The final layer in the Hero Trio comes from the room refresher. If you’re heading away on holiday, this is a great one to throw in the suitcase to place next to the hotel bed at night. Once the lid has been removed, the fragrance is gently released, repelling insects and helping to ensure bug-bite-free slumber.
I found the combination of the products was very effective, and while the scent wasn’t quite the holiday-inspired scent I prefer, it was worth it to prevent the raw, itching welts that my bites generally turn into.
For another added layer of bug-bite protection, Incognito’s citronella deodorant is also a purchase. This tiny crystal deodorant is perfectly compact for travelling. It’s free from aluminium chlorohydrate, irritants, parabens and detergents, and applies a very subtle fragrance to the skin while providing 24 hours of body odour protection.
