What are the best tissues for hay fever?

We know what we like at Naked Paper. As far as we're concerned, toilet paper should always be bleach-free, and Spring should always come with flowers.

But longer days, bluer skies, and petals on the wind come with a less welcome seasonal visitor that has us reaching for the tissues.

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common condition in the UK. If you’re a sufferer you’ll know the symptoms; itchy eyes, runny nose, and that relentless sneezing that accompanies high pollen days. 

So what's the best way to beat the Spring-and-Summertime blues? Here are a few simple at-home strategies and remedies that can help.

What causes hay fever?

Hay fever is triggered by an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder produced by flowers. Pollen is how flowering plants reproduce, so we have it to thank for the beautiful blooms and wildflowers of spring and summer. 

But for those of us with hay fever, pollen can turn a beautiful day into a sneeze-fest. There are three main types of pollen that trigger hayfever in the UK:

Tree pollen (spring to summer): Tree pollen is usually the first type to hit. Typically the tree pollen season in the UK would last from March until May, but the effects of climate change mean that we are starting to see higher levels of tree pollen starting in February and lasting until June. Common culprits include birch, oak, and hazel.

Grass pollen (summer): The most common trigger for hay fever, grass pollen season typically runs from May to July. If your sneezing and wheezing is particularly bad at the height of summer, it’s probably the grass pollen. 

Weed pollen (summer to autumn): Stinging nettles and ragweed grow like weeds (because they are!) from late June through September. They shed pollen from high summer well into autumn.

Simple hayfever remedies to try at home

With all the power of nature behind it, hay fever is a force to be reckoned with. Fortunately there are a few home remedies that can ease the sneeze.

1. Local honey
Some swear by local honey as a natural remedy for hay fever.

The idea is that eating honey produced by bees in your area can help your body get used to local pollen. Sadly, the evidence for this is patchy, but honey is soothing to sore throats anyway, so it's not going to hurt!

If you have a nearby farm shop or farmers market you’ll probably be able to track some down there. 

2. Herbal teas
Herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile can help soothe sinuses and throats. They’re also a great way to stay hydrated, which is essential when your body is fighting allergens. 

Our team member Rosie swears by a combination of lemon, local honey, and sage leaves mixed with boiling water. Sage is good for inflammation of the nose and throat, and the tea tastes good too!

3. Steam
While you’re filling the kettle for tea, consider making it a big one.

Inhaling steam can help clear nasal congestion and soothe irritated sinuses. Boil some water, pour it into a bowl, and lean over it with a towel over your head to trap the steam. Breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes. For extra sinus clearing power you can add a few drops of an essential oil like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender.

4. A pollen-free home
If the pollen is very high it’s worth keeping your windows and doors closed to keep the air inside as clean as possible.

And if you need an extra layer of pollen protection consider showering and changing your clothes when you get home, to remove any pollen that may have settled on you and stop it swirling around your house. 

5. Wear sunglasses
Our last tip is a simple one.

Wearing sunglasses outdoors can help protect your eyes from pollen. Wraparound styles offer the best protection, but all kinds of sunglasses will block form a barrier between your eyes and the pollen in the air.

The best tissues for hay fever

There’s some general ideas for keeping ahead of hay fever. Hopefully the tips above are keeping your symptoms down to a minimum, but unless you’re a die-hard handkerchief user, you’ll want some tissues handy as well.

When you’re feeling swollen and sniffly you need something soft, durable, and gentle on your nose. And if it’s eco-friendly, that’s a huge bonus.  

Our facial tissues are perfect for hay fever because they're soft and made without bleach.  

How does going without bleach help? Bleach in tissue products comes with an environmental cost, and it can be tough on sensitive skin as well. If your nose is already red and sensitive from hay fever, bleach is another possible source of irritation you don’t need. 

Our bleach-free recycled tissues are a great, affordable option that have the lowest climate footprint of our range. But if you're particularly sensitive we'd recommend our (also bleach-free) bamboo tissues.

Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and the fibres are strong and smooth, meaning they’re less likely to shed when you’re blowing your nose. 

And obviously while you’re thinking about the benefit to your symptoms its worth thinking about the benefit to the planet. By manufacturing without bleach, harsh chemicals, or fossil fuels, our tissues work with nature as well as your nose. 

Conclusion: Allergy-friendly tissues

Everyone’s body reacts differently to pollen, so it might take some trial and error to find the perfect combination of natural remedies and products that will work for you. And when all else fails, there's tissues! 

Want to treat your nose to soft, smooth, Naked Paper?