Hayfever alert in Southern Scotland

WITH temperatures forecast to rise again, so are too are pollen levels across the south of Scotland. And so this week airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg has offered his advice to those who suffer late into summer, saying: “We have had lower pollen levels for two or three weeks now, but this week is forecast to see a rise in pollen levels, with high forecasts for the southern Scotland today and tomorrow.” Pollen counts are forecast to be high in the Dumfries and Galloway area today and tomorrow and moderate for the rest of the week. “Many hay fever sufferers start to experience symptoms when the count reaches ‘moderate’,” says Max, “and at this time of year the main sources of pollen are weeds, including nettle, mugwort, sheep sorrel and fat hen.” Mugwort pollen is a very allergenic weed pollen and a common cause of hay fever. The pollen generally travels less than 2000 metres, and the highest concentration of mugwort pollen is generally found between 9 and 11 am. Sheep Sorrel and its subspecies are common perennial weeds, also known as red sorrel, sour weed, and field sorrel. The pollen can travel great distances, and is considered a moderate allergen. One study determined that a single Sheep Sorrel flower can produce up to 65,000 pollen grains. Fat Hen is a fast-growing weedy plant also known as lamb’s quarters, melde, goosefoot and pigweed. It thrives in disturbed rich mist soils and can be found in yards, roadsides, and waste places as well as farms and gardens. “The key to dealing with any allergy is avoidance,” added Max. "If you are allergic to dairy, you avoid dairy. And it is the same with weed pollen – only it’s a little more difficult as it’s in the air we breathe.” His tips are to stop pollen getting in your body and home; eat and drink for your hay fever, especially foods with a substance called quercetin, a natural antihistamine; take a natural or conventional remedy; and create your own Hay Fever First Aid Kit with an allergen barrier balm, one antihistamine, one steroid nasal spray, eye drops and one or more other natural product. www.haymax.biz/hay-fever