Evidence-based self-care
Hay Fever Season
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. NHS guidance recommends reducing pollen exposure and asking a pharmacist about proven treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops.
Homeopathy has not been shown to treat hay fever. This guide separates established self-care from complementary-care claims.
Plants during pollen season
UK pollen seasons
The Met Office pollen calendar gives typical UK timings:
- Tree pollen: late March to mid-May
- Grass pollen: mid-May to July
- Weed pollen: late June to September
Dates vary with location and weather. Check the five-day pollen forecast for your region.
Self-care recommended by the NHS
- Put petroleum jelly around the nostrils to help trap pollen
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outside
- Keep windows and doors closed when pollen levels are high
- Vacuum and use a damp cloth for dust
- Use pollen filters in the car where practical
Medicines and pharmacy advice
A pharmacist can advise on antihistamine tablets or drops, steroid nasal sprays and other options. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, so ask which product suits your circumstances.
Read the leaflet and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or need treatment for a child.
When to seek medical advice
Speak to a pharmacist or GP if self-care and pharmacy treatment do not control symptoms, symptoms interfere with sleep or daily activities, or you are unsure whether hay fever explains them.
Call 999 if your lips, mouth, throat or tongue swell, you struggle to breathe or swallow, your skin or lips turn blue, grey or pale, or you become confused, very drowsy or dizzy. These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Homeopathy and hay fever
NHS guidance states that there is no good-quality evidence that homeopathy treats hay fever or any other health condition. The Advertising Standards Authority has not seen robust evidence that homeopathy treats hay fever or other allergies.
Do not replace pharmacist or medical advice with homeopathy. Continue prescribed medicines unless the clinician responsible for them advises a change.
You can read What Is Homeopathy? for an explanation of the therapy and its evidence limits.
Sources
- NHS: Hay fever
- NHS: Allergies and emergency signs
- Met Office: Pollen forecast
- ASA: Allergy advertising
Sources checked 29 August 2026.