For millions of us, the first warm, bright days of spring come with a catch: the sneezing, the streaming eyes, the endless tickly nose. Hayfever — or allergic rhinitis, to give it its proper name — can turn the best months of the year into a misery. But with a little planning, you can take back your summer.
Just how common is hayfever?
You are in very good company. Allergic rhinitis affects around a quarter of UK adults, and surveys suggest roughly half of us experience hayfever symptoms at some point. It is not ‘just a sniffle’ either: research has found that pupils with hayfever during summer exams were significantly more likely to drop a grade — a reminder of how much it can affect focus, sleep and daily life.
The headline: allergic rhinitis affects roughly 1 in 4 UK adults, and there is currently no cure — so the game is all about reducing your exposure and easing symptoms.
Know your pollen calendar
Timing your defences helps. In the UK the season runs roughly from late March to September, in three overlapping waves: tree pollen from late March to mid-May; grass pollen (the one that affects most sufferers) from mid-May to July; and weed pollen from late June into September. Check the daily pollen forecast and plan outdoor time around it.
Everyday habits that really help
Before you reach for anything, these simple, free tactics genuinely reduce how much pollen reaches you:
- Smear a little balm (such as petroleum jelly) around your nostrils to trap pollen.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
- Shower and change your clothes when you come indoors to wash pollen away.
- Keep windows and doors shut when the pollen count is high, especially early morning and evening.
- Don't dry washing outside, avoid mowing the lawn, and skip fresh flowers indoors.
- Vacuum regularly, ideally with a HEPA filter, and damp-dust surfaces.
Weleda's natural options for the pollen season
If you prefer a natural approach to easing symptoms, Weleda offers a couple of gentle options:
The Weleda Hayfever Relief Oral Spray is a registered homeopathic medicinal product, used within the homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of hayfever and other forms of allergic rhinitis. It's a convenient little spray for your bag or pocket.
The Weleda Rhinodoron Nasal Spray takes a completely different, physical approach: it's a gentle aloe vera and saline spray (a medical device, not a drug) that moisturises and cleanses dry, irritated nasal passages and helps rinse away pollen — useful nasal hygiene during high-pollen spells. It's suitable for extended use and gentle enough for regular daily rinsing.
Weleda's wider range also includes classic single homeopathic remedies such as Euphrasia (eyebright) and Mixed Pollen 30c that some people keep to hand in summer.
The bottom line
You can't switch off the pollen — but between smart daily habits, watching the forecast and a few gentle natural helpers, you can take a lot of the sting out of the season and get back to enjoying the sunshine.
Frequently asked questions
When is hayfever season in the UK?
Roughly late March to September — tree pollen first, then grass (the biggest trigger for most people), then weed pollen into early autumn.
Can I use the Rhinodoron nasal spray every day?
Yes — it's a gentle saline and aloe vera spray for nasal hygiene and is suitable for regular use, including during high-pollen spells.
Is there a cure for hayfever?
There is currently no cure, so the aim is to reduce your exposure to pollen and ease the symptoms.
Featured products
a homeopathic medicinal product used within the homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of hayfever and other forms of allergic rhinitis
an aloe vera saline spray that moisturises and cleanses dry, irritated nasal passages
a classic single homeopathic remedy in the Weleda range
Shop the full Weleda range at United Remedies.