Hay fever usually occurs in the late summer and can last until the first frost. People with hay fever are usually allergic to ragweed, which is a flowering plant from the Ambrosia species. It germinates in the late summer and creates pollen in which many allergy sufferers are allergic. Symptoms can include stuffy nose, itchy eyes, asthma, dizziness and general malaise.
Herbal remedies can be used to treat a variety of illnesses in a natural, safe way. Herbs have been used for centuries as healing agents and can be easily, but carefully, prepared and have no side effects. Herbs are grown naturally and wild but a person wishing to harvest herbs to make infusions or essential oils should gain knowledge in harvesting and properly preparing the oils.
Essential oils are derived from plants. Many of the plants commonly used for essential oils have health benefits that can be amplified when used through oils that are distilled from the plant materials. Essential oils that are heavy and concentrated are called absolutes, such as jasmine and rose; oils that must be warmed before use are called balsams, such as camphor and pine. Essential oils are often used for massage and baths. They can also be used in aromatherapy, in which the fragrance of the oil is considered beneficial.