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A passing star could fling the Earth out of the Sun's orbit

A passing star could fling the Earth out of the Sun's orbit

Metro3 days ago

The Earth may one day be pulled out of its perfect position by a passing star, a new study has revealed. And Mercury will also play a part. The smallest planet has an oval-shaped orbit, which can sometimes wobble due to Jupiter's huge gravitational influence as the solar system's largest planet. A passing star could exacerbate this affect, with significant consequences on the planet we call home... (Picture: Getty) Dr Nathan Kaib, an astronomer at the Planetary Science Institute, who is based in Iowa, and Dr Sean Raymond, an astronomer at the University of Bordeaux in France, published their findings in the journal Icarus after they created simulations of what would happen when our solar system passes nearby stars over the next several billion years (Picture: Getty) The researchers said the gravity of a passing star could hurl us into space - predicting a probability that this could happen of 1 in 500 or 0.2%. However, that is not the only thing that could happen. The sheer gravitational force could also throw all the planets out of whack, and could even send one of them smashing into Earth (Picture: Getty) What could happen is that Mercury would go off path, and collide with either the Sun or Venus. Then, this could lead either Venus or Mars to crash into Earth or the Earth to crash into the Sun. Another scenario is that Venus and Mars could fling out toward Jupiter, with the planet's gravity throwing Earth out of the Solar System altogether (Picture: Getty) Dr Kaib, who was the lead author, wrote: 'Our simulations indicate that isolated models of the solar system can underestimate the degree of our giant planets' future secular orbital changes by over an order of magnitude.' The work shows that astronomers may be overlooking the influence of distant objects and how our solar system interacts with the rest of the universe (Picture: Getty) Speaking to Science News, Dr Kaib revealed that there's about a 5% chance that over the next five billion years that a wayward star could come within 100 astronomical units of our solar system. This is around 100 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun. But, there's no need to worry (Picture: Getty) Dr Kaib said to the site that 'none of these things are probable.' However, in the paper he writes: 'Nonetheless, this probability of Earth orbital change is hundreds of times larger than prior estimates.' They also note, that stars which move slowly, at less than 10 kilometers per second relative to the Sun, are risky as they will prolong their gravitational tugs on our planet (Picture: Getty)

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Rancid-smelling super ants that form whopping colonies & even eat CABLES rampaging across Europe – & could infest the UK
Rancid-smelling super ants that form whopping colonies & even eat CABLES rampaging across Europe – & could infest the UK

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Rancid-smelling super ants that form whopping colonies & even eat CABLES rampaging across Europe – & could infest the UK

One supercolony nest in Switzerland is the size of 35 football pitches BUG OFF Rancid-smelling super ants that form whopping colonies & even eat CABLES rampaging across Europe – & could infest the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STINKING species of super-ant is storming through Europe on a path to the UK. The millions-strong mega-colonies have wiped out power supplies and even roads as they overwhelm the ground beneath entire towns. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Tapinoma magnum ants have been moving north through Europe Credit: Getty 9 They can chomp through electric cables, cutting out power supplies Credit: TFI 9 The species, called Tapinoma magnum, hails from the Med and North Africa - but has been pushing up through the continent. They spread rapidly and establish supercolonies of up to 20million across 60 acres which are "virtually impossible" to eradicate. There were so many ants, you couldn't see the floor anymore Agnes Wirth And anyone who dares squash a T. magnum is greeted by the stench of rancid butter. The invaders hit headlines in Sweden this week as officials in regions around the capital Zurich attempt to oust the pests. read more in world news POOL POSITION Tourists wear sprint shoes & STRETCH before dawn dash for Magaluf pool spot The ants have also taken root in France - but Germany has suffered the most. In Germany, the sleepy south-western town of Kehl has been swamped. Locals reported watching the town's pavements and curbs sinking as the earth was carted away by the bugs, causing havoc with the roads. And a playground was forced to close after ants took over the entire area and turned it into a nest. City workers had to jet hot water into the labyrinth to wash them out. The wider state of Baden-Württemberg has suffered power cuts and internet outages after the insects chomped through electric cables. Watch incredible vid of ants OUTSMARTING humans to solve puzzle first T. magnum's destructive power comes from the sheer scale of their underground warrens and their tireless determination to expand. While most ant species organise a few thousand workers around a single queen, T. magum clans contain up to 20million and hundreds of queens. Instead of attacking one another, the smaller colonies merge together in alliance. The British Pest Control Association told The Sun that the UK is at risk from the advancing crusade. Individual efforts by homeowners and gardeners can't control an infestation Niall Gallagher They explained the ants "spread mainly through horticultural imports, especially potted plants and trees from the Mediterranean". They added: "If T. magnum were to establish here, it could become a nuisance. "They form vast supercolonies, displace native species and can even cause structural issues by excavating under paving." Although the species has not marched into the UK yet, a spokesperson for Defra said the agency "remains vigilant" to the threat. The countryside around Zurich has been tormented by the ants since 2018. 9 A city worker in Kehl, Germany, treats a playground overwhelmed by a T. magnum nest Credit: Alamy 9 Power outages in Germany have been blamed on the bugs Credit: Facebook / Lutte contre la Fourmi Tapinoma Magnum - Région Corse 9 The ants can form supercolonies with hundreds of queens and millions of workers Credit: Alamy Despite an almighty effort to clear them out, the ants remain "well established" in four areas. In Winterthur, they blocked a billion-pound construction project when they settled exactly where a multi-track railroad tunnel was planned. In the nearby Oetwil an der Limmat region, one supercolony infested an entire five-hectare potato field - about seven football pitches. A local, Agnes Wirth, told Swiss site SRF: "There were so many ants, you couldn't see the floor anymore." But that is dwarfed by the colony in Volketswil, on the other side of Zurich, where an area the size of 35 football pitches is teeming with the busy-body bugs. The infestation is so enormous that the local authority has been legally forced to act. Katharina Weber of the Zurich Department of Construction said: "In areas with large infestations, a coordinated approach by specialists is required. 9 They displace the earth beneath tarmac - causing roads and pavements to sink Credit: Alamy 9 A power box overwhelmed by the ants Credit: TFI 9 The ants are small and look similar to the black garden ant in the UK Credit: Alamy "This means a plan is needed, and special pest controllers must be deployed. These can target the insecticide at the nests." In the UK, DEFRA recommends that anyone who sees a non-native insect species takes a photo and reports it. Mike Fox, record manager for the Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society, said: "As far as I know, there are no records of Tapinoma magnum becoming established in the UK but of course it could possible in the future." Niall Gallagher, the Technical Manager at British Pest Control Association, said they closely monitor pest species - including Tapinoma magnum. He told The Sun: "Research on Tapinoma magnum supercolonies in Switzerland has found that these ants live outdoors and can continue to forage at temperatures as low as 6 degrees during the winter months. 'Individual efforts by homeowners and gardeners are not sufficient to effectively control an infestation, and specifically tailored pest control solutions are needed to eradicate a colony." He recommend that anyone concerned about an ant infestation contacts a professional pest controller for help.

Full list of freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £40,000 if you're on PIP
Full list of freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £40,000 if you're on PIP

Scottish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Full list of freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £40,000 if you're on PIP

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of people claiming the personal independent payment (PIP) can get access to a range of freebies and discounts this month. PIP is a payment that is given to people with a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition to help with their extra living costs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Millions of people who receive PIP can get freebies and discounts this month Credit: Getty The payment is worth up to £187.45 a week and the money is paid once a month. To claim it you need to be over the age of 16 but under the state pension age, which is currently 66. You also need to have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living, mobility or both for at least three months. PIP is made up of two parts and whether you can claim one or both of these depends on how much your condition impacts you. The daily living part is given to people who need help with everyday tasks. The weekly rate for this is either £73.90 or £110.40. Meanwhile, the mobility part is for people who need help getting around. On this part the weekly rate is either £29.20 or £77.05 - and you could get both elements. In addition to the benefit payments, if you claim PIP then you can also get a range of additional perks and discounts, such as a Blue Badge or capped water bills. Here we reveal a full list of benefits you can claim this month. Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence Blue badge If you receive PIP then you are automatically eligible for a blue badge if you either: Scored eight points or more in the 'moving around' part of your PIP assessment. Scored ten points in the 'planning and following journeys' section of your PIP assessment and were put in category 'E'. This means your stress, anxiety or other mental health issues stop you from leaving the house. You should be able to find this information on your PIP decision letter. But you can still get a badge if you have long-term problems walking or going to places, including problems caused by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues. What is PIP? HOUSEHOLDS suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP). The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £172.75 a week. PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66. Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around - or both- for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live). You can also claim PIP if you're in or out of work and if you're already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit. PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you. You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £26.90 or £71. While on the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £68.10 or £101.75 - and you could get both elements, so up to £172.75 in total. You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment. Make a claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222. You are also eligible if you have severe problems using both arms. You need to contact your local council to apply for a Blue Badge. You can use your PIP award letter to apply but some councils may charge you a fee. The most you can be charged in England is £10 and £20 in Scotland. It is free in Wales. Once you receive the badge you can use car parking spaces that are closer to entrances and may be larger. You can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, unless there are loading or unloading restrictions. Discounted days out If you receive PIP then you could get discounts on days out and memberships. You may be able to save on cinemas, theatres, theme parks and zoos. The charity Scope has a guide outlining some of the discounts on offer. To find out more visit If you have a carer then you may also be able to get two for one tickets to hundreds of attractions. For example, your carer may be entitled to discounted or free entry to National Trust and English Heritage properties. Similarly, the UK Cinema Association offers CEA cards that will give your carer a free ticket at participating cinemas. All Merlin Entertainment attractions also offer one complimentary pass per disabled person. Buying a Merlin Annual Pass will get you a free Carer Pass which can be used by anyone assisting you on the day. Benefit top-ups If you receive certain benefits then you may be able to get a top-up, which is called a disability premium. To be eligible you will need to receive one of the following along with PIP: Housing benefit Jobseeker's allowance Employment and support allowance Pension credit - but only if you get the PIP daily living component You should contact the office that is in charge of your benefits. Tell them that you get PIP and ask them what other help you can get. You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter. They should be able to tell you how much extra you will get. Vehicle tax reduction If you claim the standard rate mobility part of PIP then you can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax. Vehicle tax, also known as road tax, is a fee you need to pay to use your car on public roads. To qualify for a discount the vehicle must be registered in the disabled person's name or their nominated driver's name. To apply for a reduction you will need to make claim and provide the following documents: A letter or statement from the Department for Work and Pensions that shows your PIP rate and the dates you're getting it. The vehicle log book (V5C). A V10 form. Evidence of a current MOT, if you need one. For example, this could be a copy of your vehicle's MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one. A cheque or payable order (made out to 'DVLA, Swansea') for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle. You should send your application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF. If you are on the enhanced rate of PIP then you could qualify for a complete exemption from vehicle tax. If you are applying for the first time, you need to visit your nearest Post Office branch. You can find your nearest branch at or call 0345 722 3344. Lease a vehicle If you are awarded the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months left on your current allowance, you may be able to join the Motability Scheme. Through the scheme you can use your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a new vehicle. The scheme will cover your insurance, servicing and breakdown. For more information about joining the scheme and to explore the range of available vehicles, you can request an information pack from the Motability Scheme website. Disabled Facilities Grant You may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if you are disabled and want to make changes to your home to suit your needs. For example, you may want to build an extension or install ramps. The exact amount you could get depends on where you live. How to cut your bills IF you're struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red. Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the website but you'll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you're on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying. Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you're using. To check if it's finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water's free ater meter calculator. Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it's ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills. Hire purchase: If you're struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this. Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available. Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don't wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider. Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short term trade agreements. County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000). TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate. If you live in England then you could get up to £30,000, while those who live in Wales could get £36,000 and up to £25,000 in Northern Ireland. You will need to apply through your local council, which must give you a decision within six months. Free prescriptions If your disability means that you are eligible for PIP then you may also be able to get free NHS prescriptions. Whether you are eligible will depend on your specific medical condition. Certain illnesses such as epilepsy and diabetes automatically entitle you to free prescriptions. To get them you will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate, which is a card that fits in your wallet. To apply visit your doctor and request an FP92A form. Your doctor should be able to help you with the process. Disabled person's railcard People who receive PIP may be able to save a third on train travel with a Disabled Persons Railcard. The card costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years. On average it could save you up to £126 but the exact amount will depend on how often you travel by train. To apply visit You will need a copy of your award letter showing that you have received PIP in the past 12 months. Water bills Some water suppliers provide help for customers who receive certain benefits, such as PIP, through their WaterSure scheme. To qualify you need to have a water meter and need to use a lot of water due to a medical condition. The scheme works by capping your bills and does not impact your credit score. The cap depends on where you live. For example, Severn Trent will cap your fresh water bill at £321.23 a year, while for sewerage it is £234.66. This means in total you would pay up to £555.89 a year. Who is eligible for the scheme varies depending on your supplier, so check directly with them to see if you qualify. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Does honey really do anything to ease hay fever symptoms? I tried it for a week and grilled experts to find out
Does honey really do anything to ease hay fever symptoms? I tried it for a week and grilled experts to find out

Scottish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Does honey really do anything to ease hay fever symptoms? I tried it for a week and grilled experts to find out

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HAY fever season has well and truly arrived. And with a staggering 16million Brits affected, it's no wonder we are always on the lookout for a miracle cure. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Some people swear by honey as a natural hay fever remedy, but does it really work? Credit: Getty A growing number of TikTok influencers - and some family members - claim local honey is the wonder hack guaranteed to ease your itchy eyes and runny nose. And a quick social media or Google search brings up dozens of posts claiming that a spoonful is all it takes to provide the relief you need. The theory is that local honey contains small amounts of pollen from nearby plants, and by consuming it, your immune system becomes accustomed to the pollen, reducing sensitivity and the severity of reactions over time. But is there any scientific research to back up the claims? Sadly, GP Dr Helen Wall says the evidence is 'slim'. 'Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that locally sourced, unprocessed honey might reduce symptoms,' she tells Sun Health. 'It is based on the idea that it could act like a natural desensitisation process. 'Desensitisation is a therapy that can be used to cure allergies by slowly introducing the allergen in small amounts so the immune system can get used to it. 'But controlled clinical trials are lacking and systematic reviews do not support honey as an effective treatment for hay fever.' Despite what you may hear, honey does not work like an antihistamine. When your hay fever symptoms could really be signs of cancer 'Antihistamines are medications that block histamine receptors which then prevent the release of a chemical called histamine, which is released when your body thinks it has come across a threat,' Dr Wall says. 'It is meant to be a protective mechanism, but in people with allergies, histamine is triggered unhelpfully and this is what causes allergy symptoms. 'Honey does not block histamine receptors so it doesn't work in the same way as many medications would.' And if you stop taking your usual medicine, you may find your symptoms worsen. 'If someone relies solely on honey, they may suffer from poorly controlled hay fever which can impair sleep, concentration and quality of life,' Dr Wall says. 'It often builds up over time, so getting on top of it early can be beneficial. 'I recommend starting antihistamines and steroid sprays four weeks before hay fever starts in those known to suffer. 'In people with allergic asthma, untreated hay fever can worsen respiratory symptoms and trigger asthma.' Some patients will swear by local honey, and I don't doubt their experience, but medically I can't explain it nor recommend it Dr Sophie Farooque Dr Sophie Farooque, a consultant allergist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and one of the UK's leading allergy experts, says that while local honey may be 'delicious' and soothe a scratchy throat, there is little scientific evidence that it will reduce symptoms. 'The theory that honey may help stems from the idea that pollens contained in honey will desensitise you,' she says. 'However the pollen in honey is from flowers and not from the pollen that causes hay fever, which is from tree, grass and weed pollens.' 4 Many of us are plagued by constant sneezing when the pollen count is high Credit: Getty A 2002 study by the University of Connecticut compared taking a tablespoon of locally produced, unfiltered honey with a tablespoon of nationally produced pasteurised honey, and honey flavoured corn syrup (the placebo) in patients with hay fever. None of the three groups noticed a reduction in the symptoms. Further research in Malaysia evaluated 40 patients with hay fever and divided them into two groups. Half ate honey and half did not. 'Those who consumed the honey noticed a very slight reduction in symptoms compared to those that didn't, but participants had to eat a jar a week every day for months and the pollen in Malaysian honey will be different to the UK,' Dr Farooque adds. 'Some patients will swear by local honey, and I don't doubt their experience, but medically I can't explain it nor recommend it. 'There isn't good data and scientifically, it doesn't make sense. 'If patients want to go drug-free then saline rinses have far stronger evidence and I often suggest these. 'Of course eat honey for pleasure, but not in the belief that by doing so you are desensitising yourself and reversing the common immunological processes that cause seasonal allergies. It's a myth.' Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' While it might not help with your hay fever sniffles, honey does of course have other health benefits. Researchers at the University of Oxford found it can effectively relieve cough and cold symptoms. It also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytochemicals, which are anti-inflammatory and contain cancer-fighting antioxidants. But that doesn't mean it's good for everyone, as it's also very high in sugar. Dietitian Emma Shafqat said one tablespoon contains around 6g, so she recommends consuming it 'in moderation'. Excess sugar intake can contribute to tooth decay, weight gain and blood sugar spikes, so people with diabetes should take particular care. Emma added that honey should not be given to children under the age of one as there is a risk of botulism - a rare but serious condition where the body's nerves are attacked by a toxin. MY TEST 4 The Sun's Lynsey Hope tested local honey for a week Credit: Supplied HAVING suffered from hay fever since I was a teenager, I was keen to put this theory to the test. While the evidence is scant, lots of people swear by honey so I was hopeful it might have some effect. First of all, I had to work out how much to take. Researchers recommend around 1g per kilogram of body weight daily. For a person weighing 80kg, this is four tablespoons a day. I weigh about 60kg so that means around 2.8 tbsp. That's quite a lot and I was concerned about the extra sugar in my diet. But if it could stop the itchy eyes and sneezing, I was happy to give it a go! I bought a jar of Kentish honey from a farm shop near me. It wasn't cheap, costing a whopping £8.45. I started taking some in the morning with breakfast and stopped taking my antihistamines. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in apples, onions and berries. It has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine-like effects Dr Helen Wall I definitely loved having it in my porridge, but I'm not sure it had any effect. The pollen count was exceptionally high on the week of the test and my itchy eyes and sneezing continued as normal. I struggled to sleep because of it too and after seven days, I had to go back on the antihistamines as I looked as though I'd been crying. I admit to being disappointed. I'd far rather have taken honey to ease my symptoms than medication. But it just didn't do the job. 4 Scientists say local honey likely won't help treat your itchy eyes Credit: Getty DO ANY NATURAL REMEDIES WORK? SO honey doesn't work, but what else can you try? Nasal irrigation is the 'strongest contender' for a natural hay fever remedy, according to Dr Wall. She says a saline rinse may flush out allergens and reduce congestion. As a treatment, it is safe and low risk. But there are other options to try. 'Quercetin is a flavonoid found in apples, onions and berries,' Helen says. 'It has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine-like effects. 'Again there is limited evidence in humans but there have been some positive results in reducing nasal symptoms in particular, and these are foods which are good for you anyway.' Some studies have also found spirulina (blue-green algae) may work as a treatment. It's thought to reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms and it's an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. A 2018 Chinese study also recommended acupuncture as an effective treatment, particularly for nasal congestion and sneezing.

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