Experts issue urgent warning over 'horrifying' tanning method after influencer's 'embarrassing' tip for bronzed glow leaves viewers in shock
While the warmer weather brings a sigh of relief after a long, cold winter, the thought of showing off pale arms and legs strikes fear in the hearts of many fair-skinned women.
While fake tan is a popular way of bringing some colour back to our pallor, some people appear to be turning to more drastic measures.
A TikTok influencer who goes by the handle Courtsinghamx recently caused a stir when she shared a video of herself spraying cooking oil on her legs while sitting in the sun.
The content creator spritzed Frylight golden sunflower oil on her thighs, with the caption: 'This is the function because I'm a British white girl.'
Her video, which gained more than 70,000 views on the app, attracted mixed reactions from viewers.
Some people condemned Courtsinghamx's actions, warning her against using cooking oil to try and tan her skin.
Using cooking oil, particularly olive oil, as a way to encourage tanning was a popular method in the 1970s and 1980s, as people believed they could achieve a deeper tan this way.
In 1976, tanning advice from Irish lifestyle and fashion magazine IMAGE even sang the praises of using olive oil mixed with tincture of iodine as a sun tan oil that 'never fails to work'.
But now, experts strongly advise against using any sort of cooking oil to encourage a tan and are 'horrified' that it's coming back into fashion.
It comes after Cancer Research UK warned of a record high in melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK last year.
Analysis from the cancer charity showed melanoma rates rose by almost a third between 2009 and 2019, adding that around 17,000 cases every year are preventable by avoiding ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds.
Dr Sophie Momnen, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, said using any cooking oils as a tanning aid is a 'horrifying' practice that is 'extremely dangerous and poses serious risks to skin health.
'Cooking oils are not formulated for skin application, especially under intense UV exposure,' she tells FEMAIL.
'In fact, spraying a substance like Frylight onto your skin while sunbathing can act like a magnifying glass, intensifying the sun's rays and increasing the risk of severe sunburn, heat damage and long-term cellular injury.'
Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics, adds that getting 'just one sunburn in your lifetime can potentially lead to skin cancer down the line'.
'The dangers of using cooking oil in the sun can be severe,' he warns.
'Getting badly sunburnt can lead to sunstroke, which in extreme cases may be fatal.
'Beyond the immediate effects, you're also damaging the skin's outer layer, which can result in pigmentation, sun spots, and premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
'Over time, repeated sunburn can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.'
Both Dr Momnen and Dr Perry urge the public to use at least SPF30 sunscreen when spending time in the sun, and to seek shade wherever possible.
SPF 50 is 'essential' for children and people with fairer skin. If a bronzed glow is what you're after, though, the only 'safe' way to get one is with fake tan as prolonged sun exposure without protection can be so dangerous.
'There is no such thing as a safe tan, I'm afraid,' Dr Perry says. 'I don't recommend sitting in direct sunlight for long periods.
'When on holiday, seek shade wherever possible, and cover up with protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and proper eye protection.
'It's also important to reapply SPF regularly throughout the day, ideally every few hours, especially if you're swimming or playing sport.'
Dr Momnen adds: 'I urge everyone to prioritise sun safety: always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm) and avoid unsafe TikTok 'hacks'.
Responding to the alarming TikTok video, posted by a creator named Courts, some people were bewildered by the tanning method.
'What the hell,' one viewer wrote, while another branded the tanning method 'absolutely embarrassing'.
Responding to criticism of her tanning method, Courts hit back and accused the viewers of being 'snowflakes'.
She said: 'OBVIOUSLY, if it was burning too much, you'd wash it off.'
Courts' divisive tanning 'hack' comes after research revealed last summer that Gen Z were taking extreme measures to achieve a bronzed glow.
Professor Caitriona Ryan, co-founder of the Institute of Dermatologists, says she believes sunbed use among young people is 're-emerging' in recent times.
Speaking to the Irish Independent in 2024, she said: 'I've had several patients die who, in their youth, used sunbeds.'
She added she believes the invention of fake tan has significantly reduced instances of melanoma and other skin cancers; but she's concerned such illnesses may be on the rise again thanks to patients in their 20s turning to sunbeds to achieve a 'base' tan.
The newspaper also cited research that suggests people looking for a top tier tan are turning to illegal nasal sprays in order to maintain their tans.
The sprays contain melanotan, a synthetic hormone which stimulates pigment cells to produce more melanin - which is what tans skin when it's exposed to UV rays.
Initially, the hormone was developed to treat patients with photo sensitivity to light, but it has not been officially approved by boards in the EU, nor the US.
Ryan likened the 'illegal' sprays to 'snorting cocaine' in how they infiltrate the human body once ingested.
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Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
A MOTHER has revealed that despite losing over three stone thanks to Mounjaro, she has been hit with some unfortunate side effects. Chloe Mckernan, 32, a mum-of-two from Glasgow who is currently on her 'glow up journey', got candid on the side effects, which are not limited to hair loss. 4 A mum-of-two has explained that in addition to hair loss, she has experienced a very unexpected side effect since using Mounjaro Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Chloe claimed that since using Mounjaro, her new hairs have been growing in GREY Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The brunette, who recently opened up on dealing with a sore scalp and a strange 'burning sensation', has now got candid on the unexpected implication that she is 'not coping' well with. Posting on social media, Chloe, who has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs since using Mounjaro. The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Mounjaro, which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, she has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity'. But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking Mounjaro. As she held a huge pile of hair extensions, which she claimed have fallen out of her head since using the jabs, she said: 'These [extensions] have all come out my head. 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really thin.' Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, Drugs reported. This is usually a result of a rapid weight loss. Not only this, but in another clip which was uploaded with the caption 'Mounjaro girls…anyone else's hair growing back in grey after hair loss?', Chloe claimed that since using the fat jabs, any new hairs that have grown have been grey - yes, you heard that correctly. All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that Chloe Mckernan The mother said: 'So obviously I've had hair loss on Monjaro, but I'm not coping with the grey hairs that are poking through my head. 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in grey hair. However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that these observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, nutritional intake, and overall health. Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @chlo_mckernan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 165,200 views, 636 likes and 115 comments. Numerous other Mounjaro users eagerly flocked to the comments, keen to express that they too have experienced hair loss whilst using fat jabs. It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back TikTok user One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' A third commented: 'I've had the longest and thickest hair for years and I've lost so much hair.' Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough calories in, otherwise you're doing as much damage as good.' Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that the jabs can have fatal consequences. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days. 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill." 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Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
New warning over honey - reports of brain-eating bugs in sweetener leaving patients PARALYSED
A neurologist has taken to TikTok to issue a stark warning about the little-known dangers of honey. According to US-based medic Dr Baibing Chen, the natural sweetener can be highly dangerous for young children, due to a life-threatening bacteria that can seep into honey. In a video that's been viewed nearly 400,000 times, the brain health expert said: 'Never give honey to infants under one year old. 'It may seem innocent, natural or even healthy, but honey can carry Clostridium botulinum spores. 'In adults and older kids, our guts can usually handle them, but in babies, those spores can germinate, produce toxins and lead to infant botulism, which is a rare but life-threatening condition.' Botulism happens when these toxins attack the nervous system (nerves, brain and spinal cord) and cause paralysis, which can affect the muscles that control breathing, leading to a fatal lack of oxygen in the body. 'I've unfortunately seen cases of this, and something many parents don't realise, but one spoonful can be enough to cause serious harm,' said Dr Chen. In the clip, Dr Chen, who posts to TikTok under the alias Doctor Bing, also warned of other, little-known common mistakes people make, which put their health at risk. One is sharing drinks with others at festivals and parties, which could leave you fighting for your life. The Mayo Clinic trained doctor explained taking a sip of someone else's cocktail risks you coming into contact with dangerous pathogens, including those that trigger deadly brain infection, meningitis. He said: 'For some people, this is obvious, but for others, it sounds harmless, passing a cup around at a party, taking a sip from someone's cocktail. 'But I've seen where it can lead to, besides the risk of drugs being slipped into drinks, you can pick up all kinds of pathogens, and not just herpes, but also things like mono and enteroviruses, all of which can affect the brain. 'I once treated a young adult who developed viral meningitis after a weekend of sharing drinks at a music festival. 'They thought it was just a hangover until they started seizing[sic]. So even it seems like an overreaction, I'll get my own glass.' Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be spread virally, which is most common and more easily treatable, or bacterially. Around one in 10 people who develop the condition will die, according to research by Meningitis Research Foundation. His final piece of potentially life-saving advice is to always wear a mask in dusty, dirty places, like an attic, basement or shed. This is because fungal infections like Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcus can be 'inhaled silently', making their way into the brain. 'These infections can cause meningitis or encephalitis months or even years later, and they're incredibly hard to treat,' said Dr Chen. 'You don't need to be [caving] in a jungle to get this, just cleaning an old attic or sweeping out a shed can be enough for some people. 'For most people, this is not that big of a problem, but if you ever become immunosuppressed, your risk of developing something really serious gets higher.' People become infected with histoplasmosis after inhaling spores of fungus that typically grows on bat faeces. The disease infects the lungs and in serious cases spreads to other organs including the brain and spinal cord. It's been estimated that 40 per cent per cent of people diagnosed with a severe case will die. Dr Chen's followers echoed his warning about foregoing protective masks. They posted beneath the clip: 'My mom had to have part of her lung removed from cleaning a bird cage repeatedly. 'She developed a bacterial lung infection and stayed in the hospital for an entire month. She almost died. Wear a mask or don't own birds. Another said: 'My mother had histoplasmosis as a child, after working around a chicken coop. It shredded her lungs. X-rays looked like a snowstorm. 'She had problems her whole life worth the aftermath, and it cut her lifespan dramatically after her cancer moved to her lungs.'
Scottish Sun
9 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.
