Allergy latest.

A GREAT natural alternative to try is Neal's Yard Hayfever Kit (pounds 20) which contains everything you will need to see you through.

The kit contains Eyebright and Nettle Tea and metal tea infuser to clear catarrh and help enhance blood supply to the eyes.

Eyebright and Elderflower Formula, a cooling blend of decongestant herbs to relieve itchy throat, red, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Euphrasia Tincture for irritated eyes. Viridian Quercetin capsules. It also comes with an explanation booklet.

Available from www.nealsyardremedies.com or the Neal's Yard store in Regent Street, Leamington.

CLIMATE change is expected to push the number of hayfever sufferers up as grass pollen seasons become longer and more severe.

The UK has the highest prevalence of hayfever sufferers anywhere in the world, with 25 to 35 per cent of the population suffering symptoms in the summer.

A NEW jab could end hayfever misery for millions of sufferers. Trials are ongoing for a vaccine which when taken as a short course of injections can cut symptoms by more than a quarter.

Sufferers have four jabs of Pollinex Quatro over three weeks before the start of the grass pollen season.

Results from a trial of 1,000 patients in the USA, Canada and Europe, released by vaccine makers Allergy Therapeutics, showed improvements in symptoms of between 13 and 27 per cent among those given the vaccine compared with patients on a placebo.

The new vaccine treatment could be available on prescription next year but would have to be given at specialist centres.

More than one in 10 Britons suffers from hayfever with grass pollen, which usually starts in May, one of the major irritants for sufferers.

TRY new gadget the Sneezer Beam, from electronics retailer Maplin. It slows down the allergic reaction using a specific bandwidth of visible red light, which reduces the inflammation when the tubes are inserted into the nostrils and helps relieve symptoms.

Use it for three minutes, three times a day. It costs pounds 29.99 and is available from Maplin stores or online at www.maplin.co.uk or call 0870 429 6000.

A TRADITIONAL Chinese medical remedy for seasonal allergies is Reishi mushroom, renowned for its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit histamine release.

For people with allergic symptoms, research has shown Viridian Pycnogenol, a grape seed extract, may provide natural relief by improving breathing.

Natural, herbal remedy Oralmat taken three times a day under the tongue helps to fight the allergens and irritants that trigger inflammatory and respiratory problems.

Visit www.nutricentre.com or call 0207 436 5122 to order and gain advice.