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With increasing numbers of people suffering from Hayfever symptoms these days its good to know that help is at hand. There are several propriety brands of anti-histamine remedies on the market but they do not all contain the same ingredients. The most common brands have loratadine as their main ingredient but although this is considered one of the most effective remedies, it may be that one of the alternatives may suit you better. If you don't find effective relief with loratadine ask the pharmacist for a product containing cetirizine which is also an excellent hayfever treatment. And remember , if you are an asthma sufferer it is advisable to mention your hayfever symptoms at your next asthma appointment, as any allergy - related symptoms can complicate or exacerbate asthma conditions. Remember also that hayfever is an ongoing summer condition and taking tablets infrequently and when symptoms have already taken hold will reduce their efficiency. For best results check pollen counts if possible and take remedy on a regular basis over the worst months.                If you're looking for some alternative remedies to minor ailments there are several routes you could follow. Of course you have the usual high street health food stores who usually have a section of herbal remedies alongside their health supplements. Boots the chemist also have good supplies of alternative medicines and can supply essential reading material to accompany these. Several of their stores also have staff who are trained to give advice on alternative medicine so it's worth asking for advice. It's also work noting that many GP's also are willing to suggest natural remedies after a diagnosis if you express your feelings and will also help you to decide whether you need a more accepted method of treatment or not. For very minor irritations there are also some quick-fix remedies that you could find around the house. A simple jar of clear honey can be invaluable to put on cuts, scrapes and cracked skin, and can take the burning out of minor bites and stings. It has fantastic healing properties for wounds and can really improve healing time for cuts. And there is no better cure for minor burns than the juice from an aloe vera plant. Just cut a small section from the plant and squeeze out the wonderfully cooling gel onto the burn (large or deep burns always need medical attention) and there is no better gel for soothing sunburnt skin. Smooth a thin layer onto the skin regularly until the burning sensation eases. For a blocked nose or mild sinus pain, pour boiling water over a handful of chopped lavender, rosemary and thyme leaves and slowly inhale the steam until pain eases. There are so many ailment cures to try before we reach for the chemicals that it's worth reading up a little at your local library or ask at Boot's for their alternative medicines pamphlet which has quite a comprehensive guide to what's available.                Dehydration can cause a whole host of problems both milk and indeed more serious. Not drinking enough fluid during the day can cause minor problems with dehydrated skin and hair which can lead to premature ageing but can have more serious problems contributing to hypertension, high cholesterol and migraine and can even exacerbate back pain and arthritis. Kidneys also need plenty of fluid to flush out toxins and most infections can be significantly helped by an increase in fluid intake. Plain water is undoubtedly the most beneficial to us and it's recommended that we try to aim for two litres a day - roughly one glass every two hours. It's recommended that frequent intake of fluid is more beneficial than drinking a large amount at once, and sipping from a water bottle regularly on top of your usual tea/coffee breaks is a good method. A good recommendation is to drink a large glass of water half an hour before bedtime to help flush toxins during the night especially if you have consumed alcohol during the evening. And remember, children are particularly susceptible to dehydration especially if they are a little 'under the weather' so it's important to encourage them to drink often, but don't fill them full of fizzy drinks which have very little values for rehydration.