About 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergies cause unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and skin, runny nose and congestion. More Americans are using herbal remedies to control allergies and other ailments. However, herbal remedies do not go through the same rigorous testing as over-the counter or prescription medication and may cause side effects.
Quercetin
This potent antioxidant flavonoid comes from buckwheat, citrus or eucalyptus. According to Earl L. Mindell and Virginia Hopkins, authors of “Prescription Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives,” quercetin is very effective in preventing allergy symptoms.In a 2009 study published in the "International Journal of Allergy and Immunology," quercetin effectively reduced allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, nasal and ear congestion and runny eyes.
Mindell and Hopkins indicate that a quercetin dose of 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day can help to relieve allergies. There are very few side effects associated with quercetin, but in rare cases it may cause headaches and tingling in the hands and feet.
Butterbur
Also known as Petasites hybridus, butterbur is effective for relieving allergy symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, two studies have found that butterbur extract is as effective as Zyrtec and Allegra in treating hay fever. However, the UMMC points out that more studies on butterbur are needed. Also, there’s no information on whether it’s safe to take for longer than 12 to 16 weeks.
To treat allergic rhinitis, the recommended dose according to “Prescription for Drug Alternatives” is eight to 16 mg of the active ingredient petasine or 50 mg of butterbur root extract twice daily. In general, butterbur is safe to take. However, it can cause side effects such as headache, fatigue or digestive upset.
Stinging Nettle
Naturopathic doctors in America have been prescribing stinging nettle for allergy relief for several decades.It comes from the nettle plant, which has tiny hairs or spines on the stem that sting or irritate the skin. Stinging nettle blocks several inflammatory reactions that play a role in allergy symptoms, according to a 2009 issue of the journal “Phytotherapy Research.”
The recommended dose is 300 mg three times daily, according to “Prescription for Drug Alternatives.” Stinging nettle is not recommended for children or pregnant women, states the UMMC. You also shouldn’t take it if you have diabetes or are taking hypertension, blood-thinning or diuretic medications.
If you have allergies, you should consult with an allergist for testing to determine which allergies you have and for information on the best available treatments.
References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Allergy Facts and Figures
- “Herbal Remedies and Children: Do They Work? Are They Harmful?”; Pediatrics: July 2003
- “Prescription Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives”; Earl L. Mindell and Virginia Hopkins; 2003
- “Effect of Enzymatically Modified Isoquercitrin, a Flavonoid, on Symptoms of Japanese Cedar Pollinosis”; International Journal of Allergy and Immunology: March 2009
- UMMC: Allergic Rhinitis
