Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, causes sneezing, runny nose, congestion and sinus pressure. These symptoms are similar to those for the common cold. Unlike a cold, hay fever results from exposure to an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. Hay fever occurs in about 20 percent of people, according to MayoClinic.com, and symptoms typically worsen during spring, summer or fall. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs are available for treating hay fever, and a few herbs may also provide some benefit. Always consult a doctor before taking any herbal supplement, especially if you take prescription medication.
Butterbur
Butterbur, a perennial herb native to Europe and often used to treat migraine headaches, may also provide some relief from hay fever. A study published in 2002 in the British Medical Journal examined the effect of butterbur on patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Patients were given one butterbur extract tablet four times daily or one tablet of cetirizine--an antihistamine commonly prescribed for the condition--for two consecutive weeks. The study found that butterbur worked equally well for reducing symptoms but without the sedative effects of cetirizine. Researchers noted that butterbur should be considered for treating hay fever when patients want to avoid the drowsiness caused by antihistamines such as cetirizine.
Tinospora Cordifolia
Tinospora cordifolia, an herb frequently used in traditional Indian medicine, may help relieve symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing, runny nose and nasal itching. According to a study published in 2005 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Tinospora cordifolia works better than a placebo in treating allergic rhinitis. In the study, patients were given an extract of the herb or a placebo for eight weeks. At the end of the study, 83 percent of patients taking Tinospora cordifolia extract experienced 100 percent relief from sneezing. In the placebo group, 79 percent of patients experienced no relief. Researchers found that the herb decreased all symptoms of allergic rhinitis and was well tolerated by patients.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle extract inhibits several of the key inflammatory events that cause allergic rhinitis and reduces the amount of histamine the body produces in response to allergens, according to an in vitro study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in 2009. An older study, published in 1990 in "Planta Medica," also supports the use of stinging nettle extract for treating allergic rhinitis symptoms. In this double-blind randomized trial, the herb was rated more highly than placebo in reducing symptoms after only one week of therapy. Further positive human studies are required before doctors can recommend stinging nettle as an effective treatment for hay fever.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Hay Fever
- PubMed.gov: Randomised Controlled Trial of Butterbur and Cetirizine for Treating Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
- PubMed.gov: Efficacy of Tinospora Cordifolia in Allergic Rhinitis
- PubMed.gov: Nettle Extract (Urtica Dioica) Affects Key Receptors and Enzymes Associated With Allergic Rhinitis
- PubMed.gov: Randomized, Double-Blind Study of Freeze-Dried Urtica Dioica in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
