Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system releases inflammatory chemicals in response to an inhaled allergen, causing sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny or blocked nose. Perennial allergic rhinitis is usually caused by indoor allergens. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is caused by outdoor allergens like pollen or fungal spores. If you suffer from allergic rhinitis, try to avoid exposing yourself to allergens. Some herbs but may provide symptom relief but evidence to prove they are effective is limited.
Examples and Administration
Herbs that may help to alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis include butterbur and stinging nettle. Butterbur, also known as Petasites hybridus, may reduce mucus production. Stinging nettle contains a compound called scopoletin, which may help to reduce inflammation. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) suggests taking 500 mg of butterbur daily to provide symptom relief. Alternatively, you may prefer to take 600 mg of stinging nettle every day for one week. These dosages should only be used as a guideline. Ask a physician how much you need to take.
Efficacy
A clinical study published in the January 2002 issue of "BMJ" found that butterbur was as effective as the antihistamine cetirizine in alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis. A postmarketing surveillance trial published in the March 2004 issue of "Advances in Therapy" confirmed that butterbur was a safe and efficacious treatment for allergic rhinitis. Studies evaluating the efficacy of stinging nettle as a treatment for allergic rhinitis are lacking. However, research published in the July 2009 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" identified bioactive compounds in stinging nettle that may inhibit proinflammatory pathways related to allergic rhinitis.
Side Effects
Stinging nettle may cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation and increased sweating. It may also cause a hypersensitivity reaction in some people. Although short-term use of butterbur is likely safe, side effects may include burping, fatigue, stomach upset and diarrhea. Butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may cause liver disease. Make sure you buy a preparation that states that these chemicals have been removed.
Contraindications
Butterbur and stinging nettle are not suitable treatments for everyone. Do not take butterbur if you have an allergy to similar plants, for example, ragweed and marigolds. Avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have liver disease. This herb may interact with drugs that are broken down by the liver such as carbamazepine and phenobarbital. Stinging nettle may heighten the effects of diclofenac and diuretics. Get medical clearance before using either of these herbs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Nettle
- PubMed: Randomised Controlled Trial of Butterbur and Cetirizine for Treating Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
- PubMed: Efficacy and Safety of Butterbur Herbal Extract Ze 339 in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Postmarketing surveillance Study
- PubMed: Nettle Extract (Urtica dioica) Affects Key Receptors and Enzymes Associated with allergic Rhinitis
- RxList: Butterbur
