Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an irritating condition that occurs when allergens such as fungal spores or grass and tree pollen are inhaled, causing sneezing, sore itchy eyes and a runny nose. You can reduce hay fever symptoms by avoiding allergens. However, as staying indoors is often not possible, you may need to take oral antihistamines and use nasal decongestant sprays to relieve your symptoms. Butterbur is sometimes used as a hay fever treatment; however, evidence to prove its effectiveness is inconclusive. Get medical advice before attempting to treat hay fever with it.
Properties and Required Dose
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, butterbur, also known as Petasites hybridus, is used to treat a number of ailments, including allergies, migraines and asthma. It contains biologically active compounds called sesquiterpene esters. One such compound, known as petasin, may reduce inflammation by blocking the activity of inflammatory chemicals. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, suggests taking 500 mg of butterbur daily; however, this is only a guideline. Ask your doctor what is right for you.
Efficacy
The results of a randomized, controlled trial by Andreas Schapowal published in the January 2002 issue of "BMJ" show that the effects of butterbur are similar to those of a commonly used antihistamine, cetirizine, in patients with hay fever. As such, Schapowal suggests that butterbur should be considered as a hay fever treatment when the sedative effects of antihistamines need to be avoided.. Research by C. Gex-Collet and colleagues published in 2002 in the "Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology" found that butterbur extract lacks antihistaminic and antiallergic properties. As such, the authors state that more research is needed to determine how and why this herb reduces hay fever symptoms.
Side Effects and Contraindications
The RxList website states that using butterbur for up to four months is likely safe, but adds that it may cause side effects including diarrhea, fatigue and upset. It may cause a hypersensitivity reaction in some people, so avoid it if you are allergic to related plants such as ragweed and marigolds. Ensure you choose a butterbur preparation that is certified free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids -- chemicals that may cause liver damage. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Other Herbal Options
Other herbs that may are sometimes used to relieve hay fever symptoms include stinging nettle and goldenseal. However, UMMC notes that scientific evidence to prove they are effective is lacking. Like butterbur, these herbs may cause side effects or may be unsuitable for you. For example, goldenseal may cause gastrointestinal upset and is not safe for people with cardiovascular disease. Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Butterbur
- PubMed: Randomised Controlled Trial of Butterbur and Cetirizine for Treating Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
- PubMed: The Butterbur Extract Petasin Has no Effect on Skin Test Reactivity Induced by Different Stimuli: A Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Study Using Histamine, Codeine, Methacholine, and Aeroallergen Solutions
- RxList: Butterbur
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Goldenseal
