Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, can cause a runny nose, congestion, cough, headache, sore throat and sneezing. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to substances you have inhaled. Your child can take medications for hay fever, but some herbs may help as well. Before using any herbal supplements for this condition, ask your child's pediatrician whether they are safe to use.
Echinacea
Echinacea has been used for hundreds of years as a general medicinal plant, especially for scarlet fever, diphtheria, syphilis and malaria. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) states that this herb contains substances that help ease pain, reduce inflammation, boosts the immune system, and it has antiviral and antioxidant properties. It is often used for the common cold, rhinitis, urinary tract infections, cough and sore throat. The dosing for children is different than adults; it should be based on body weight. Most echinacea doses are based on an adult who weighs 150 lbs.; use this guideline to determine the dose for a child. Talk to your child's pediatrician before administering echinacea.
Butterbur
Butterbur leaves were historically used to wrap butter, giving this herb its name. It has been used for cough and fever and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to Miami Children's Hospital, butterbur reduces mucus production and has been shown to be as effective as the medications Allegra and Zyrtec in some studies, although larger studies are needed for more evidence. Talk to your pediatrician about butterbur, as very young children should not take it, and no studies have been done in children under 6 years old.
Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to strengthen the body. It acts as an antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties, and may boost the immune system. Though this herb is safe for children, those who are feverish should not take astragalus. Like echinacea, dosages for this herb are based on body weight. For adults, dosages are standardized for a 150-lb. adult; dosages should be modified accordingly based on a child's weight. Talk with your doctor about safety and dosage for your child.
Considerations
Before using herbs for your child's allergic rhinitis, have your child examined by a pediatrician to get an accurate diagnosis. There are many treatments for allergic rhinitis, and if you are interested in using herbs to treat it, consult with your health care provider about whether medications are safe to take in conjunction with the herbs, to avoid any adverse effects.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Herbs and Supplements for Allergic Rhinitis; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Echinacea; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; December 2009
- Miami Children's Hospital; Allergic Rhinitis; 2006
- Drugs.com; Complete Butterbur Information; May 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Astragalus; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; August 2008
