Herbal remedies for hay fever
A number of herbal remedies are recognized as being useful in treating hay fever symptoms. If you are at all unsure of how to prepare and use them, don’t hesitate to consult an experienced herbalist, who will ensure that you are obtaining the most suitable remedies and offer step-by-step guidance. A herbalist will also be able to prescribe more potent remedies that are not on general sale.
The herbs mentioned in this article are available from most health food shops, usually as dried herbs or in tincture form. Follow the dosage instructions unless otherwise advised.
Elderflower
Elderflower is a particularly useful preventative remedy. The astringent action of the organic substances called tannins it contains helps to dry up a runny nose and watery eyes, reducing inflammation in the process. Starting in February or March and continuing right through the hay fever season, drink one cup of elderflower infusion daily. In season, you can pick elderflowers from hedgerows – but be careful not to take them from areas where agricultural chemicals may have been used. The fresh flowers of the plant work best, but when they are not in flower you can buy them in dried form from herbalists and some health food shops. Alternatively, use elderflower tincture or a good-quality elderflower cordial.
Adding ribwort plantain to your infusion can strengthen the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and help to make them less sensitive to allergens. Dried plantain is available from herbalists and some health food shops. It also comes in tincture form.
If you intend collecting elderflower yourself, make sure you are certain what plants you are picking. Some wildflowers and other plants are poisonous.
For elderflower cordial you will need:
• 25 heads of elderflower, rinsed
• 2 kg of soft brown sugar
• 2 litres of water
• 2 lemons, sliced.
Place the sugar, water and lemons in a saucepan and heat up, stirring all the time until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool, then pour over the elderflowers. Allow to stand in a covered container for two days, then strain and pour into bottles. Secure the bottles with corks, then store in a cool, dark place. To drink, dilute one part of the cordial to three parts of water. If you prefer elderflower ‘champagne’, dilute with sparkling mineral water.
Nettle
Nettle is a natural antihistamine. Taking it in tea infusions or as a juice can reduce the inflammation produced by the body during an allergic reaction. It is therefore able to ease nasal congestion, watery eyes, chest congestion and many of the other symptoms related to hay fever.
Ingesting nettle on a regular basis – as much as four times a day -can gradually desensitize you to the effects of pollen. It may be possible to obtain fresh or dried nettle leaves from a herbalist; if you chew them during an allergic attack there can be immediate beneficial effects.
Echinacea
One of the most researched of all herbs, echinacea has broad antibiotic properties, a bit like penicillin. It also has the effect of strengthening the immune system, deterring it from mistakenly identifying innocuous substances as enemy forces. This effectively reduces the body’s sensitivity to allergens. Echinacea works best used in combination with goldenseal, red clover and sage, which cleanse the blood and lymph (a clear fluid containing white blood cells which bathes the tissues) of the toxic metabolites that arise during an allergic response.
Alcohol-free tinctures are now available from most health food shops. Dry echinacea root – also available from health food shops -can be infused to make tea.
Goldenseal
Like elderflower, goldenseal has astringent properties which can help to reduce eye watering and the production of nasal mucus. It is particularly beneficial when taken with echinacea for soothing the mucous membranes, and can effectively relieve symptoms where sinusitis or sinus infection is present.
Red clover
Red clover is a blood and lymph cleanser, helping to remove the toxic waste which arises during an allergic reaction. It therefore has a therapeutic effect on hay fever symptoms.
This herb should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Sage
To soothe an itchy throat and palate, gargle daily with a herbal infusion of sage. This herb also acts as a blood and lymph cleanser, much like red clover. When combined with echinacea, hay fever symptoms can be greatly reduced.
Ma huang (Chinese ephedra)
This herb is often used in the treatment of asthma and hay fever. It contains ephedrine – an alkaloid obtained from the ephedra (an evergreen shrub) which actively constricts the blood vessels and widens the bronchial passages. It is therefore useful for controlling the acute symptoms of hay fever such as a streaming nose and sinus congestion.
It is important to note that this herb should not be used for more than a week at a time. Longer usage can cause overstimulation of the central nervous system.
Rhodiola rosea
This powerful Russian nutrient belongs to the family of adaptogen-ic herbs, which encourages the body to adapt to stress. Research has shown that rhodiola rosea has a protective effect on the immune system: it helps to raise energy levels, it increases resistance to disease and it aids detoxification.
Siberian ginseng
The many benefits of Siberian ginseng – the best known of the adap-togenic herbs – include increased physical endurance under stress, protection against infection, improved immune system function and improved hormone activity. It can therefore be of benefit in the treatment of hay fever.
Camomile
If your eyes are red, sore and streaming, frequent bathing with a cooled infusion of camomile can be enormously soothing. When the infusion is drunk on a regular basis, it reduces nasal congestion and can lower the nervous system excitability often linked with allergic conditions.
Ribwort plantain
The ribwort variety of plantain can help to reduce inflammation and tone the mucous membranes. Take three times daily as a tea infusion.
Curcumin
This herb is an extract of turmeric and can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent in hay fever. In fact, in a series of trials, it was shown to be as beneficial as prescription cortisone.
Calendula, rosemary oil and thyme oil
To soothe the mucous membranes, rinse the nostrils with solutions of any of these herbal oils. They can also be used as salves in the facial area, such as around the nose and eyes.
Horsetail
Tea infusions of horsetail can also be used to rinse out the nostrils for a soothing effect.
Garlic
Garlic is another immune system strengthener. Use it in your diet as much as possible, and take it in supplement form, preferably enteric-coated tablets of dried or powdered garlic for optimum benefit.
If you are diabetic or suffer from hypoglycaemia, consult your doctor before taking garlic supplements as they can raise or lower blood sugar levels.
Acidophilus
The probiotic acidophilus is a ‘friendly’ bacterium found naturally in good-quality yogurts and some other natural foods. After you have taken a course of antibiotics, acidophilus helps to restore the balance of good microflora in the gut, deterring the growth and proliferation of unhealthy bacteria and further infections. Acidophilus is available in probiotic drinks such as Actimel and Yakult, and in supplement form from health food shops.
Ground ivy
This herb is useful in treating hay fever as it can reduce the production of excess catarrh. Use 20-30 drops of the tincture per dose, and take this three times a day.
Feverfew
This herb is believed to have anti-allergenic properties. Indeed, it has been shown in trials to inhibit the release of histamine from the mast cells. Drink daily as a tea infusion or take in capsule form.
Eyebright
This herb (also called euphrasia) is an immune system strengthener and is excellent for reducing nasal secretions and watering eyes. It can also soothe the mucous membranes.
Aloe vera juice
Like yogurt, the juice from the aloe vera plant has mild antihistamine properties. Dilute the juice in water, following the label instructions which will tell you how much to drink and how often. Aloe vera juice is available from some health food shops and specialist outlets
As a topical gel, aloe vera is also good for treating allergic skin rashes such as eczema.
Liquorice root
A popular remedy for allergy relief, liquorice (or licorice) root has a strengthening effect on the adrenal glands, which are believed to be exhausted in hay fever. It also reduces inflammation. Take liquorice root extract during the hay fever season for symptom relief.
Note that you should avoid this herb if you suffer from high blood pressure or water retention.