Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, brings misery to around 20 percent of people each year. It is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen from grasses, weeds, trees and other plants. The body's release of histamines produces symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, congestion and itching, which interfere greatly with day-to-day life.
Conventional treatments for hay fever include corticosteroids, decongestants and antihistamine drugs to relieve symptoms. Herbal remedies for hay fever are also available but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Butterbur extract and stinging nettle are herbs which may be useful for treating symptoms.
Butterbur Extract as a Hay Fever Remedy
Butterbur, or Petasites hybridus, is used for mucus reduction and for treating bronchitis and asthma. There is some scientific evidence butterbur is also helpful for treating hay fever, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. For two weeks, 125 people with hay fever symptoms were given either butterbur extract or cetirizine antihistamine tablets. The effects of butterbur were found to be similar to those of cetirizine. Furthermore, people given cetirizine reported more drowsiness than those given butterbur.
When choosing butterbur as a remedy for hay fever, it should be UPA-free to ensure potentially toxic chemicals have been removed. Side effects of butterbur may include headaches, drowsiness and an upset stomach. Butterbur is unsuitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. It is not clear if it is safe to take butterbur for longer than 16 weeks.
Stinging Nettle for Hay Fever Symptoms
Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is used to treat joint pain, eczema, arthritis, urinary tract infections and insect bites. Nettle remedies are made from the plant's leaves, stems and roots, and are available in the form of teas, tinctures, capsules and creams. Stinging nettle may reduce histamine production, but evidence for the effectiveness of stinging nettle as a hay fever remedy is poor. It may be helpful to take freeze-dried stinging nettle before the hay fever season begins, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Stinging nettle is generally thought to be safe, but side effects may include an upset stomach, fluid retention and hives. Stinging nettle is not suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers or young children. People wanting to take stinging nettle to relieve their hay fever symptoms should seek medical advice if they have diabetes or are taking anticoagulants, blood pressure medication or diuretics.
Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of alternative hay fever treatments is limited. Pay attention to any special precautions and warnings regarding herbal treatments. As is the case with conventional drugs, herbs can have side effects and interact with other medications, herbs or supplements.
Resources:
Mayo Clinic. "Hay Fever: Alternative Medicine" (Accessed 20th January 2011).
Schapowal A; Petasites Study Group. Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. BMJ. 2002;324(7330):144-146.
University of Maryland Medical Center. "Allergic Rhinitis" (Accessed 20th January 2011).
University of Maryland Medical Center. "Stinging Nettle" (Accessed 20th January 2011).
Sharon Kirby - Sharon is a freelance health writer and contributes to various print and online publications. Writing credits include Nursing Times, Good ...
