Hay Fever
(Seasonal Allergies, Allergic Rhinitis)
Natural Remedies for Pollen and Seasonal Allergies
Hay Fever (also known as seasonal allergy) is caused by an over-reaction of the
immune system to harmless airborne particles such as pollen.
Symptoms of Hay fever can include any of the following:
- stuffy or runny nose and nasal congestion
- itchy, watery eyes
- sneezing
- coughing
- post nasal drip
- sinus pain or pressure
- fatigue
Hay fever is common in the Spring and Fall when airborne pollen counts are
highest.
Although hay fever effects some 40 million people annually, not everyone is
susceptible to airborne pollens and particulates. So what makes a person
vulnerable to seasonal allergies?
Studies have shown that people with inhalant allergies are more likely to have
food allergies. A hypo allergenic diet has has shown to help some people with
asthma and allergic rhinitis. (1,2,3) Remember that avoidance of a food
allergen, even if it does not improve hay fever, would be expected to improve
over-all health.
Pharmaceutical anti-allergy drugs often have undesirable side effects. So what
can a person do to decrease hay fever symptoms without using drugs? Here are
some of the best-proven natural remedies for alleviating seasonal allergies:
- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): Butterbur has been shown in studies to be as
effective as drugs at relieving symptoms of hay fever but without adverse side
effects (4-8)
One study compared Butterbur to the drug cetirizine (Zyrtec) and found that both
relieved symptoms equally well. However, the drug was associated with a higher
rate of adverse side effects including drowsiness.(4)
A second study compared butterbur extract with fexofenadine (Allegra). Butterbur
was just as effective as fexofenadine at relieving symptoms.(5)
Because butterbur may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver
damage, use only extracts which have the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed. This
will be stated on the label.
Symptom improvement is related to dosage, with higher doses producing more
symptom relief. Suggested dose for best effect: 1-2 capsule, 3 times per day of
an extract standardized to contain 7.5 mg of petasine per capsule. Look for
formulas which state that they are pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free.(6)
- Grape seed extract -- "nature's anti-histamine."
Histamine is an irritating substance released from certain white blood cells
(mast cells) in response to allergens. Anti-histamines block the histamine
receptor and can improve symptoms of sneezing, itchy eyes and nose. Older
antihistamines cause drowsiness, newer antihistamines are associated with heart
complications. They are also expensive.
Grape seed extract functions as an anti-histamine by stabilizing the mast cell,
making it less 'touchy" about releasing histamine. Grape seed extract has been
shown to performs as a natural anti-histamine. (9-11)
The "side effects" of grape seed extract are actually additional benefits, not
unwanted side effects. Grape seed has been shown to improve chronic venous
insufficiency (12-17), strengthen collagen and blood vessels(18-22),and help
prevent cancer and heart disease through multiple mechanisms. (23-41) Grape seed
extract is also a potent antioxidant. (27,33-34,42-47)
Many people find grape seed extract effective for hayfever when taken 50-100mg,
3 times per day.
- Quercetin nasal spray. Quercetin is one of the most biologically active
flavonoids, widely distributed in the plant kingdom in such species as oak trees
(Quercus spp.), onions (Allium cepa) and tea (Camellia sinensis).
Like grape seed extract, quercetin prevents acts as a natural anti-histamine by
preventing the release of histamine from mast cells. (48) In fact, quercetin
performs this function so well that it is used in medical experiments as a
control substance for such activity (49-51). Quercetin is not well-absorbed
orally, so higher doses must be taken, especially at the beginning of allergy
treatment.
A water-soluble form of quercetin, available as a nasal spray, is a safe and
effective alternative to drug nasal sprays. The effects of quercetin nasal spray
are felt within several minutes and last up to two hours. Pharmaceutical nasal
sprays work by constricting blood vessels. They can have "addictive" effects on
the nasal passages, and congestion becomes worse when they are discontinued.
Quercetin does not create dependence or have rebound effects upon
discontinuation. (52)
References:
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References
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