Herbal Remedies for Hay Fever

Common Hay Fever Symptoms and Effective Herbal Remedies for Hay Fever

Hay fever is an allergic condition triggered by the immune system's response to inhalant substances like pollens, the male reproductive parts of plants. When they come into contact with the tissue inside the nose, they trigger an immune reaction that can cause congestion, sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.

Symptoms of hay fever are partly a result of inflammation that, in turn, is activated by the immune system. Common symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, watery, weepy eyes, coughing, runny nose, postnasal drip, and itchy, irritating feelings in the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Some secondary symptoms can be fatigue, headaches, nosebleeds and itchy skin. Hay fever and respiratory allergies can also aggravate existing health problems like acne, asthma and eczema. There are some herbal remedies for Hay fever, which are stated below.

• Eucalyptus: This herb is a traditional remedy for infections and hay fever. It has antiseptic properties that are helpful for cold, flu and sore throats. Eucalyptus is also a strong expectorant, used to clear nasal passages, suitable for chest infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia. It is used in steam inhalation to ease congestion. The leaves are used in oils for aromatherapy, and in steam inhalations as well as in capsules and teas. The aromatic oil contained in the leaves of this herb is very useful in treatment of hay fever. The diluted eucalyptus essential oil, applied to the skin as a chest or sinus rub, has a warming and slightly anesthetic effect, helping to relieve respiratory infections.
• Ginger: Ginger is the most widely used and available herbal remedy for hay fever, which can be used as both food and medicine. Fresh ginger is used to relieve dryness and heat, while dried ginger is used to relieve dampness and chill. Ginger warms the energy channels and stops bleeding, especially uterine bleeding. It reduces inflammation and is antimicrobial. Ginger is said to rescue a condition in which invading cold or infection has reached the interior of the body.
• Ephedra : This herb has been used for centuries to treat hay fever, asthma, colds and flu's, emphysema, obesity, ease breathing, induce sweating, relieves congestion and bronchial spasms. Some compounds in this plant such as ephedrine, can relieve asthma but when used in this isolated form can also elevate blood pressure. It contains other compounds that slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
• Butterbur Roots: Butterbur extract is used to treat intermittent hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which is as effective as a commonly used antihistamine. The roots have been used in herbal treatments for centuries, but the leaves have more recently been introduced as a new herbal medication. An extract can inhibit the synthesis of leukotrienes, which, along with histamine and other compounds, are produced as part of the immune response to an allergen.
• Licorice Root: This herb has been used by for thousands of years to treat ulcers, colds, skin disorders, and as a tonic for the heart and spleen. It is also used to treat asthma, lupus, cancer, celiac disease, Meneire's disease, vitiligo, Lyme disease, Chrohn's disease, gastritis and peptic ulcer. The root of this herb contains a saponin glycoside which has a similar structure to hormones produced by our adrenal glands, giving licorice an anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-arthritic effect without the side effects. Its anti-allergenic effect is very useful for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma.
• Chamomile: This herb has anti-anxiety, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties because of which it is used in treatment of hay fever. Chamomile tea is used to reduce duration of hay fever attacks. The flowers are used in teas and tinctures internally and creams and compresses externally. It is also valued for its treatment of a wide variety of conditions such as allergies, anxiety, ADD, asthma, colic, conjunctivitis, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus and peptic ulcers.
• Quercetin: It is found in apples, onions, and other foods and is therefore likely to be safe as long as you don't overdo the dose. It has been tested in the laboratory with mast cells, which are responsible for starting off the allergic reaction taken from the noses of people with allergic rhinitis. Exposure to quercetin made the cells less likely to respond to allergen.
• Ginkgo: Ginkgo has been used to relieve tension and anxiety and improve mental alertness, elevate mood for those depressed, restore energy and improves circulation to the brain. It may decrease the body's reactions to allergens.