Herbal remedies
Hay fever is usually treated with antihistamines which are the most widely used drugs for allergies because they counteract the effects of histamine, a chemical produced when the body overreacts to allergens. The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has shown promise in trials in controlling hay fever with the added benefit of not having the side effects of standard antihistamines such as drowsiness and fatigue. Following a successful study reported in the British Medical Journal in January 2002, five out of seven further trials on different types of butterbur have shown positive results. The herb outperformed placebos, while having an equal effect to medication! Even nose congestion improved, a symptom that antihistamines usually cannot reach.
The butterbur extract, used in trials was licensed for use against hay fever, with the product name of Tesalin, in Switzerland in 2003 by the Swiss-based manufacturers Zeller. However, please do not self-medicate with untreated butterbur, as the plant contains liver-toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are removed during commercial processing.
Over the counter, butterbur extract is available in the UK as Bioforce. Containing 25mg of petasites extract, Bioforce petasite capsules are available from health stores (£5.99 for 30 capsules). Visit Bioforce (www.bioforce.co.uk) for more details.
Other herbal remembies include nettle leaf; a natural antiinflammatory, feverfew; a nasal decongestant acting by decreasing mucus production and finally Elderflower & Camomile; natural antihistamines, commonly found in teas and infusions. These last suggestions also help relax and soothe the emotional problems surrounding allergies like hay fever. (Solgar Nettle Leaf Extract Vegicaps are available (£14.35 for 60 capsules))
Alternatively, a course of Echinacea (as tincture or tablets), ginseng or garlic may work by boosting the bodies natural resistance to allergens and (in the case of garlic) reduce catarrh.
