The Herbalist

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Do you suffer from Hay Fever?
Now is the time to start treatment

Jenny Jones Dip Phyt, FNIMH

Hay fever is formally known as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and can present with many different symptoms, including ones shared with other ailments. It occurs as a response to allergens such as pollen, which then get into the throat, eyes and nose.

Hay fever is a common allergic disease, with anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of the population suffering. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, which means that many people may put off going to see a practitioner with the thought that symptoms are simply a cold. However, if you notice a pattern of symptoms returning each year at the same time of year, you most likely suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever.

Symptoms are;

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy bloodshot eyes
• Stuffed up nose
• Itching around the face and mouth
• Exhaustion
• Blocked sensation in ears
• Headache
• Wheezing
• Burning in the throat

Although you may not suffer from all the above. If your symptoms arrive early in the spring it’s most likely that you are allergic to tree pollen. Trees most associated with hay fever are Hazel, Yew, Birch, Alder and Horse chestnut.

Perennial Rye Grass (Lolium perenne)

Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense)

Symptoms starting in early summer and continuing through to autumn are usually due to grass pollen. Grasses most likely to cause you problems are Perennial Rye Grass (Lolium perenne) and Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense).

A very few sufferers find their symptoms starting in the autumn. This is most likely caused by the pollen of nettle and dock, and by mould spores. Some people may prefer to buy a remedy from the health food shop and one that has proved effective is Butterbur (Petasites). Butterbur is a difficult herb to use as a home remedy because it contains an alkaloid that is poisonous if not removed. The product on the market has undergone such a process and is therefore safe. (1 and 2)

For the more adventurous amongst you it is easy to make a tea tailored to your needs. The Treatment you choose will depend on your symptoms.

• Runny or blocked nose, blocked ears and sinus headaches may all respond to anti-catarrhal herbs such as Elderflower and German chamomile.

• Mucus membrane tonic such as Berberis, Plantain or Sage will reduce the over production of catarrh.

• Inflammation of the mucus membranes will respond to the mucilaginous qualities of Marshmallow, Iceland moss or Comfrey tea.

• Wheezing and coughing may respond to the mucilaginous herbs listed above, but if an expectoration is needs try Elecampane, Thyme or Coltsfoot.

• For irritated eyes Eyebright is the obvious choice, though Marigold or Chamomile may serve you as well.

All these herbs can be taken as teas, as well as the cold tea used as a compress over irritated eyes.

Regardless of your choice of herbs for your symptoms always include Nettle in your mixture. Allergic reactions are a result of the actions of histamine, causing the tissues in the affected areas to inflame. Nettle contains histamine in a weak form. This attaches to the histamine receptors in the tissue and blocks the body's own histamine uptake, and in that way reduces its effects.

It's also best to avoid dairy products, too much caffeine and alcohol during an attack, but eat plenty of fruit and vegetables especially garlic and the onion family and drink lots of water.

So get mixing your own teas using equal quantities of your chosen herbs (except for thyme where half the quantity will be sufficient.). Take three cups of tea a day using one teaspoon of your mixture to each cup.

Mix Eucalyptus and Peppermint essential oils (equal quantities) and use 5 drops of the mixture in boiling water as an inhalant.

Contra-indication and Precautions

Use Comfrey leaf tea rather than root. Comfrey root is only used externally.

Avoid Berberis and Sage in pregnancy.

No reported side effects or drug/herb interaction from the other herbs in this article.

1) Lipton, R.B. et al. (2004) Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine. Neurology 63(12):2240-4 Retrieved on 2007-04-30

2) Schapowal, A. (2002) Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis Br Med J. 324:144-146 Retrieved on 2007-04-30

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