| Description: Allergic reaction to plant pollens.
Cause: Plant pollens.
Useful Supplements: Quercetin, Vitamin C.
Useful Herbs: Nettle.
Further information: Hayfever is a seasonal (usually spring or fall) allergic reaction caused by pollens and other plant matter. Trees, grasses, flowers, and ragweed can all cause this allergy.
Symptoms include red or watery eyes, sinus swelling, and a congested or runny nose.
There is no way to prevent or cure hayfever. Avoiding the outdoors as much as possible during seasons when one is particularly affected is the most effective method of dealing with hay fever.
In some cases, avoidance of dairy products (which increase mucous production) alleviates some of the symptoms of hayfever.
The following herbs and supplements may be effective in treating hayfever:
Quercetin, in conjunction with Vitamin C, acts a natural antihistamine.1 400 mg Quercetin can be taken two to three times daily.
Vitamin C also works alone as an antihistamine.2 Its antioxidant qualities may also be responsible for its effect on hayfever.
Nettle leaf can reduce the occurrence of sneezing and eye itching related to hayfever.3 It can be taken in 450 mg tablets two to three times daily. Because it is a plant, however, it may exacerbate the symptoms of hayfever in some patients.
References:
1Middleton E, Drzewicki G. Effect of ascorbic acid and flavonoids on human basophil release. J Allerg Clin Immunol Jan, 1992, p. 278.
2Ruskin SL. High dose vitamin C in allergy. Am J Dig Dis 1945;12:281.
3Mittman P. Randomized double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica diocia in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Planta Med 1990; 56:44–7.
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