Herbal Remedies

9 Herbal Remedies for Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)

Here are some hay fever / allergic rhinitis alternative cures, specifically for those looking for herbal cures. These will not necessarily cure hay fever but will certainly relieve the symptoms.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a natural immunity enhancer. It stabilizes the cells that produce histamine. The main ingredients that gives Echinacea it’s natural antibiotic powers are flavonoids, oils, polysaccharides, phenols, and alkylamides. It also contains copper, iron, iodine, vitamins A, C, and E, and potassium. A cup of Echinacea per day will boost your immune system just in time for hay fever season.

Stinging Nettles

Nettles are high in vitamin C and are a rich source of chlorophyll and formic acid. Nettles strengthen the immune system to help with fighting hay fever. They are also very effective antihistamines and astringent that helps with itchy eyes and sneezing.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Researchers had some studies that had a group of people suffering from hay fever to receive acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and another group that had hay fever receive fake acupuncture and fake herbal medicine. The group that had real acupuncture felt 40% better overall than the group that received the fake acupuncture. There was no difference in the symptoms for the adults, but there was another study done with children. This time the acupuncture actually improved their symptoms.

Butterbur

Butterbur can be found at health food shops. Scientists found that Butterbur has the same effect as the over-the-counter antihistamine Cetrizine. Butterbur, unlike antihistamines, doesn’t cause drowsiness. See Butterbur Article

Eyebright

Eyebright helps treat hay fever, irritated eyes and nasal discharge. It tightens and soothes the mucous membranes and helps dry up the secretions. Eyebright has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for inflammation of the eyes and sinuses. It contains tannins, quercitin, sterols, caffeic and ferulic acids, and choline.

Cudweed

Cudweed can be taken in tea form. It has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that ease irritating symptoms.

Luffa Complex

The Luffa Complex is made up of seven different herbs and is available to be taken in tablet, tincture, and nasal spray form. The seven different herbs were put together because of their natural abilities to relieve with the symptoms of hay fever like sneezing, itchy nose, and itchy eyes. The Luffa Complex consists of sponge cucumber, khella, American spikenard, ballon vine, heartseed, thryallis, and okoubaka.

Garlic

Garlic can help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. It’s best taken when it’s eaten crushed and raw. Garlic boosts your immune system and is also antimicrobial. It’s good to take it before hay fever season. As with anything, make sure you’re not allergic to garlic itself.

Chamomile

The chamomile herb itself has gentle relaxant properties. It is also good for digestive problems. Make sure you’re not allergic to chamomile as it may worsen symptoms. Another way to use chamomile is by using a chamomile eye compress. It is a natural alternative to over-the-counter eye drops for as you know, one of the worst symptoms of hay fever are red, itchy eyes. It has an anti-inflammatory and cooling property that helps with swollen, red eyes. You can also add fresh or dried chamomile or chamomile oil into a bowl of boiling water and inhale the fumes from the water to relieve hay fever and allergy symtoms.

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