Fortunately, a variety of herbs can help soothe symptoms and support the body during allergy season.
What Is Hay Fever?
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to pollen from plants present in the air. When a person with hay fever comes into contact with pollen, their immune system releases histamines and other chemicals, that cause allergic symptoms.
Different people react to different types of pollens from various plants meaning symptoms can peak at various times throughout spring and summer, depending on which pollens an individual is sensitive to. Everyone is unique, so the severity and combination of hayfever symptoms experienced can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms experienced with hay fever can include: sneezing and a runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy skin after contact with pollen and sinus congestion.
Herbal hay fever relief:
Though there is no cure for hay fever, thankfully, herbs can provide great relief for those who experience these irritating symptoms, both by treating the allergic response, reducing inflammation, alleviating congestion and providing symptomatic relief from itchy eyes.
Below are just some of the most valuable herbs used by herbalists during allergy season:
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
Nettle leaf has been shown in studies to have an antihistamine action, which assists in reducing the histamine released from mast cells that contribute to the allergic response*. Unlike some of the over-the-counter anti-histamines, nettle leaf does not cause sleepiness (drowsiness) and is also packed full of vitamin C to support the immune system. Nettle leaves are best harvested in the spring, before they flower and turn to seed. The nettle tops can be picked and taken as a simple tea for their anti-histamine actions throughout allergy season.
Plantain (Plantago major & Plantago lanceolata)
Plantain leaf is another soothing herb valued for its ability to calm inflamed tissues and support the respiratory health. Rich in plant compounds called tannins and mucilage, plantain can both reduce excess mucus secretions associated with allergies and help to shift excess mucus congestion in our sinuses and lungs. The mucilage (a gel-like substance) coats, soothes and protects irritated mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
The delicate meadow herb Eyebright has long been used as a traditional remedy for itchy and inflamed eye conditions. It is potent in anti-inflammatory plant compounds that make eyebright ideal for providing symptomatic relief for itchy eyes associated with hay fever.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
As a member of the mint family, ground ivy is used by herbalists as a herbal decongestant and is anti-microbial. It is specific for congestion in the sinuses and eustachian tubes. The volatile oils help to prevent infections that can arise secondary to congestion.
While hay fever can be a very irritating seasonal condition, this range of herbs can help to ease symptoms and provide relief during peak pollen times.
As with all conditions, it is always best to consult a medical herbalist if you are seeking herbal treatment; care should always be taken in those with any known allergies and advice should be sought for those on medications or those who are pregnant and breastfeeding.
*Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2009 Jul;23(7):920-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2763. PMID: 19140159.