Spring Allergies

Herbal Remedies for Spring Allergies

Warmer weather, blossoming trees and budding flowers, the hopeful markers of spring, are also bearers of bad news for allergy sufferers. Integrative therapies with good scientific evidence for spring allergies are available.

A recent review conducted by researchers from the Department of Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, England, evaluated the efficacy of herbal medicines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The authors reported that there is encouraging evidence suggesting that butterbur may be an effective herbal treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis. There are also promising results generated for other herbal products, particularly Aller-7 (an Indian herbal combination), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi, an herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae indigenous to the tropical areas of India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka), Perilla frutescens (Green Shiso, an ornamental plant in the Lamiaceae family) and several Chinese herbal medicines.

The plants butterbur and bromelain, probiotics and nasal irrigation therapy have been found to have positive effects on allergy symptoms.

Butterbur is a perennial shrub found throughout Europe as well as parts of Asia and North America. It is usually found in wet, marshy ground, in damp forests and adjacent to rivers or streams. The leaves of the plant are responsible for its botanical and common names. The common name is attributed to the large leaves that have been used to wrap butter during warm weather.

Butterbur has been traditionally used as an antispasmodic and analgesic (pain reliever), specifically for conditions afflicting the stomach, bile ducts and duodenum (part of the small intestine). Butterbur is believed to help strengthen digestion and improve obstructed bile flow. Butterbur has also been given for inflammation of the urinary tract and cramps. There is compelling initial evidence from human trials to suggest benefits in the prevention of migraine headache. Evidence in support of the use for allergic rhinitis prevention is also promising.

Comparisons of butterbur to prescription drugs, such as fexofenadine (Allegra) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), have reported similar efficacy. These results suggest benefits of butterbur for the prevention of allergic rhinitis. Additional study is warranted before a strong recommendation can be made.

Classified as an herb, bromelain is a sulfur-containing digestive enzyme that is extracted from the stem and the fruit of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus, family Bromeliaceae). When taken with meals, bromelain assists in the digestion of proteins; when taken on an empty stomach, it acts medicinally as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Bromelain was introduced in 1957 and has been used in many clinical trials. Its use in digestion, inflammation and sinusitis has been substantiated by clinical evidence.

It is proposed that bromelain may be a useful addition to other therapies used for sinusitis (such as antibiotics) due to its ability to reduce inflammation/swelling. Studies report mixed results, although overall bromelain appears to be beneficial for reducing swelling and improving breathing. Better studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as "friendly germs") that help to maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also help keep potentially harmful organisms in the gut (harmful bacteria and yeasts) under control. Most probiotics come from food sources, especially cultured milk products. They can be consumed as capsules, tablets, beverages, powders, yogurts and other foods.

Probiotics work by colonizing the small intestine and crowding out disease-causing organisms, thereby restoring proper balance to the intestinal flora. They compete with harmful organisms for nutrients and may also produce substances that inhibit growth of harmful organisms in the gut.

Probiotic bacteria have been found to stimulate the body's immune system. They may also aid in several gastrointestinal illnesses such as inflammatory bowel diseases, antibiotic-related diarrhea, Clostridium difficile toxin-induced colitis, infectious diarrhea, hepatic encephalopathy, irritable bowel syndrome and allergies.

The use of probiotic Enterococcus faecalis bacteria in hypertrophic sinusitis (sinus inflammation) may reduce the frequency of relapses and the need for antibiotic therapy. Only a small variety of probiotic combinations have been studied in the treatment of allergies, mostly with children, teenagers and young adults. Studies of inhalant allergy conditions, such as allergic rhinitis (nasal inflammation and discharge), during pollen season have had mixed results. Some studies have found no benefits, while others have found benefit from adding probiotics to fermented milk.

There is also evidence that yogurt may improve or prevent the recurrence of allergic rhinitis. Studies of allergic skin reactions in infants (allergic dermatitis, atopic eczema) suggest that supplementation, including for breastfeeding mothers, may reduce frequency, symptom levels and duration.

Yoga enthusiasts have used the technique of nasal irrigation for thousands of years to clear the sinus cavity and also to clear the mind. There is growing scientific evidence to support its practice since proponents believe that it is more natural, soothing, almost harmless and cheaper than many over-the-counter medications. It is also devoid of side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea, often associated with these medications.

Nasal irrigation is used to clear the sinuses and can be performed by the patient at home or by a professional up to twice daily provided the mucous membranes are not irritated by the procedure.

The three forms of nasal irrigation therapies used in clinical trials have been saline lavage, which uses a warm liquid solution; humidified warm air lavage (hyperthermia); and large-particle nebulized aerosol therapy, which uses aerosolized saline solution. Occasionally, antibiotics are added to the solution.

Studies support the use of hypertonic saline for nasal irrigation. There is good evidence in support of nasal irrigation for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. There is promising early evidence for using nasal irrigation in treating common colds, respiratory symptoms from occupational exposure and in post-operative care following sinus or nasal surgeries.

---

For natural relief from Spring Allergies, Native Remedies makes a great product called AllergiClear. Get More Info on AllergiClear for Natural Allergy Relief

AllergiClear - a 100% natural, safe and proven compound remedy with herbal and nutritional ingredients for promoting optimal immune system health, helping to maintain clear eyes, nose and chest and supporting the body's ability to naturally resist allergens during the allergy season.

The ingredients in AllergiClear are known for their positive effect on systemic health. With regular use, it acts as an immune system and respiratory tonic. AllergiClear assists the body in its natural ability to deal with allergens, keeping eyes bright, noses clear and lungs healthy!

Go Back from Spring Allergies to Alternative Health Articles

---