Guest guest Posted May 6, 2007 Report Share Posted May 6, 2007 Hay Fever: An Herbal Defense Ara DerMarderosian, PhD University of the Sciences ver-the-counter and prescription antihistamines and decongestants are heavily advertised and are a mainstay of treatment for most of the 20 million to 40 million Americans who suffer from hay fever. The fact that herbal therapy also can be effective as a treatment for hay fever is less well known. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a flowering plant found in most temperate regions of the world. In a clinical double-blind trial of 69 hay fever sufferers, 58% taking freeze-dried stinging nettle leaf daily for one week experienced a reduction of symptoms, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, compared with 37% of those receiving a placebo. The mechanism for stinging nettles' beneficial effect is unknown. Typical dose: 450 mg in freeze-dried stinging nettle leaf capsules two to three times daily... or 2 ml to 4 ml of tincture three times daily. Take at the onset of symptoms and continue as needed. Side effects are rare, but some people taking oral stinging nettle formulations experience mild gastrointestinal upset. Stinging nettle should be avoided by people taking blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Coumadin). Stinging nettle has a diuretic (water-excreting) effect, so it should not be used by people with kidney disease. Because herbs can interact with medication, consult an allergist or herbalist before trying stinging nettle. TV dinner still cooling? Check out " Tonight's Picks " on TV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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