Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Natural Remedies for Hay Fever and Allergy ReliefFrom Cathy Wong, About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board What is Hay Fever?Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, occurs when your immune system overreacts to normally harmless airborne particles, causing symptoms such as a runny nose, itching of your nose, and sneezing. Hay fever is one of the most common allergies, affecting about 40 million people in the United States. Hay Fever Symptoms Runny nose, nasal congestion Sneezing Watery eyes Itchy, watery eyes, nose or throat Coughing Postnasal drip Fatigue Facial pressure or pain Natural Remedies for Hay Fever and Allergy ReliefButterbur The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used in folk medicine for migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma. Butterbur is being studied as a natural allergy treatment. Although how butterbur works is still not known, it is thought to work in a similar way to allergy medications by blocking the action of histamine and leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions. In a study involving 186 people with hay fever, participants took a higher dose of butterbur (one tablet three times a day), a lower dose (one tablet two times a day) or placebo. After two weeks, both the higher and lower dose relieved allergy symptoms compared to the placebo, but there were significantly greater benefits seen with the higher dose. In another study, 330 people with hay fever were given a butterbur extract (one tablet three times a day), the antihistamine drug fexofenadine (Allegra), or a placebo. Butterbur was as effective as fexofenadine at relieving sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and other hay fever symptoms, and both were more effective than the placebo. Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrha, or constipation. Pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur. Butterbur is in the ragweed plant family, so people who are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisy, or chrysanthemum should not use butterbur. The raw herb as well as teas, extracts, and capsules made from the raw herb should not be used because they contain substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer. It is possible to remove the pyrrolizidine alkaloids from butterbur products. For example, in Germany, there is a safety limit to the level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids allowed in butterbur products. The daily recommended dose cannot exceed 1 microgram per day. Quercetin Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids. Although there is still isn't enough research to conclude that it is effective for hay fever, quercetin is thought to prevent the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine from immune cells called mast cells. Histamine is involved in allergic symptoms such as sneezing and itching. Quercetin is found naturally in certain foods, such as apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea. Quercetin is also available in supplement form. A typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 milligrams three times a day. Carotenoids Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments, the most popular being beta-carotene. Although no randomized controlled trials show that carotenoids are effective treatments for hay fever, a lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation in your airways. There are no guidelines or research that suggests a certain target intake for hay fever. Many people don't even get one serving of carotenoid-rich foods a day. If this is you, consider striving for one to two servings a day. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens. Identifying Food Sensitivities Just like we can have allergies to substances in the air, some people with hay fever may react to certain foods. Our diet tends to follow the seasons, so if there are foods you eat more if in the spring, you may wish to note if your symptoms get worse after you eat them and bring them to your doctor's attention. People with lactose intolerance may notice that they feel more congested after consuming dairy products. Preliminary studies suggest that some people with allergies to grass pollens may also react to tomatoes, peanuts, wheat, apple, carrot, celery, peach, melon, eggs and pork, and that people with ragweed allergies may also react to foods in the Cucurbitaceae family, such as cucumber and melon. An elimination-and-challenge diet is usually conducted to identify any food sensitivities. It involves the removal of suspected foods from the diet for at least a week, followed by the systematic re-introduction of these foods to isolate any foods that may be aggravating hay fever symptoms. Known food allergies and sensitivities are not tested. It should be done under the guidance of a health professional. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of essential fatty acid that we must obtain through our diet. Research suggests that may they reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body (prostaglandin E2 and inflammatory cytokines). Although there are no randomized controlled trials showing that omega-3 fatty acids are effective treatments for hay fever, there are associations. For example, one German study involving 568 people found that a high content of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells or in the diet was associated with a decreased risk of hay fever. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are: Fish oil capsules: providing 1 to 1.2 grams of EPA and DHA per day. Side effects of fish oil may include indigestion and a fishy aftertaste. Fish oil has a mild " blood-thinning " effect. If taking warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin or are at risk of bleeding complications, do not take fish oil without consulting a doctor. Fish oil should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery. Flaxseed oil: 1 tablespoon two to three times a day. Walnuts, 1 ounce (14 halves) a day At the same time, reducing foods rich in arachidonic acid might be wise. One study found an association between arachidonic acid and hay fever. Although arachidonic acid is essential for health, too much has been found to worsen inflammation. This means reducing intake of egg yolks, red meat, and shellfish. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a healing practice that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. Although it has been studied for hay fever, there are too few studies to draw any conclusions about whether it might help. In a German study published in the journal Allergy, 52 people with hay fever received acupuncture (once a week) and a Chinese herbal tea designed to address allergic symptoms (three times a day) or sham acupuncture and a regular herbal tea. fter 6 weeks, people who received the acupuncture and herbal treatment noticed an 85 percent improvement on a " global assessment of change " scale compared to 40 percent in the control group. They also noticed a significant improvement in the quality of life questionnaire. There was no difference however in symptoms. In another study, 72 children with hay fever received either acupuncture (twice a week) or sham acupuncture. After eight weeks, the real acupuncture was more effective at improving symptoms and was associated with more symptom-free days compared to sham acupuncture. Sources Brinkhaus B, Hummelsberger J, Kohnen R, Seufert J, Hempen CH, Leonhardy H, Nogel R, Joos S, Hahn E, Schuppan D. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized-controlled clinical trial. Allergy. 59.9 (2004): 953-960. Enomoto T, Nagasako-Akazome Y, Kanda T, Ikeda M, Dake Y. Clinical effects of apple polyphenols on persistent allergic rhinitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel arm study. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 16.5 (2006): 283-289. Gray RD, Haggart K, Lee DK, Cull S, Lipworth BJ. Effects of butterbur treatment in intermittent allergic rhinitis: a placebo-controlled evaluation. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 93.1 (2004): 56-60. Hoff S, Seiler H, Heinrich J, Kompauer I, Nieters A, Becker N, Nagel G, Gedrich K, Karg G, Wolfram G, Linseisen J. Allergic sensitisation and allergic rhinitis are associated with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet and in red blood cell membranes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 59.9 (2005): 1071-1080. Kishi K, Saito M, Saito T, Kumemura M, Okamatsu H, Okita M, Takazawa K. Clinical efficacy of apple polyphenol for treating cedar pollinosis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 69.4 (2005): 829-832. Kompauer I, Demmelmair H, Koletzko B, Bolte G, Linseisen J, Heinrich J. Association of fatty acids in serum phospholipids with hay fever, specific and total immunoglobulin E. Br J Nutr. 93.4 (2005): 529-535. Lee DK, Gray RD, Robb FM, Fujihara S, Lipworth BJ. A placebo-controlled evaluation of butterbur and fexofenadine on objective and subjective outcomes in perennial allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy. 34.4 (2004): 646-649. Mittman P. Randomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Planta Med. 56.1 (1990): 44-47. Ng DK, Chow PY, Ming SP, Hong SH, Lau S, Tse D, Kwong WK, Wong MF, Wong WH, Fu YM, Kwok KL, Li H, Ho JC. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of acupuncture for the treatment of childhood persistent allergic rhinitis. Pediatrics. 114.5 (2004): 1242-1247. Secor ER Jr, Carson WF 4th, Cloutier MM, Guernsey LA, Schramm CM, Wu CA, Thrall RS. Bromelain exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an ovalbumin-induced murine model of allergic airway disease. Cell Immunol. 237.1 (2005): 68-75. Schapowal A; Petasites Study Group. Butterbur Ze339 for the treatment of intermittent allergic rhinitis: dose-dependent efficacy in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 130.12 (2004): 1381-1386. Schapowal A; Study Group. Treating intermittent allergic rhinitis: a prospective, randomized, placebo and antihistamine-controlled study of Butterbur extract Ze 339. Phytother Res. 19.6 (2005): 530-537. Shimoda H, Tanaka J, Yamada E, Morikawa T, Kasajima N, Yoshikawa M. Anti type I allergic property of Japanese butterbur extract and its mast cell degranulation inhibitory ingredients. J Agric Food Chem. 54.8 (2006): 2915-2920. Thomet OA, Schapowal A, Heinisch IV, Wiesmann UN, Simon HU.Anti-inflammatory activity of an extract of Petasites hybridus in allergic rhinitis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2.7 (2002): 997-1006. Thornhill SM, Kelly AM. Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Altern Med Rev. 5.5 (2000): 448-454. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 Hey Lynn, Wow what a list of helpful things for asthma and allergies. You have done a lot of home work on this one. I would like to tell everybody about my daughter and her family. My daughter is 30 and was diagnosed with asthma and allergies when she was 6. It was a very hard battle for my daughter and myself as she was growing up. I have no idea how many nights I held her while she gasp for every breath. Pretty scary stuff! Spring and fall were always terrible for her, and every year we would have to go to the Dr. several times. Seemed she was always on antibiotics and or steroids. I worried so much realizing that the antibiotics and steroids were so hard on her health. She started taking allergies shots when she was 6, and continued to take them until she was 29. She has two children, and of course they have asthma and allergies also, and she was going through the same thing with them that I went through with her. Asthma is a very dangerous disease, several people die from it every year, and breathing issues are the biggest thing that children are taken to the Dr. or hospital for every year. A little over a year ago she changed over to a wonderful wellness co., that carries great nutrition to help build up her immune system. They also carry safer home and personal products that do not have harmful chemicals in them. The results of this was just amazing. My daughter told me about a month ago that this last year was the first time in 24 years that she had not had to be on antibiotics and or steroids. Same with my grand children they no longer have to be on all the medications. They have not had to go for allergy shots for months. The kids had always been sick, catching everything that was going around, and then passing it around to the whole family. Not anymore, it is just like a wonderful miracle. I am going to give everybody the sites, I hope that is ok. This is such wonderful stuff that everybody should know about it. This is an American Co., so that makes it even better. They are Melaleuca The Wellness Co., and their products are very concentrated, takes half or less of all their cleaners, laundry products, shampoo, bath soap/wash, lotion, etc. A couple of sites that people can check out to find out more are www.melaleuca.com and www.smartlivingsense.com All 100% guaranteed, so how can a person go wrong. I hope this info. helps others that suffer with asthma and allergies. Annie , Lynn Ward <lynnward wrote: > > > > Natural Remedies for Hay Fever and Allergy Relief > > From <http://altmedicine.about.com/mbiopage.htm>Cathy Wong, > About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our > <http://www.about.com/health/review.htm>Medical Review Board > > > What is Hay Fever? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 Hey Lynn, Wow what a list of helpful things for asthma and allergies. You have done a lot of home work on this one. I would like to tell everybody about my daughter and her family. My daughter is 30 and was diagnosed with asthma and allergies when she was 6. It was a very hard battle for my daughter and myself as she was growing up. I have no idea how many nights I held her while she gasp for every breath. Pretty scary stuff! Spring and fall were always terrible for her, and every year we would have to go to the Dr. several times. Seemed she was always on antibiotics and or steroids. I worried so much realizing that the antibiotics and steroids were so hard on her health. She started taking allergies shots when she was 6, and continued to take them until she was 29. She has two children, and of course they have asthma and allergies also, and she was going through the same thing with them that I went through with her. Asthma is a very dangerous disease, several people die from it every year, and breathing issues are the biggest thing that children are taken to the Dr. or hospital for every year. A little over a year ago she changed over to a wonderful wellness co., that carries great nutrition to help build up her immune system. They also carry safer home and personal products that do not have harmful chemicals in them. The results of this was just amazing. My daughter told me about a month ago that this last year was the first time in 24 years that she had not had to be on antibiotics and or steroids. Same with my grand children they no longer have to be on all the medications. They have not had to go for allergy shots for months. The kids had always been sick, catching everything that was going around, and then passing it around to the whole family. Not anymore, it is just like a wonderful miracle. I am going to give everybody the sites, I hope that is ok. This is such wonderful stuff that everybody should know about it. This is an American Co., so that makes it even better. They are Melaleuca The Wellness Co., and their products are very concentrated, takes half or less of all their cleaners, laundry products, shampoo, bath soap/wash, lotion, etc. A couple of sites that people can check out to find out more are www.melaleuca.com and www.smartlivingsense.com All 100% guaranteed, so how can a person go wrong. I hope this info. helps others that suffer with asthma and allergies. Annie , Lynn Ward <lynnward wrote: > > > > Natural Remedies for Hay Fever and Allergy Relief > > From <http://altmedicine.about.com/mbiopage.htm>Cathy Wong, > About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our > <http://www.about.com/health/review.htm>Medical Review Board > > > What is Hay Fever? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 At 08:48 PM 3/25/2008, you wrote: Annie, Thanks, wish I could, but I can't really take credit - I copied the article from About.com Health Site - I forgot to put the link to the site. I usually try to. It's a wonderful story about your daughter. It must have felt almost like a miracle....I know how scary it can be when your child can't breath. I went through that with one of mine. I'm so glad y'all found something that worked. Sounds like everyone's quality of living has vastly improved. Lynn Hey Lynn, Wow what a list of helpful things for asthma and allergies. You have done a lot of home work on this one. I would like to tell everybody about my daughter and her family. My daughter is 30 and was diagnosed with asthma and allergies when she was 6. It was a very hard battle for my daughter and myself as she was growing up. I have no idea how many nights I held her while she gasp for every breath. Pretty scary stuff! Spring and fall were always terrible for her, and every year we would have to go to the Dr. several times. Seemed she was always on antibiotics and or steroids. I worried so much realizing that the antibiotics and steroids were so hard on her health. She started taking allergies shots when she was 6, and continued to take them until she was 29. She has two children, and of course they have asthma and allergies also, and she was going through the same thing with them that I went through with her. Asthma is a very dangerous disease, several people die from it every year, and breathing issues are the biggest thing that children are taken to the Dr. or hospital for every year. A little over a year ago she changed over to a wonderful wellness co., that carries great nutrition to help build up her immune system. They also carry safer home and personal products that do not have harmful chemicals in them. The results of this was just amazing. My daughter told me about a month ago that this last year was the first time in 24 years that she had not had to be on antibiotics and or steroids. Same with my grand children they no longer have to be on all the medications. They have not had to go for allergy shots for months. The kids had always been sick, catching everything that was going around, and then passing it around to the whole family. Not anymore, it is just like a wonderful miracle. I am going to give everybody the sites, I hope that is ok. This is such wonderful stuff that everybody should know about it. This is an American Co., so that makes it even better. They are Melaleuca The Wellness Co., and their products are very concentrated, takes half or less of all their cleaners, laundry products, shampoo, bath soap/wash, lotion, etc. A couple of sites that people can check out to find out more are www.melaleuca.com and www.smartlivingsense.com All 100% guaranteed, so how can a person go wrong. I hope this info. helps others that suffer with asthma and allergies. Annie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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