Herbs for Allergies: Backed by Science

In the world of allergies, where sneezes and sniffles disrupt lives, allergic rhinitis — more commonly known as hay fever — is a common adversary, affecting millions globally. From adults (10–40%) to children (2–25%), the impact on daily life is undeniable. Amidst the struggle, nature's remedies offer a beacon of hope. Imagine finding the solution in the simplicity of herbs like butterbur, stinging nettle, spirulina, and astragalus. Natural healers promise more than symptom relief — they offer a holistic approach to combating allergies.

Understanding allergies

Allergies occur when the body overreacts to substances like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, certain foods, insect stings, or medications. When an individual with allergies encounters an allergen, their immune system recognizes it as a threat and releases chemicals to protect the body. This protective mechanism sets off various symptoms that together define an allergic reaction.

Mechanisms of allergies

The immune system produces specialized proteins called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which attach to allergens and trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals — this chain of events results in common allergy symptoms.

Histamine is a chemical released by mast cells and basophils, playing a major role in allergies. It is responsible for common allergy symptoms, such as itching, sneezing, and congestion. Histamine also widens blood vessels, resulting in fluid leakage and causing the typical signs of allergies, such as a runny nose and swollen tissues.

Another essential component of allergic reactions involves eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. Eosinophils play a crucial role in allergic asthma and hay fever by releasing toxic substances that damage surrounding tissues and exacerbate inflammation. This process contributes to the chronic nature of allergic diseases.

What causes allergies?

The precise cause of allergies is not entirely understood, but environmental and genetic factors are believed to play a significant role. Individuals with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop allergic reactions. Additionally, environmental factors such as pollution, early childhood exposure to allergens, and even the mode of delivery during childbirth can influence the likelihood of developing allergies.

Allergy symptoms

Allergies can manifest in many ways, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Digestive problems

In extreme cases, allergies can cause anaphylaxis. This severe allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention and may include difficulty breathing, throat or face swelling (angioedema), rapid heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure.

Natural remedies for common allergies

While conventional treatments like antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and immunotherapy exist, they often come with side effects and may not provide complete relief. Moreover, the ideal solution, avoiding allergens entirely, is often impractical, especially with universal triggers like pollen and dust.

Given the conventional approach's limitations and potential drawbacks, the importance of exploring natural remedies cannot be overstated. Herbal treatments offer a promising alternative, providing the potential for a gentler and more holistic way to manage allergies.

1. Butterbur

Butterbur, scientifically known as Petasites hybridus, is a leading solution against allergic rhinitis, backed by robust research.

In a study of 125 individuals with severe allergic rhinitis, one butterbur tablet taken four times daily reduced allergy symptoms as effectively as cetirizine, a common antihistamine allergy medication. Importantly, butterbur offered significant relief without the side effects of sedation, unlike cetirizine. In a more recent study comparing fexofenadine (an antihistamine) to butterbur, both were equally effective at reducing allergy symptoms compared to a placebo.

Butterbur reduces nasal blockages and inflammation, easing breathing during the day and night. Tests measuring nasal resistance and inflammatory substances in fluids and blood confirm its effectiveness.

In a two-week study, 90% of 580 patients taking two butterbur tablets daily experienced significant relief from allergy symptoms. Combining butterbur with another allergy medication did not improve outcomes, emphasizing the effectiveness of butterbur as a standalone solution.

Active components in butterbur, known as petasins, are believed to be responsible for its benefits. Studies have shown that butterbur can protect sensitized individuals from nasal issues triggered by grass pollen during allergy season, highlighting its potential to relieve allergy-related nasal problems.

Overall, while there is promising scientific evidence for the use of butterbur in allergy management, more large-scale clinical studies are needed.

2. Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, has surprising potential in managing allergic rhinitis. Despite containing histamine, its use aligns with historical treatments for allergies. Low plasma histamine levels during allergen exposure are linked to severe reactions, validating nettle's effectiveness.

In clinical studies, oral nettle tablets demonstrated a notable reduction in eosinophil production, a marker of allergic inflammation. Co-administered with standard treatments, nettle led to a significant drop in clinical symptoms and nasal smear eosinophil count. These findings underscore stinging nettle's ability to alleviate allergies and highlight its role in holistic allergy management.

3. Spirulina

Spirulina, a supplement derived from blue-green algae, can alleviate allergic rhinitis. It inhibits histamine release, reduces IL-4, and lowers inflammation, histamine, and immunoglobulin E levels, making it a promising natural remedy for allergy symptoms. In a rigorous, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on people with allergic rhinitis, spirulina demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itching compared to a placebo.

4. Astragalus

Despite limited research, Astragalus membranaceus has garnered attention for seasonal allergies. Among over 400 studies, only one research investigation examined the effects of astragalus on allergic rhinitis.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 48 individuals grappling with moderate to severe symptoms triggered by weed pollen allergy revealed astragalus’s potential for allergy symptom relief. Specifically, astragalus drastically alleviated the intensity of runny nose compared to the placebo, highlighting its effectiveness in addressing this specific symptom of allergies.

5. Local honey, dandelion, and chicory

Honey has been used for centuries in various cultures due to its medicinal properties. While no scientific studies fully confirm its effectiveness in managing pollen allergies, it is believed that consuming local honey, dandelions, or chicory root can help reduce symptoms by desensitizing the body to allergens.

Eating small amounts of allergens found in honey or particular herbs may help develop tolerance to pollen allergens gradually. Though widely accepted, scientific evidence of its usefulness in treating allergies still needs to be established.

Birch pollen honey

The concept of desensitization through exposure has gained anecdotal support from recent research.

Birch pollen honey was found to reduce allergy symptoms during birch pollen season. It resulted in 60% lower symptom scores, two times more symptom-free days, and 70% fewer severe symptom days. Birch pollen honey users also used 50% fewer antihistamines for allergy symptom relief.

This indicates that birch pollen honey may be a promising therapy for a birch pollen allergy. It also suggests that local honey and plants, such as dandelion and chicory, may help manage pollen allergies through desensitization.

A note on safety

Herbal remedies for allergies need more conclusive scientific evidence. Caution is necessary when exploring natural anti-allergenic herbs. For example, ma huang, also known as Ephedrine sinica, is a traditional Chinese medicine for allergies and asthma. However, its misuse in the U.S. has led to severe adverse events, including fatalities.

Herbs like butterbur and nettle are generally safe, but their source and amount consumed matter. Seek expert advice before trying new herbs, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. Limited safety evidence means expert guidance is crucial when considering herbal remedies for allergies.

In the face of widespread allergic rhinitis affecting millions, natural remedies emerge as rays of hope. Butterbur, stinging nettle, spirulina, and astragalus, backed by scientific studies, have the potential to provide holistic relief. Herbal alternatives offer personalized solutions, steering toward effective allergy management.