[toc]Hay fever is an allergic reaction that is most prevalent in the pollen season. Sneezing, wheezing, nasal blockage and congestion are some of the most common symptoms of hay fever. Herbs which can be used to treat hay fever include Butterbur, Stinging Nettle, Elderflower, Gingko Biloba, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Red Clover, Ma Huang, Sage and Aloe Vera.
Most of these herbs are anti-inflammatory and expectorant. Others are cough suppressants and decongestants. These herbs are very good for easing the discomfort associated with hay fever. Hay fever also requires medical care. Do consult your treating doctor before opting for alternative therapy or herbal remedies. Some of the best herbal remedies for curing hay fever are discussed in this article.
Excellent Herbal Remedies For Hay Fever
Butterbur
Petasites Frigidus is the botanical name of this herb. Research has found that this herb is as effective as antihistamine for curing the symptoms of hay fever but it does not result in any drowsiness. This herb is an immunostimulant which increases the ability of the body to combat the symptoms of hay fever.
It is very useful for countering the allergic reaction linked with hay fever. Hay fever is a problem which can only be cured if histamine levels are lowered in the human body. Butterbur is a good herb for lowering elevated histamine levels and reducing the symptoms of allergies like hay fever. You can take this herb as an extract for healing hay fever.
Stinging Nettle
Urtica Dioica is the Latin name given to this herb. It is also known as Common Nettle, Devil’s Apron, Scaddie, Hoky Poky, Jenny Nettle, Tanging Nettle and Sting-leaf. This herb has been found as effective as medication in curing the symptoms of hay fever. You can take this herb in capsule form for good results. This herb is a natural antihistamine which can be used as tea or juice as well for combating the symptoms of hay fever.
This herb is also a good decongestant which is used to ease nasal blockage. It is also good for curing chest congestion and preventing excessive fluid from building up in the eyes as well as runny noses characteristic of hay fever. The leaves of this herb should be freeze dried and used as a herbal remedy for curing hay fever. Stinging Nettle tea can also be taken to fend off hay fever symptoms.
Elderflower
Sambucus Nigra is the Latin name bestowed on this herb. It is also called Sweet Elder or American Elder. This herb is an astringent due to the high presence of tannins in its blossoms and leaves. Therefore, it is very good for alleviating the symptoms of hay fever such as watery eyes and a runny nose.
As hay fever is a seasonal disease, you can also take this herb to prevent the onset of this allergic condition. Elderflower tea can be prepared from the flowers of this herb. Fresh flowers are generally more beneficial but you can also use dried flowers. You can even take Elderflower cordial or tincture for healing the symptoms of hay fever.
Echinacea
Echinacea Angustifolia is the Latin name given to this herb. It is also called Kansas Snakeroot and Sampson Root. Another name for this herb is Purple Cone Flower. Echinacea root tea can be drunk to eliminate the symptoms of hay fever. This immunostimulant herb boosts the immune system and cleanses the blood and lymph by removing allergic toxins.
This herb is therefore very effective for allergy induced conditions such as hay fever. This herbal tea also increases the amount of white blood cells in the body and helps to combat inflammation and discomfort caused by hay fever.
Sage
Salvia Officinalis is the botanical name of this herb. It is also called Garden Sage or Red Sage. The leaves of this herb can be infused in water and used to gargle in order to alleviate itchiness in the throat caused due to hay fever. This herb also cleanses the blood and removes impurities from the lymph thereby healing the person suffering from hay fever. It can be combined with Echinacea to cure many of the symptoms of hay fever.
