Hay Fever: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances like pollen, dust, or mold, causing inflammation and discomfort in the nasal passages, eyes, and sinuses.

This condition is triggered by exposure to specific allergens, primarily plant pollen, which causes symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. If left untreated, hay fever can lead to complications like sinus infections, asthma, and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like nettle, butterbur, and quercetin can be used in teas, tinctures, or supplements.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of hay fever, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of hay fever?

The main causes of hay fever are the release of allergenic particles from trees, grasses, and weeds, which are primarily due to changes in temperature and humidity.

This leads to the production of pollen, a major allergen responsible for triggering symptoms. The most common allergenic pollens are from trees (birch, oak, and cedar), grasses (timothy, ryegrass, and orchard grass), and weeds (ragweed, sagebrush, and sage). The level of pollen in the air increases during periods of high wind, thunderstorms, and after rainfall, further exacerbating the condition.

Furthermore, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants, air quality, and urbanization also contribute to the development of hay fever.

• Grass: Grass pollen is the most common allergen causing hay fever due to its high levels of allergenic proteins and the extensive grassland areas found in many regions, allowing it to be released in large quantities.
• Tree: Tree pollen, particularly from oak, birch, and cedar trees, is a major allergen causing hay fever due to its long-distance dispersal and the release of large amounts of allergenic proteins during its reproductive cycle.
• Weed: Weed pollen, especially from plants like ragweed and sagebrush, is a significant allergen causing hay fever due to its ability to produce large amounts of highly allergenic pollen.
• Mold: Mold spores, often found in damp environments and on decaying organic matter, can cause hay fever due to their ability to become airborne and release allergenic proteins when inhaled.
• Dust: Dust mites, their waste, and other particles in house dust can cause hay fever due to the body's allergic reaction to these airborne particles.
• Pet: Pet dander, particularly from cats and dogs, can cause hay fever due to the presence of allergenic proteins in their skin cells and saliva.
• Insect: Insect pollen, including bees, wasps, and flies, can cause hay fever due to the release of allergenic proteins during their reproduction and flight.
• Mite: House dust mites can cause hay fever due to their waste and body parts becoming airborne and triggering an allergic reaction.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hay fever?

The main medicinal herbs used for hay fever are Ginkgo biloba, Euphorbia peplus, Echinacea purpurea, Artemisia absinthium, Quercus robur, Eucalyptus globulus, Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica, Lavandula angustifolia, Petasites hybridus.

Ginkgo biloba, with its flavonoids and terpenoids, inhibits inflammatory responses and stabilizes mast cells to reduce histamine release. Euphorbia peplus, containing phytosterols and terpenoids, has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe nasal passages and reduce mucus production. Echinacea purpurea, rich in alkylamides and caffeic acid, boosts the immune system to fight off allergens, while Artemisia absinthium, with its thujone and sesquiterpene lactones, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.

Quercus robur, Eucalyptus globulus, Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica, Lavandula angustifolia, and Petasites hybridus, with their flavonoids, terpenoids, and sesquiterpene lactones, also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, and have been traditionally used to relieve hay fever symptoms by reducing nasal congestion, itching, and sneezing.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, which may help alleviate nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
• Euphorbia peplus: There is no available scientific evidence to support the use of Euphorbia peplus for hay fever.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help with hay fever by boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and modulating the body's response to allergens.
• Artemisia absinthium: Artemisia absinthium, also known as wormwood, has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that may help alleviate symptoms of hay fever such as itching, sneezing, and congestion.
• Quercus robur: Quercus robur may help with hay fever by reducing inflammation, modulating the immune system, and inhibiting the release of histamine, a key player in allergic reactions.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation, relieving congestion, and opening up airways due to its expectorant properties.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra may help with hay fever by reducing inflammation, modulating the immune system, and inhibiting the release of histamine.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that may help alleviate symptoms of hay fever such as itching, sneezing, and congestion.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia may help with hay fever by reducing anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate symptoms of hay fever, and promoting relaxation and better sleep.
• Petasites hybridus: Petasites hybridus helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation, inhibiting the release of histamine, and relieving nasal congestion and sinus pressure.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hay fever?

The main herbal preparations used for hay fever are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Cream, Gel, Suppository, Ointment, Lozenge, Poultice.

Tincture of butterbur (Petasites hybridus) reduces histamine release and inflammation, while Decoction of elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) and echinacea (Echinacea spp.). helps to alleviate symptoms.

Capsule of nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) and quercetin-rich herbs like sage (Salvia officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgarius) have anti-inflammatory properties. Salve and Cream of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and calendula (Calendula officinalis) soothe nasal passages and skin irritation, while Gel and Ointment of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) provide anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.

Suppository of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Lozenge of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) help to reduce inflammation and alleviate respiratory symptoms, while Poultice of plantain and calendula provides topical relief.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the flowers of Solidago virgaurea, also known as goldenrod, helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air.
• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort plantain, helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with the pollen of Quercus robur, also known as English oak, helps with hay fever by immunizing the body against the allergenic particles of the same tree, reducing the severity of symptoms.
• Salve: A salve made from the flowers of Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air, also providing soothing relief to irritated skin.
• Cream: A cream made from the flowers of Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air, also providing soothing relief to irritated skin.
• Gel: A gel made from the flowers of Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower, helps with hay fever by modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air, reducing the severity of symptoms.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the leaves of Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort plantain, helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air, also providing soothing relief to irritated nasal passages and sinuses.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the flowers of Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air, also providing soothing relief to irritated skin.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from the roots of Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower, helps with hay fever by modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air, reducing the severity of symptoms and soothing irritated throats.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort plantain, helps with hay fever by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergenic particles in the air, also providing soothing relief to irritated skin.