Herbal Remedies for Hayfever

Hayfever also known as allergic rhinitis or pollinitis, a seasonal condition characterized by number of symptoms such as runny nose, red and itchy eyes, swelling and sneezing that may trigger more dangerous condition such as difficulty in breathing and asthma. It is estimated that around 10 million people suffers from allergic rhinitis in the UK and further more may be affected. 
The orthodox treatment for allergic rhinitis usually involves symptomatic relief with antihistamines and corticosteroids that are used over short period of time as longer term of use may produce unwanted side effects such as weight gain, acne, drowsiness and mood swings.  

Herbal medicine also offers symptomatic relief from allergic rhinitis based on herbs that have been used traditionally to combat mucus production and modulate immune response. For instance Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used traditionally for red, watery and itchy eyes and also conditions associated specifically with mucus membranes.  Having an anti-inflammatory, astringent and anticatarrahal action makes a valuable remedy for allergic rhinitis as well as sinusitis and other upper respiratory conditions.

Eyebright has been also found to an effective remedy externally for conjunctivitis and for that reason it has been also employed in cosmetics to reduce eye swelling. 
Another herb used also specifically for hay fever is Elderflower (Sambucus nigra). The flower of the Elder tree has diaphoretic (sweat inducing), anticatarrahal and antispasmodic properties. It reduces mucus production, improves nasal drainage and decreases nasal congestion. Elderflower anti spasmodic action may also help with asthma as it relives bronchospasm and aids in the elimination of toxins as it induces sweating.  The Elder tree  has truly medicinal properties as the berries have been shown to be effective against influenza virus type A and B and the leaves applied externally may also effective for bruising. 

Less known but also a good traditional remedy for hayfever is Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea). Ground ivy has also anticattarahal, astringent, diaphoretic and expectorant properties. While it cleanses mucus membranes it also works through reducing build of mucus in the bronchi as well as fighting middle ear infections. It naturally contains vitamin C, as well as flavonoids, tannins, saponins and volatile oils (if you rub leaves they are quiet unpleasant) therefore it may also help to strengthen immune system. 
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Another herb that is worth mentioning for hayfever is plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Plantain is also rich is vitamin C but also in iridoids (aucubin, catalpol), flavonoids (Apigenin, luteolin, scutellarin, baicalein, nepetin, plantagosides), tannins, oleanoic acid and plant acids. It has demulcent (soothing), anti inflammatory, astringent and anti microbial action which not only soothes the mucus membranes but also draws out fluids upwards. Plantain is a gentle but powerful herb that also may work on bronchitis, coughs, dysentery, cystitis and diarrhea. Many herbalist uses plantain today for inflamed gums and teeth problems and externally for wound healing.  
There are of course many other herbs that are used for hayfever and each prescription is made accordingly to the patients needs. It has to be remembered however that herbal remedies for hayfever are made of combination of herbs not singular ones and if you are unsure please contact your local health practitioner/ herbalist to assess your suitability for the treatment.